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Ibn Qutayba

Scholar

c. 828 CE · d. c. 889 CE · Baghdad

Overview

A scholar who wrote accessible works about language, poetry, history and the interpretation of religious reports.

Category: Scholar
Period: c. 828 CE · d. c. 889 CE

Life and setting

Ibn Qutayba studied in the scholarly world of Iraq and served as a judge in Dinawar. He later taught in Baghdad and wrote for readers working across several fields.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam

Work and legacy

His writings include discussion of Qur’anic language and reports that seem to disagree. He sought to explain such difficulties, but his arguments should be presented as his scholarship rather than as universally accepted solutions.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam

Sources

Original concise biography based on the cited references. Historical reports, later devotional traditions and uncertain dates are distinguished where relevant.

TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam