About This Book

This is an abridged English translation of material from Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End) by Abu Al-Fida 'Imad ad-Deen Isma'eel bin 'Umar ibn Katheer, a classic work regarded as one of the major sources on Islamic history.

The book opens with the events that followed the death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including the selection of Abu Bakr as Caliph and the Prophet's washing and burial. It then turns to his character, appearance, and merits, and to the miracles he performed. Ibn Kathir compares these with the miracles given to earlier prophets and argues that the Prophet Muhammad received, taken together, the kinds of miracles that were granted to the others individually.

What's Inside

• The events after the Prophet's death: the last person with him, his ghusl and shroud, the funeral prayer, the statement that he left no worldly inheritance, and details of his wives and children
• His character and appearance, including his hair, height, scent, and the seal of prophethood
• His generosity, humility, humor, and courage
• Descriptions of the Prophet found in the scriptures of earlier prophets
• A comparison of his miracles with those of the prophets before him

Who It's For

• Readers who want to know more about the Prophet's character and miracles
• Students of Seerah and Islamic history
• Those who want an English entry point into Ibn Kathir's work

Book Details

• Author: Ibn Katheer
• Language: English (abridged translation)