Brief Synopsis:
This treatise reveals the miracles and merits of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is the abridged translation of Ibn Kathir’s Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah in the English language.
This is an abridged English translation of the classic work: Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah. This book focuses on the events that took place after the death of the Messenger of Allah, such as the choosing of Abu Bakr as the Caliph, the ghusl of the Prophet and his burial.
The book then discusses the blessed and beautiful characteristics and merits of the Prophet and then goes on to describe the miracles that he performed. Ibn Katheer then compares the miracles given to Prophet Muhammad with those that were given to the other Prophets; he then shows that Prophet Muhammad collectively received the same miracles that were granted to the other Prophets separately.
Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah (The Beginning and The End), by the renowned scholar Abu Al-Fida 'Imad ad-Deen Isma'eel bin 'Umar ibn Katheer, is considered as one of the most authoritative sources on Islamic History.
The contents of this book include:
- The proceedings and burial rites after the demise of the Prophet (SAW), a mention of the last person with him, description of ghusl and shroud, funeral prayer, declaration of no worldly inheritance, and details of his wives and children.
- The merits of the Prophet’s character and person, his looks and appearance, description of his hair, height, fragrant scent, the seal of prophet-hood; His manners of generosity, humility, humor, and courage.
- Prophet Muhammad’s attributes from the books narrated from the Prophets who came before him.
- The proof of summation of all miracles of other Prophets in the miracles of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
