al-Maghanim al-Mutaba fi Maalim Taba
- Author died
- 817 AH
- Editions
- Madinah Research & Studies Center
al-Maghanim al-Mutaba fi Maalim Taba (The Pleasant Gains Concerning the Landmarks of Medina) is a historical and topographical work on Medina by the lexicographer and scholar Abu al-Tahir Majd al-Din al-Fayruzabadi (729–817 AH / 1329–1415 CE) . It is also referred to in some sources under the variant title al-Maghanim al-Mutaba fi Fada'il Taba .
Subject and Scholarly Significance
The book is devoted to the history, virtues, and sacred topography of Medina . It represents the most comprehensive single source on the history and landmarks of Medina compiled prior to the later exhaustive works of Nur al-Din al-Samhudi .
Its value is enhanced by al-Fayruzabadi's reliance on several early historical treatises, some of which are otherwise lost, including the Tarikh al-Madina of al-Zubayr ibn Bakkar (a work al-Samhudi was unable to access), the Tarikh al-Madina of Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Zabala, and the writings of Razin al-Abdari on Mecca and Medina . Throughout the text, the author incorporates critical assessments, correcting errors found in earlier writings and supplementing topics that preceding historians had omitted .
Contents and Structure
In his introduction, al-Fayruzabadi states his intention to compile rare scholarly insights and systematically discern correctness from error in the reports concerning Medina's landmarks . The opening chapter (al-Bab al-Awwal) treats the merits and proper etiquette of visiting the Prophet's city and the arguments regarding its obligation . A central component of the book is its detailed geographical section (Qism al-Mawadi'), which catalogs and defines the various places, valleys, wells, and historical sites in and around Medina .
Publication
The geographical gazetteer section of the work (Qism al-Mawadi') was edited by the Saudi scholar Hamad al-Jasir and published in Riyadh by Dar al-Yamama in 1389 AH / 1969 CE . It was later reissued under the auspices of the Center for Research and Studies of Medina (Markaz Buhuth wa-Dirasat al-Madina al-Munawwara) in 1423 AH / 2002 CE .
Answer updated