Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī

Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī, also known as Abū n-Nadr, was an Islamic scholar and polymath from Kufa. Born around 737 AD, al-Kalbī is well-regarded for his contributions to Islamic historiography, tafsir (Qur'anic exegesis), and genealogical literature. His works have been foundational to later Islamic traditions and historical chronicles. However, according to Al-Dhahabi, his hadith was considered non-trustworthy since he was a Shia.^[1] Among his famous students were his son, Sufyan al-Thawri and the prominent historian Ibn Ishaq.

Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī
محمد بن السائب الكلبي
Personal life
Born	675 AD Kufa, Iraq
Died	763 AD
Main interest(s)	Tafsir, Genealogy, History
Notable work(s)	Tafsir al-Kalbī, Genealogical works
Occupation	Scholar, Historian, Genealogist
Religious life
Religion	Islam
Denomination	Shia
Muslim leader
Influenced Hishām ibn al-Kalbī, Sufyan al-Thawri, Ibn Ishaq, Hammad ibn Salamah, Shu'bah

Al-Kalbi lived at a time when most scholars were preoccupied with the "science" of Hadith. As a result, the bulk of Muslim historians, who lived and wrote much later, documented the early history of the Muslim community while ignoring anything that came before Islam. Al-Kalbi was a prominent exception to his time's intellectual norms, focusing much of his efforts on the study of pre-Islamic religion and Arabian history.

Early life and education

Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī was born and raised in Kufa, Iraq. He received his education there and was known for not traveling extensively, unlike many of his contemporaries.^[2] His grandfather, his father and his uncles fought alongside Ali's army in the Battle of Siffin and the Battle of the Camel.^[3][4] His father later fought and died alongside Mus'ab ibn al-Zubayr in 691.

His scholarly pursuits were profoundly influenced by his upbringing and the rich intellectual environment of Kufa.

Career

Contributions to Islamic scholarship

Al-Kalbī's most significant contributions lie in his works on tafsir and genealogy. His commentary on the Qur'an, known as "Tafsir al-Kalbī, has been influential in shaping later exegesis.^[5] Additionally, his genealogical works, including those recounting the histories of various Arab tribes, are considered critical sources of historical knowledge.^[6]

Historiographical works

Al-Kalbī's historical narratives provide valuable insights into early Islamic history. His accounts of idol veneration in pre-Islamic Arabia are particularly notable.^[7]

Controversies and criticisms

Despite his contributions, al-Kalbī's works have not been free from criticism. Some modern scholars debate the authenticity and reliability of his narrations, particularly those attributed to Ibn Abbas.^[8]

Death and legacy

Muhammad ibn as-Sā'ib al-Kalbī passed away in 763 AD (146 AH). His legacy, however, endures through his extensive body of work and the influence he continues to wield in Islamic scholarship.^[9] His son, Hisham ibn al-Kalbi, also followed in his footsteps, becoming a renowned scholar and narrator.