Book: Siyar A'lam An-Nubala by Ad-Dhahabi - سير أعلام النبلاء ـ الإمام الذهبي

The Prestigious Book and the Luminary Scholars

This unique book stands as a truthful depiction of the progress and flourishing state of the Islamic nation across various scientific fields. It highlights the scholars, historians, and poets of the nation—figures who remain a source of pride for Arabs and Muslims throughout different eras. No other nation has seen such a vast assembly of scholars, historians, grammarians, poets, and the like.

These are the kings and princes who expanded territories and defended sacred places. History has inscribed their heroic deeds in letters of light, guiding the descendants of the Islamic nation—from kings and rulers to scholars. It is no wonder they are a continuous source of pride for Arabs and Muslims across ages and epochs.

A Testament to the Honor of Knowledge

This remarkable book, with its multitude of scholars, historians, and poets, is testament enough that a nation producing such an assembly is one that venerates science and knowledge. It rightly deserves to be viewed with esteem and admiration.

Thus, this extensive collection of biographies has become a destination for every learner and seeker of knowledge. If anyone wishes to delve deeper into the life of a significant figure, they will find what they seek in this book. If a biography is absent from commonly circulated books, it will surely be present in this great book.

Commemoration of an Esteemed Work

This grand book, with its wealth of biographies—elaborated beyond those in the "History of Islam" with abundant information and rich scholarly material—truly deserves the respect and admiration of scholars from various disciplines. May God have mercy on our scholar, Al-Hafiz Al-Dhahabi, and may his life culminate in the creation of this magnificent work. We pray for his wide mercy and hope to be gathered in his ranks, for God is the All-Hearing, Responsive, Noble, and Generous.

[Tenth Section: His Death]

His student, the illustrious endowment of knowledge, Shaykh Salah al-Din Abu al-Safa al-Safdī, in his book "Al-Wafi bil-Wafayat" [2/165], narrates: The notable judge, Taqi al-Din al-Subki al-Shafi'i, informed me: I visited Al-Hafiz Shams al-Din Al-Dhahabi on the night of his death and asked him, "How do you find yourself?" He replied, "In the throes of death." Four years or more before his passing, he lost his sight due to an ailment in his eyes, causing him distress. If it was suggested that his condition could be operated upon to restore sight, he would express discomfort, saying: "This is not a water problem, I know myself well; as my sight has gradually diminished to total blindness." He was then asked, "Has the time for Maghrib entered?" To which he responded, "Did you not pray Asr?" He said, "Yes, but I have not yet prayed Maghrib," followed by another conversation.