Kitāb al-Sirāj

work by Maimonides

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June 30, 2026

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The Kitāb al-Sirāj (meaning "The Lamp") is an Arabic commentary on the Mishnah, the collected Jewish oral laws, written by the prominent medieval Jewish philosopher, jurist, and physician Moses Maimonides. Maimonides began this work at age 23 and completed it ten years later.

The commentary clarifies individual words and phrases within the Mishnah, often drawing on information from archaeology, theology, and science. A notable feature of the Kitāb al-Sirāj is its introductory essays, which address general philosophical issues relevant to the Mishnah, including a summary of Judaism's core beliefs in the Thirteen Articles of Faith.1

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Moses Maimonides
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…his commentary on the Mishna, Kitāb al-sirāj, also written in Arabic. The Mishna is a compendium of decisions in Jewish law that dates from earliest times to the 3rd century. Maimonides’ commentary clarified individual words and phrases, frequently citing relevant information in archaeology, theology, or science. Possibly the work’s most…
Read More
…his commentary on the Mishna, Kitāb al-sirāj, also written in Arabic. The Mishna is a compendium of decisions in Jewish law that dates from earliest times to the 3rd century. Maimonides’ commentary clarified individual words and phrases, frequently citing relevant information in archaeology, theology, or science. Possibly the work’s most…
Read More