CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ‘URWAH IBN AZ-ZUBAIR

Abstract

Islamic historiography started evolving during the time of the rightly guided caliphs. However, it strongly emerged during the Umayyads’ rule and reached its apogee during the Abbasid period. Similarly, the trend of  compilation of Aḥādīth (traditions) was started during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him, his Progeny and Companions). However, that practice also reached its pinnacle during the time of the Abbasid caliphate. ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair (d. 712), therefore, is an important literary figure of early Islamic historiography as well as Tradition. Besides his intellectual prowess, he was a very devoted, pious, and intellectual personality. An axiological, analytical, and descriptive research approach has been applied in this study. This study explores and evaluates his literary contributions. Additionally, an effort has also been made to critically dissect his sīrah and ḥadīth work as well as his research methodology. The findings indicate that he may be considered among the pioneers of Islamic historiography and an impartial, upright, and honest historian.