Ibn Hisham, Muslim historian
Ibn Hisham (Arabic: عبدالملك ابن هشام ابن أيوب البصري, romanized: ʿAbd al-Malik ibn Hishām ibn Ayyūb al-Baṣrī; died May 833 CE) was a distinguished early Islamic scholar and historian best known for his critical role in preserving and refining the earliest known biography (sīrah) of the Prophet Muhammad. This seminal work, originally authored by Ibn Ishaq, is largely known to posterity through Ibn Hisham's recension, titled "Al-Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah" (The Life of the Prophet). His contribution is foundational in Islamic historiography, as few copies of Ibn Ishaq’s original version have survived independently.
Ibn Hisham meticulously revised the material he received, omitting accounts he deemed weak, irrelevant, or potentially offensive to Islamic sensibilities, and clarifying tribal genealogies and events. He also added his own commentary in some instances to aid readers in understanding historical or cultural references. His version became the most widely referenced source for detailed information about the Prophet Muhammad’s life, from his lineage and early life in Mecca to the revelations received and the eventual migration (Hijrah) to Medina.
The epithet al-Baṣrī in his name denotes that he originated from Basra, a prominent intellectual and cultural center in what is now modern-day Iraq. Basra was known during the early Islamic centuries for its vibrant scholarly activity, especially in the fields of Arabic grammar, Islamic jurisprudence, and historiography.
Why is Ibn Hisham's work significant?
Ibn Hisham’s edited biography is considered one of the most important primary sources for studying the life of the Prophet Muhammad. It heavily influences both classical and contemporary understandings of the Prophet’s mission, character, and historical context.
What distinguishes Ibn Hisham’s version from Ibn Ishaq’s original?
Although based on Ibn Ishaq’s work, Ibn Hisham’s version differs in content and arrangement. He excluded narrations he believed lacked authenticity or were politically or theologically problematic at the time. He also polished the language and structure to enhance literary coherence, ensuring the text was accessible to a wider audience.
By compiling, refining, and transmitting one of the earliest accounts of the Prophet’s life, Ibn Hisham preserved a cornerstone of Islamic heritage. His legacy endures not only in religious and academic circles but also in broader historical studies of Arabia in the 7th century.