📜 Definition and Meaning of Tabaqat
Tabaqat (Arabic: طبقات) are Islamic biographical dictionaries, meticulously arranged by rank, class, or generation. These compilations catalog the lives of significant figures in Islamic history. Such biographies might be grouped thematically by profession, geographically by city or region, or temporally in chronological order. Entries in Tabaqat usually include:
- Genealogy and family background
- Marriages and children
- Acceptance of Islam and critical life events
- Declarations of allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad (bayʿah)
- Contributions to Islam and scholarly works
- Information about the person’s death, funeral, and attending mourners
🔍 Etymology
The term Tabaqat originates from the Arabic root “t-b-q” (ط-ب-ق) which means “to fold” or “to stack,” symbolizing layered groupings or classifications.
📚 Background and Historical Facts
- Earliest Compilations: One of the earliest known Tabaqat is “Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir” written by Ibn Sa’d (784–845 CE), a renowned historian and biographer.
- Significance: These biographical dictionaries hold immense value for Islamic history and genealogy, offering unique insights into the lives of prominent individuals and their societal contributions.
- Evolution: Over time, Tabaqat collections expanded to include various categories like scholars (fuqaha), jurists, poets, and saints, providing a comprehensive account of Islamic heritage.
🌏 Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Synonyms: Biographical dictionary, genealogical catalogue
- Antonyms: Ahistorical, non-biographical
- Related terms with definitions:
- Hagiography: A biography of saints and religious leaders, focusing on their virtues and holiness.
- Tarikh: Arabic for history, often intertwined with Tabaqat concerning historical accounts.
🌟 Exciting Facts
- Multiple Formats: Tabaqat can range from manuscript collections to printed volumes and digital formats.
- Global Influence: Islamic biographical dictionaries have influenced biographical traditions beyond the Muslim world, showcasing their universal relevance.
📖 Quotations from Notable Writers
Ibn Sa’d once remarked:
“The purpose of compiling the biographies in my Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir is to provide future generations with genuine examples of piety, knowledge, and humanity.”
📚 Suggested Literature and Sources
- Books: “Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir” by Ibn Sa’d, “Biographical Dictionaries: From the Dawn of Descriptive Writing” by Lutz Schmadel.
- Journals: Islamic History and Civilization: Studies and Texts, Journal of Islamic Studies.
- Resources:
- Encyclopaedia of Islam
- The History of Islamic Biographies by John Esposito.
8 Quizzes with Explanations
### What does the term "Tabaqat" denote?
- [x] Biographical dictionaries arranged by rank or generation.
- [ ] An ancient Arabic manuscript.
- [ ] A type of Islamic scripture.
- [ ] A school of jurisprudence.
> **Explanation:** Tabaqat specifically refers to biographical dictionaries that categorize lives of historical Islamic figures by their rank, class, or generation.
### Who is the author of the well-known 'Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir'?
- [x] Ibn Sa'd
- [ ] Al-Bukhari
- [ ] Al-Ghazali
- [ ] Ibn Kathir
> **Explanation:** Ibn Sa'd is credited with the authorship of the seminal work "Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir."
### What common element is typically included in a Tabaqat entry?
- [ ] Ancestral tales
- [ ] Veterinary practices
- [x] Detailed genealogy
- [ ] Popular anecdotes
> **Explanation:** Entries in Tabaqat often include detailed genealogical information about the subject.
### Which era marks one of the earliest compilations of Tabaqat?
- [ ] 2nd Century CE
- [x] 9th Century CE
- [ ] 12th Century CE
- [ ] 15th Century CE
> **Explanation:** The 9th century marks the period of one of the earliest known compilations, specifically by Ibn Sa'd.
### Tabaqat can provide information about which aspect of an individual's life?
- [x] Acceptance of Islam
- [ ] Agricultural techniques
- [ ] Astrological predictions
- [ ] Maritime explorations
> **Explanation:** Tabaqat commonly records an individual's significant life events, including the acceptance of Islam.
### What is Hagiography related to Tabaqat?
- [x] Biography of saints and religious figures.
- [ ] A collection of legal treatises.
- [ ] Medical encyclopedias.
- [ ] Accounts of military campaigns.
> **Explanation:** Hagiography focuses on the lives and virtues of saints and religious leaders, akin to the biographical nature of Tabaqat.
### The term Tabaqat is derived from which Arabic root?
- [x] ط-ب-ق
- [ ] ز-ر-ب
- [ ] م-ك-ت
- [ ] ع-ل-م
> **Explanation:** The root "ط-ب-ق" (t-b-q) signifies layered groupings or classifications, aligning directly with the biographical categorization in Tabaqat.
### Which Islamic scholar documented the lives of early Islamic figures in a Tabaqat compilation?
- [ ] Al-Farabi
- [ ] Ibn Rushd
- [x] Ibn Sa'd
- [ ] Al-Mawardi
> **Explanation:** Ibn Sa'd is distinguished for documenting the biographies of early Islamic figures through his Tabaqat compilations.
Farewell! May the past inspire your future endeavors and fuel your quest for knowledge. — Ahmad Al-Rashid, 2023.
