Al-Bidayah wa'l-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End)

This is a monumental historical encyclopedia authored by Ibn Kathir (Ismail bin Omar al-Dimashqi), who passed away in the year 774 AH. The book is founded upon the beliefs of the Islamic faith and presents a history from the beginning of creation to its end. It starts with the creation of the heavens, the earth, and the angels, leading to the creation of Adam. It then briefly touches upon the stories of the prophets before delving into detailed historical events from the mission of Prophet Muhammad until the year 768 AH, organized chronologically by year. Each year begins with the phrase, "Then the year... began," followed by a narration of its historical events and a mention of the most prominent figures who passed away during it. The final part of the book details the signs of the Last Hour leading up to the Day of Judgment.

Ibn Kathir said about his book: "In this book, with the help and guidance of Allah, I will mention what Allah Almighty has facilitated, through His power and strength, concerning the beginning of creation: the creation of the Throne, the Kursi, the heavens, and the earths..., the stories of the prophets..., until the prophethood concludes with the days of our Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him. Then we will mention what follows that up to our time, and we will mention the tribulations, the great battles, and the signs of the Hour, then the Resurrection, the Gathering, and the terrors of the Day of Judgment, and what has been mentioned about that in the Book, the Sunnah, the traditions, and the reports transmitted and reasoned by the scholars and the inheritors of the prophets." Thus, the book is truly a faithful mirror and an authentic reference for scholars in this field.

• Author: Ibn Kathir
• Editor: Al-Turki
• Publisher: Hajar for Printing and Publishing
• Edition: 1st
• Year of Publication: 1998
• Number of Pages: 14836
• Number of Volumes: 21
• Binding: Hardcover
• Paper Type: Cream
• Printing: 1-color