Abu al-Fida's Method in Transmitting Earthquake Events in his Book (Al-Mukhtasar fi Akhbar al-Bashar) during the 6th Century AH / 12th century AD A Comparative, Analytical and Historical Study

Abstract

This study examines an overview of Abu al-Fida's method of summarizing catastrophic events, through a comparative analytical study of earthquake accounts from the (6th century AH/12th century AD) as recorded in his book Al-Mukhtasar fi Akhbar al-Bashar (A Brief History of Mankind). The study relies on a methodological comparison between Abu al-Fida's texts and other primary sources, particularly Ibn al-Athir's Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikhv (The Complete History). The study reveals that Abu al-Fida adopted a rigorous approach to summarization, omitting most of the geographical, social, and human details related to the disasters. Instead, he focused on the political and military aspects, condensing major events and catastrophes into brief expressions stripped of their detailed context. In other words, Abu al-Fida concentrated on the core of the events in a manner consistent with his book's title. Ultimately, the research concludes that Abu al-Fida omitted approximately 80% of the details found in other sources, making his book a brief chronological record of major events without expanding on their details.

The value and importance of Al-Mukhtasar lies in its role as an example from its era of historical summarization. It combines a spirit of selection with precision, summarizing the works of previous historians rather than serving as a comprehensive repository for minor and extensive events.