Doubts about an Islamic reference

25-3-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

I would like to know your opinion about the book "Al-Imamah Wa Siyasah" of Ibn Qutaibah. Even though it was listed as a reliable source for many Muslim studies, but what I have heard from someone has raised doubts.

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

 

Researchers doubt the authenticity of the claim that book – Imama Wal Siyassa - was written by Ibn Qutaiba.  Some of them even certify that this book was fabricated and wrongly traced back to Ibn Qutaiba.

Among those who certified the book as a fabrication are:

1)     Sheikh Muhib Al-Din Al-Khatib in the introduction to Ibn Qutaiba’s book: “Al Muyassar Wal Qaddah”, Page: 26.

2)     Tharwat Ukasha in the introduction to Ibn Qutaiba’s book “Al Maarif”, Page:  56.

3)     Abdullah Ussailan in a letter entitled: “The book of Al Imama Wal Siyassa in the scale of scientific criticism”.  He counted twelve pieces of evidence that prove the nullify of the tracing of this back to Ibn Qutaiba.

For more about this subject please read: "Scholars warned against these books" written by Mashhur Salman.

Allah knows best.