Al- muqqadasi

Al-Muqaddasi (945–1000)
Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Shams al-Din Al-

Muqaddasi, also known as Al-Maqdisi (born ca.
945-46-died ca. 1000) was a notable early Arab
geographer. A traveller, author, and geography, he
is by far one of the most instructive of all the early
Islamic social scientists. He was originally from
Al-Quds (Jerusalem) in Palestine, hence his name. He is best known for his treatise
entitled Ahsan at-Taqasim fi Ma’arifat Al-Aqalim (The Best Classification for the Knowledge
of the Climes (or Regions) which was completed in 375 H/985 CE. A revised edition was
produced after three years.
According to Al-Muqaddasi himself, his grandfather (al-Bana) was a revered architect

employed by Ibn Tulun to build the Acre seaport.
In his early years, Al-Muqaddasi had the
advantage of an excellent education moreover
after having made the Pilgrimage to Mecca at
twenty years of age, he determined to devote
himself the study of geography. For the purpose
of acquiring the necessary information, he
undertook a series of journeys which lasted for
two decades, and setting out from Jerusalem,
carried him in turn throughout the Muslim world.
It was only in 985 CE that he set himself to write
his book Ahsan a-Taqasim fi Ma’rifat al-Aqalim,
a systematic account of all the places and regions
he had visited.
The book is an epic geographical treatise and also an excellent work of literature. This
treatise was based on some twenty years of personal experiences and observations noted in
his survey of the realm of Islam, from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. Early in the second
half of the nineteenth century the German orientalist Aloys Sprenger, brought to the attention
of the West, a manuscript of Al-Muqaddasi’s work. Sprenger’s enthusiasm over the content of
the manuscript is reflected in his judgment that its author is the greatest geographer of all
time – this view is shared by many scholars.
Technically, the most important distinction of Ahsan at-taqasim is that it was the first Arabic
work of geography ever to produce maps in their natural colors, which is the usual practice
today. The book is based on personal observations of the populations, economic life, and
manners of the various inhabitants of the lands of Islam that he visited during his 20 years of
travels. In this work, Al-Muqaddasi gives an overall view of the lands he visited, and gives
the approximate distances from one frontier to the other frontier.
Al-Muqaddasi divides the Islamic world in 14 “Iqlim-s” (climes or regions); then, he deals
with each region separately. He divides his work in two parts, first enumerating localities and
providing adequate and sufficient description of each, especially the main urban centres. He
then proceeds to other subjects: population, its ethnic diversity, social groups, before moving
onto commerce, mineral
resources, archaeological
monuments, currencies,
weights etc, and also to
the political environment.
This approach is in
contrast to his
predecessors, whose focus
was much narrower, whilst
Al-Muqaddasi wanted to encompass aspects of interest to merchants, travelers, and people of
culture. Thus, it becomes no longer the sort of traditional `geography’, but a work that seeks
to understand and explain the foundations and the functioning of Islamic society and is valid
with the present world. Out of this, excellent information, regarding many subjects can be
gleaned, such as water management, fiscal issues and weights and measures, and city and
urban developments.
Contributions Of Al- Muqaddasi
 Motivations for Travel and Exploration: Al-Muqaddasi's travels were not merely for
adventure but driven by a deep intellectual curiosity and desire to understand the world
around him. As a devout Muslim, he may have also been motivated by religious reasons,
such as pilgrimage or seeking knowledge in distant territory. His travels allowed him to
gather firsthand information about different regions, peoples, and cultures, geography
which he meticulously documented in his writings.
 Methodological Innovations: One of al-Muqaddasi's notable contributions to geography
was his systematic approach to data collection and analysis. He didn't rely solely on his
own observations but also gathered information from a wide range of sources including
other travelers, traders, scholars, and local inhabitants. This multi-faceted approach
enriched his understanding of the regions he visited and ensured the accuracy and
reliability of his descriptions which still has present day significance.
 Integration of Islamic Values: In addition to geographical and cultural observations, al-

