Al-Bidaya wal-Nihaya
البِدَاية والنِّهَايةDefinition
'The Beginning and the End.' Ibn Kathir's complete history of the world, from creation to the eschatological events still to come. The title captures the work's structural arc: it begins with the first divine act and ends with the final ones.
As understood in the classical tradition of Ibn Kathir and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Al-Bidaya wal-Nihaya.
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"And He said, "Worship اللّٰه and do not associate anything with Him." This theme is prevalent throughout the القُرْآن, more than can be mentioned. It is the beginning and the end of the religion, its inner and outer aspects, its pinnacle, and its central axis. اللّٰه commands us to emulate the leader of this التَّوْحِيد in both its negation and affirmation, as He said, "There has already been for you an excellent example in إِبْرَاهِيم and those with him when they said to their people, 'Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than اللّٰه."
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Three
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"Indeed, He was to them Kind and Merciful." Thus, He made repentance the beginning and the end of their affair. In the chapter of the demise of the Messenger of اللّٰه, peace be upon him, which is the last chapter revealed, He said: "When the victory of اللّٰه has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of اللّٰه in multitudes, then exalt [Him] with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him."
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume One
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"'There is no deity but اللّٰه,' will enter Paradise." Thus, it is the first and last obligation. Monotheism is both the beginning and the end of the matter. The statement "Monotheism is the purification of اللّٰه from any occurrence" does not convey the monotheism with which اللّٰه sent His messengers and revealed His books, through which a servant is saved from the Fire, enters Paradise, and is freed from polytheism."
— Ibn al-Qayyim, Volume Three
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