Durar al-Hikam li Abi Mansur al-Thaalibi
- Author died
- 429 AH
- Editions
- Dār al-Ṣaḥābah
Durar al-Hikam (Pearls of Wisdom) is an Arabic literary anthology of aphorisms, maxims, and ethical anecdotes compiled by the Nishapuri man of letters Abu Mansur al-Thaalibi (350–429 AH / 961–1038 CE) .
Subject and Content
The work is an adab collection bringing together concise words of wisdom (hikam), moral guidance, proverbs, and witty retorts drawn from diverse cultural and literary traditions . Its material includes:
- Prophetic traditions and sayings attributed to early Islamic figures and Companions, such as Ali ibn Abi Talib and Abu al-Darda .
- Anecdotes and maxims of historical rulers, statesmen, and notable figures, including Sa'id ibn al-As, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, Sayf al-Dawla, al-Fadl ibn al-Rabi', and al-Ma'mun .
- Poetic excerpts illustrating ethical insights from classical and Abbasid poets, such as Hatim al-Ta'i, al-Hutay'a, al-Buhturi, Abu Tammam, and al-Mutanabbi .
- Sayings of ancient sages and philosophers, such as Buzurjmihr, alongside Bedouin insights and reflections of early ascetics .
Thematic topics covered in the entries include human character traits (such as caution against haste, obstinacy, conceit, and divulging secrets), decorum in asking for needs, the upbringing of children, the nature of passion, patience under imprisonment or adversity, mortality and preparedness for death, and navigating relationships with friends, adversaries, and authorities .
Manuscripts and Publication
Manuscript copies of Durar al-Hikam are preserved in Dar al-Kutub al-Misriyya in Cairo, with microfilm reproductions documented at the Institute of Arabic Manuscripts in Cairo . The text was published in a single volume by Dar al-Sahaba in Tanta in 1416 AH / 1995 CE .
Answer updated