Ibn Sa‘d’s Methodology in the Book *Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra*

Abstract

This research examines Muhammad ibn Sa‘d al-Baghdadi and his book *Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra* (The Great Book of Classes), recognizing it as a significant work in the documentation of Islamic history and biographical literature. The study aims to introduce Ibn Sa‘d and his personal life, outline his scholarly methodology and the sources upon which he relied, and analyze the key strengths and observations regarding his approach to presenting historical material. The research is divided into three sections: the first addresses Ibn Sa‘d and his personal life; the second is dedicated to studying his methodology and sources; and the third focuses on the strengths and observations concerning his approach. The study seeks to highlight the scholarly value of *Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra*, demonstrate its contribution to preserving historical accounts and biographies, and underscore its importance as a source for the study of Islamic history. It employs historical, descriptive, and analytical methods—drawing upon primary sources and relevant scholarly references—to gain a clearer understanding of Ibn Sa‘d’s personality and his methodology in writing and classification, as well as to identify the key scholarly features that distinguish his work.