Muqaddasi's work often reflected Islamic values and perspectives. He frequently
highlighted the significance of certain cities and landmarks in Islamic history and
religious tradition, demonstrating the interconnectedness of geography, history, and faith
in the medieval Islamic worldview. This integration of religious and secular knowledge
was trait of many scholars of his time.
 Geographical Observations and Contribution- Al-Muqaddasi's work, "Ahsan al-Taqasim

fi Ma'rifat al-Aqalim" (The Best Divisions for Knowledge of the Regions), provides
detailed descriptions of various regions within the Islamic world during the 10th century.
Al-Muqaddasi was one of the first geographers to attempt to measure distances between
cities and regions accurately. He provided estimates of travel times and distances based
on his own observations and information gathered from travelers.
 Challenges and Obstacles: Traveling during the medieval period was fraught with
challenges, including hazardous terrain, banditry, political instability, and cultural
barriers. Al-Muqaddasi likely encountered these obstacles during his journeys, yet his
determination to acquire knowledge and document his findings drove him forward. His
ability to navigate these challenges speaks to his resilience and resourcefulness as a
traveler and scholar.
 Influence and Reception: Al-Muqaddasi's work had a significant impact not only in the
Islamic world but also beyond. His detailed descriptions of geographical features, urban
centers, and trade routes provided valuable insights for merchants, diplomats, and
policymakers. His writings were translated into various languages and circulated
throughout the Europe, contributing to a broader understanding of the Islamic world and
its contributions to global civilization.
 Historical Context: Al-Muqaddasi lived during a period of intellectual ferment and

cultural exchange known as the Islamic Golden Age. This era saw remarkable
advancements in various fields such as science, mathematics, philosophy, and geography.
Al-Muqaddasi's work was part of this broader intellectual movement, and his
contributions helped to preserve and disseminate knowledge during a time of great
cultural dynamism and innovation.
Extract from Ahsan al-Taqasim
In the following excerpt [10], Al-Muqaddasi describes his method of collecting information,
and his experiences as a traveller through much of the
world of Islam in the late 10th century:
“You should know that a number of scholars and

ministers of state have written about this subject, and
then rather confusedly; in fact, most of them ––let me say
all of them–– have relied on hearsay. But for our part, no
region remains that we did not enter, and even the
slightest matters we have brought within the purview of
our knowledge. At the same time, we have not omitted
research, or making enquiries, or speculating. Our book,
then, comprises three elements: firstly, what we ourselves
have experienced; secondly, what we have heard from
reliable persons; and, thirdly, what we have found in books devoted to this subject or to
others. There is no king’s library that I did not assiduously examine, no sect but I studied its
writings, no juridical schools but I became acquainted with them, no ascetics but I associated
with them, no preachers in any country but I attended their assemblies. In this way I found a
correct knowledge of what I was seeking in this subject.”
“I have depended on the hospice of Abraham, the
Friend of God, and on the free sycamore figs at Ascalon.
I have worn the robes of honour of the kings, and they
have ordered gifts to be given to me. Many times I have
been naked and destitute. Yet rulers have corresponded
with me. Nobles have reproved me, yet I have been
asked to take charge of religious endowments. I have
had to submit to blackguards; heresy had been imputed
to me; I have been accused of greed; princes and judges
have placed me in their confidence. I have been entered
in wills, made an administrator; have had good
experience of pickpockets, and seen the artifices of
scoundrels. Contemptible people have hounded me, and the envious have opposed me; I have
been slandered to the authorities. I have entered the baths of Tabaraiyya [Tiberias], and the
fortress of Fars [South Iran]; I have witnessed the festival of al-Fawwara [the fountain], the
Feast of Saint Barbara, he Well of Budha’a, the castle of Ya’cub [Jacob], and his villages.”
By delving into these aspects of al-Muqaddasi's life and work, we gain a deeper
acknowledgement and appreciation for his role as a pioneering geographer, traveler, and
chronicler of the medieval Islamic world. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and
explorers to this day, reminding us of the enduring importance of curiosity, scholarship, and
cross-cultural understanding and interpretation.

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Al-Muqaddasi (945–1000)

Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Shams al-Din Al-

According to Al-Muqaddasi himself, his grandfather (al-Bana) was a revered architect

Contributions Of Al- Muqaddasi

 Integration of Islamic Values: In addition to geographical and cultural observations, al-

 Geographical Observations and Contribution- Al-Muqaddasi's work, "Ahsan al-Taqasim

 Historical Context: Al-Muqaddasi lived during a period of intellectual ferment and

Extract from Ahsan al-Taqasim

“You should know that a number of scholars and

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