Al-Tabari's life and his works

This book, this is the Arabic translation of Franz Rosenthal's introduction to the English translation of the history of Al-Tabari, called the General Introduction, which included a detailed biography of Al-Tabari, reaching the highest level of investigation, accuracy, and fairness for this great interpreter and historian. Rosenthal paid attention to studying Al-Tabari's biography, his journey in seeking knowledge, as well as discussing aspects of his life as an individual living in a large and complex society like Baghdad in the third Islamic century, addressing his personal traits, morals, inclinations, and social relationships. He also discussed Al-Tabari as a scholar, jurist, interpreter, and historian, reviewing his scientific activity, and the establishment of his school called "Al-Jariri School." He also addressed the news of disputes and seditions that erupted between him and the Zahiri school, then the Hanbalis, their causes, and their outcomes. He discussed Al-Tabari's writings; what has reached us—manuscript or printed—and what has been lost, what has been completed and what has not, and what has been falsely attributed to Al-Tabari.