Content Analysis of a Maqalat Hidden in a History Book: The Case of Mutahhar B. Tahir Al-Maqdisi

Abstract

Islamic writing/ta'lif tradition experienced a period of significant growth and development from the 2nd/8th century onwards, eventually evolving into a substantial and diverse corpus by the 3rd/9th century. A significant number of works were composed during this period, which also saw a notable advancement in general historiography. The present study examines the author's approach to the Islamic sects by focusing on the maqalat section of the Kitab al-Bad wa al-tarikh of Mutahhar b. Tahir al-Maqdisi, an important figure within the Mutazilite tradition of thought. The maqalat section of the work is of particular interest in terms of its originality within the context of classical maqalat literature. The principal objective of the present study is to analyze al-Maqdisi's methodological preferences, linguistic style, his stance toward the principle of impartiality, and textual contradictions in his classification and narration of sects. In this context, the present study has been conducted through a descriptive and comparative method; al-Maqdisi's account has been systematically compared with the works of maqalat authors such as Kabi, Asari, Baghdadi, Isfarayini, and Razi, who represent different periods before, during, and after his time. In light of the information presented, an evaluation of al-Maqdisi's method, style, and source value has been conducted in relation to the interplay of ideas and events and within their temporal and spatial contexts. It has been observed that al-Maqdisi in his discourse on the various sects, occasionally presents a restricted set of views while adopting a critical and ironic tone towards groups such as Shia, Mushabbiah, and Kharicis. It is noteworthy that, among the various sects, the author opts to evaluate Sufism under a discrete heading, a choice that sets him apart from other authors in this respect. Furthermore the inconsistencies between the enumeration of the sub-sects and their respective narrations, in addition to the presence of anachronistic statements concerning certain sects, indicate that al-Maqdisi demonstrates a degree of inconsistency in his transmission of historical material. al-Maqdisi's Kitab al-Bad' wa al-tarikh is not only a historical narrative but also an original, critical and systematic maqalat-style work in the context of early Islamic thought and the history of sects. Consequently, the emergence of new works and studies in the field of maqalat literature will also generate new patterns in research on the history of Islamic sects.