The Book Of Tribulations, The Syrian Muslim Apocalyptic Tradition Annotated Translation By Nuaym Bin Hammad Al Marwazi, Edited And Translated By David Cook
Author: Not specified
The first annotated translation of the ninth-century Islamic
apocalyptic work The Book of Tribulations
The Book of Tribulations by Nu'aym b. Hammad al-Marwazi is the earliest
complete Muslim apocalyptic text to survive, and as such has considerable value
as a primary text. It is unique in its importance for Islamic history: focusing
upon the central Syrian city of Hims, it gives us a picture of the personalities
ofthe city, the tribal conflicts within, the tensions between the proto-Muslim
community and the majority Christian population, and above all details about
the wars with the Byzantines. Additionally, Nu'aym gives us a range of both the
Umayyad and the ‘Abbasid official propaganda, which was couched in
apocalyptic and messianic terms.
Key Features
• Includes materials for Islamic military history: internal Muslim wars, the
wars against the Byzantines and the projected warfare of the Mahdi
• Presents fascinating social history, detailing earthquakes, plagues and
appearances of comets
Alludes to the technological advances of the time: the use of waterwheels,
the construction of ships and various methods of transportation
• Gives a unique perspective on Syrian Muslim history with an
extraordinary level of detail and richness of local perspective.
David Cook is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Rice University,
Houston (Texas). He is the author of numerous books including Studies in
Muslim Apocalyptic (2002), Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature
(2005),