Kitāb al-maʿārif

work by Ibn Qutaybah

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June 30, 2026

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The Kitāb al-maʿārif is a handbook of history written by the Arab scholar Ibn Qutaybah (828–889 CE). It is considered one of the earliest true encyclopedias in Arabic literature. Ibn Qutaybah, known for his simple and accessible prose style, compiled this work to provide a broad overview of historical knowledge. The book covers various topics, making it a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and cultural heritage of the time.12

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Ibn Qutaybah
…rather than Iranian cultural preeminence; Kitāb al-maʿārif (“Book of Knowledge”), a handbook of history; Kitāb al-shiʿr wa al-shuʿarāʾ (“Book of Poetry and Poets”), a chronological anthology of early Arabic poetry, with an introduction that presented Ibn Qutaybah’s canons of literary criticism; and Kitāb ʿuyūn al-akhbar (“Book of Choice Narratives”), a…
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…rather than Iranian cultural preeminence; Kitāb al-maʿārif (“Book of Knowledge”), a handbook of history; Kitāb al-shiʿr wa al-shuʿarāʾ (“Book of Poetry and Poets”), a chronological anthology of early Arabic poetry, with an introduction that presented Ibn Qutaybah’s canons of literary criticism; and Kitāb ʿuyūn al-akhbar (“Book of Choice Narratives”), a…
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