المرويات التفسيرية في تاريخ دمشق للإمام ابن عساكر (أهميتها، ومنهجها، وأنواعها)

The Exegetical Narrations in the History of Damascus by Imām Ibn ‘Asākir (Importance, Methodology and Types)

Abstract

Imām Ibn ‘Asākir (499 - 571 AH), was known as the highest-ranked commentator of the Holy Qur’an, Muḥaddith, and Historian in his time. He is an author of "History of the city of Damascus." In his book, he mentions many verses of the Holy Qur’an along with traditions from different sources. The narrations are coupled with the biographies of the narrators in detail, which helps readers for understanding the degree narrations which are from other sources. The number of these exegetical traditions are almost 3000. He mentions every narration with all chains that he gets. He brings variety of narrations in interpretation of the Qur’an like: by Qur’an or by Hadith or by Saying of the Companions and Successors. He mentions the inferences and conclusions of jurists and theologian. He talks about transcription and different readings of verses. Sometimes he points out any weaknesses in the chain or text of a narration. This research reviews the narrations of Ibn ‘Asākir in his book the History of Damascus. This article also evaluates the sources of interpretation in the era of Ibn ‘Asākir. The research has proved that the History of Damascus is a great and reliable source of exegetical narrations among other sources of Tafsīr.