Beginning and end 22/1

Al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya is a massive encyclopedic historical work, authored by the Hafiz Ibn Kathir Ismail ibn Umar al-Dimashqi who died in 774 AH. It is a presentation of history from the beginning of creation to its end, starting with the creation of the heavens and the earth [?], and the angels, then moving to the creation of Adam, then briefly discussing the stories of the prophets, then detailing the historical events from the Prophet Muhammad's mission until 768 AH in a chronological manner by years. The year begins with the phrase "Then entered the year..." then it narrates the historical events of that year, and mentions the most notable who passed away in that year. As for the part of the end, it contains the signs of the Hour until the Day of Judgment in detail. Ibn Kathir said about his book: "This book I mention, with the help of Allah and His good success, what Allah the Most High made easy for me by His power and strength, from the mention of the beginning of creations: from the creation of the throne and the chair, the heavens, the earths... , and the stories of the prophets... , until prophecy ends with the days of our Prophet Muhammad, blessings of Allah and peace be upon him... Then we mention what comes after that until our time, and mention the fitan (trials) and the battles, and the signs of the Hour. Then the resurrection and the gathering, the terrors of the Day of Judgment... and what has been reported about it from the Book and the Sunnah and the transmitted reports and rational news among the scholars and the heirs of the prophets..." It was truly a truthful mirror and an authentic reference for the people of this field.