What are the best books written on the Prophet's biography?
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
The questioner : What are the best books written on the Prophet's biography, O honorable Shaykh?
The Shaykh : This is the problem. Many books have been written on the Prophet's biography, but some of them have no chain of narration, yet they became famous among people and were then included in books. Among the best I have seen—and I have not seen much of the books of history and biography—is "Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him). If something in it is unclear to you, meaning if you read it and something is unclear, then look into it specifically. For example, if a story of an event attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or to someone else among the Companions is narrated, look into it and its chain of narration until it becomes clear to you.
The important thing is that among the best and most beneficial books I have read on this subject is "Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him). Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you and bless you. The honorable Shaykh says, this questioner says.
The Shaykh : This is the problem. Many books have been written on the Prophet's biography, but some of them have no chain of narration, yet they became famous among people and were then included in books. Among the best I have seen—and I have not seen much of the books of history and biography—is "Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him). If something in it is unclear to you, meaning if you read it and something is unclear, then look into it specifically. For example, if a story of an event attributed to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or to someone else among the Companions is narrated, look into it and its chain of narration until it becomes clear to you.
The important thing is that among the best and most beneficial books I have read on this subject is "Al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya" by Ibn Kathir (may Allah have mercy on him). Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you and bless you. The honorable Shaykh says, this questioner says.