Al-dibaj al-khusruwami ft akhbar a'yan al-mikhlaf al-sulaymami

Abstract

This dissertation consists of a detailed study and critical edition of the invaluable historical work, al-Dibaj al-khusruwani f1 akhbar a'yan al-Mikhlaf al-Sulaymani. The first part of this study comprises an English introduction, in seven chapters, which attempts to paint a full picture of both the work and the historical period concerned. The author and his work are dealt with in the first chapter. This includes the first full biography of the author, a description of his other works, a review of the manuscripts used in the edition and an explanation of the editorial method. In chapter two the rule of the Al Khayrat family in al-Mikhlafal-Sulaymani and the arrival of Ibn 'Abd al-WahhIb's movement in the area are discussed in order to provide full historical background. Chapter three is concentrated on a summary of the Diba.j, made to assist the English reader in his understanding of the subject as a whole. Chapter four is given over to a discussion on 'Akish's style and language. It also contains a glossary of some unusual words. Comments and notes on the text, plus Qur'anic and Hadith references and an analysis of the poetic metres used by the author, makeup chapter five. Chapter six comprises an index of the geographical places and tribal names mentioned in the text, while Chapter seven deals with biographies. The study closes with a bibliography, two maps and a family-tree of the Al Khayrat dynasty. The edited Arabic text comprises the second part of this study and is followed by a chapter on the gadlth quoted and by three appendices, containing the author's references and biographical indexes to the author's gada'iq al-Zahr and 'Uqud al-durar manuscripts.