The History of the Temple of Jerusalem
Translated from the Arabic Ms. of the Imám Jalal-Addín al Síútí

This 1836 translation of a medieval Arabic history is a rich source for the architectural and topographical history of Jerusalem.

Jalal al-Dinh al-Suyuti (Author), James Reynolds (Translated by)

9781108061988, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 September 2013

614 pages
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.77 kg

Ascribed to the Egyptian scholar Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (1445–1505), this medieval Arabic history was translated into English by the orientalist James Reynolds (1805–66). An outstanding Islamic polymath, al-Suyuti produced a large body of work in such fields as grammar, rhetoric, theology, medicine and history. The present work may have been compiled from his earlier General History and Critical History of Traditions. It contains rich descriptions of religious places and buildings in Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock and the Mosque of Omar, and offers a historical account of the city. First published in 1836 for the Oriental Translation Fund of the Royal Asiatic Society, the translation was based on the text of two Arabic manuscripts preserved in the British Museum. Including a translator's preface and detailed exegetical notes, this publication remains a rich source for the architectural and topographical history of Jerusalem.

Translator's preface: Introduction
1. Upon the names of the Masjidu-l-Aksá
2. Upon the original foundation of the temple
3. Upon the virtues of the glorious Sakhrá
4. Upon the surpassing efficacy of prayer
5. An account of the water which flows from the foot of the rock
6. Narrative of the night journey of the Prophet
7. Account of the wall which encircles the mosque
8. Account of the fountain of Siloam
9. Narrative of the capture of the holy city
10. Account of all the illustrious prophets and chiefs
11. Upon the supremacy of our lord Abraham
12. Account of Abraham's temptation
13. Account of the cave wherein Abraham and his glorious sons were buried
14. Account of Ismael
15. History of Lot
16. Legend of Moses
17. On the wondrous supremacy of Syria
Some remarks on Muhammadanism
Notes.

Subject Areas: Islam [HRH]