Saft al-Milh wa Zawh al-Tarah
- Author died
- 564 AH
- Editions
- Saft al-Milh wa Zawh al-Tarah
Saft al-Milh wa Zawh al-Tarah (The Casket of Witticisms and the Dispelling of Grief) is an Arabic literary and ethical anthology compiled by the Baghdad-based Hanbali preacher and jurist Ibn al-Dajjaji (480–564 AH / 1087–1169 CE) .
Purpose and Contents
In the book's preface, Ibn al-Dajjaji explains that he compiled the anthology reflecting on the changing states of human hearts and the forgetful nature of mankind . Rather than attempting to comprehensively treat any single scholarly discipline or pursue exhaustive digressions, he assembled a diverse selection of memorable reports, maxims, and anecdotes . He intended the work to provide solace and comfort in times of isolation, as well as engaging material for friendly gatherings and pleasant conversation .
The material contained in the compilation includes:
- Accounts and traditions of prophets and righteous figures (awliya') .
- Counsels and maxims of sages and philosophers .
- Historical anecdotes of caliphs and viziers .
- Narratives illustrating the virtues and deeds of noble and generous figures .
- Eloquent sayings, witty retorts of the intelligent, and legal insights of scholars and jurists .
- Selected poetic verses, witticisms, and speeches by orators and poets .
Title Variations and Citations
The book is recorded under slightly varying titles in biographical and bibliographical literature. While preserved as Saft al-Milh wa Zawh al-Tarah, it is also cited in bibliographical sources such as Isma'il Pasha al-Baghdadi's Idah al-maknun and Hadiyyat al-'arifin as Saft al-Mulah wa Rawh al-Turah or Saqat al-Milh wa Rawh al-Turah . Later biographical compendia on Hanbali scholars, such as Tashil al-sabila, identify it as one of the few surviving known works by the author .
Editions
The work was edited by Khalid ibn Ahmad al-Suwaydi and published by Mu'assasat Bayn al-Nahrayn in Damascus (first edition, 1426 AH / 2005 CE) .
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