al-Marjani
- Died
- 770 AH
- Born in
- Alexandria
Abu Muhammad al-Marjani (d. after 770 AH / 1368 CE) was an eighth-century AH scholar, teacher, and historian of Tunisian descent, best known for his comprehensive history and topography of Medina, Bahjat al-nufus wa-l-asrar fi tarikh dar hijrat al-nabi al-mukhtar ("The Delight of Souls and Secrets Concerning the History of the Abode of the Chosen Prophet's Migration") .
Lineage and Origin
His full name was Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Malik ibn Abi Muhammad Abd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Bakri al-Qurashi al-Marjani . He bore the honorific title 'Afif al-Din (and in some sources 'Afif al-Milla wa-l-Din), and his lineage traced back to the first caliph, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq . His family was originally from Tunisia, but he was born in Alexandria and subsequently resided in Mecca .
Scholarly Pursuits and Career
Al-Marjani studied and engaged with multiple branches of Islamic learning and was described as possessing religious devotion and rectitude . He transmitted from his father, and his own son Abd Allah transmitted from him . He devoted himself in his private life to teaching the Quran to orphan children, avoiding royal courts and proximity to ruling authorities .
He composed several works, chief among them his extensive study of Medina, Bahjat al-nufus wa-l-asrar fi tarikh dar hijrat al-nabi al-mukhtar . He began writing the treatise in Shawwal 751 AH, drawing his material and selections from more than two hundred earlier sources .
Later Life and Departure
Later in life, al-Marjani departed for the Maghrib after 760 AH (or according to another report, after 770 AH), after which all news and reports of him ceased .
Answer updated
List of Works
Bahjat al-Nufus wal-Asrar fi Tarikh Dar Hijrat al-Nabi al-Mukhtar is an eighth-century AH encyclopedic history and topographical study of Medina. Begun in Shawwal 751 AH and completed in Dhu al-Hijjah 760 AH, the work compiles the extensive lore of Medina by drawing on material selected from more than two hundred earlier treatises while omitting chains of transmission.