The numbering of Hadith in this specific volume indicates a granular level of cataloging. In Islamic biographical literature, entries are often treated like Hadiths in terms of citation because they contain chains of transmission ( isnad ) and historical reports ( khabar ).
While exact pagination can shift between the various printed editions (Leiden, Dar Sadir, or modern Egyptian prints), the entry corresponding to this number generally discusses a narrator or historical figure pivotal to the understanding of the Fiqh (jurisprudence) or *Maghazi tabaqat al kubra. vol. 3 pg. 269 h. 3714
His Tabaqat (meaning "The Generations" or "Classes") was revolutionary because it organized Islamic history chronologically and hierarchically. He began with the biography of the Prophet, followed by those who participated in Badr (the Badriyyun), then those who participated in Uhud, then the subsequent generations of Tabi‘in (Successors), right down to his own time. The numbering of Hadith in this specific volume
In the vast ocean of Islamic literature, few works carry the weight and authority of Muhammad ibn Sa‘d’s Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir , commonly known as Tabaqat al-Kubra . This monumental biographical dictionary serves as one of the primary pillars for understanding the early generations of Muslims, the Salaf . It is a treasure trove for historians, theologians, and hadith scholars, providing the raw data from which the chronology of early Islam has been constructed. He began with the biography of the Prophet,
However, the true depth of this work is often found not in general summaries, but in specific references—individual entries that illuminate the lives of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). One such specific reference that draws the attention of researchers and students of knowledge is found in .
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of this specific citation, exploring the context of the work, the methodology of its author, and the significance of the individual referenced at this precise location in the text. To understand the significance of any entry in Tabaqat al-Kubra , one must first appreciate the man behind it. Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Sa‘d (d. 230 AH / 845 CE) was a scholar of the highest caliber. He was a direct student of the legendary historian Muhammad ibn ‘Umar al-Waqidi. Ibn Sa‘d did not merely compile names; he curated a history.
The reference in question falls within . In the standard academic printing (most notably the Ishāqi edition widely used in scholarly circles), the volumes are organized thematically. Volume 3 typically marks the transition from the major Companions to specific categories of narrators and historical figures. Locating the Reference: Volume 3, Page 269, Hadith 3714 When a researcher turns to Page 269 of Volume 3 , they are entering a specific register of biographies. In the classical organization of Ibn Sa‘d’s work, this section usually deals with the Tabi‘in (the Successors) or specific Companions of lesser narrative volume but significant historical standing.