Illustration from
'The Chronology of Ancient Nations' of Al-Biruni
(Abū al-Rayḥān Muḥammad ibn Aḥmad al-Bīrūnī )
Copy from Tabriz, 1307AD

Muhammad exchanged curses with the Christians of Najran


A larger image of Muhammad exchanged curses with the Christians of Najran, in 'The Chronology of Ancient Nations' by Al-Biruni, Tabriz, Iran, 1307AD. University of Edinburgh Or.Ms.161 f.161r.

Shelfmark: Or.Ms.161
Holding Institution: University of Edinburgh
Title: Chronology of Ancient Nations
Subset Index: f.161r
Creator: Al-Biruni
Creator Nationality: Iranian
Creator Role: Author
Date: 1307

Description:
Detail of page from the Chronology of Ancient Nations by Al-Biruni. Image depicts the prophet Muhammad and his family addressing the Christians of Najran, who are situated on the far left, on the Day of the Cursing. As well as marking the occasion where Muhammad exchanged curses with the Christians of Najran, this is also the day on which the prophet named Hassan and Hussain as his sons, Fatima as his wife, and Abu Talib as his most intimate friend. Written by the famous astronomer and polymath Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni, the Chronology of Ancient Nations is a compendium and chronicle of a vast number of calendars and chronological systems from a variety of different cultural and religious groups from throughout the late antique and medieval periods in the Hellenic world, Central Asia and the Near East. Completed in the year 1000, it even includes details of festivals and liturgical practices, in addition to more specific information. This particular manuscript is thought to have been copied in 1307 and was the archetype for the three later versions which were used by Edward Sachau to translate the document from Arabic into English during the nineteenth century.
Chelkowski, P. J. (1975), 'The scholar and the saint : studies in commemoration of Abuʾl-Rayhan al-Biruni and Jalal al-Din al-Rumi', New York.
Source: University of Edinburgh