Ibnu Jarir al-Tabari: a great Historian of the Islamic World By: Apnizan Abdullah Introduction

His Method of Argumentation 
Al-Tabari was an honest scholar whose approach to writing was rooted in his constant and 
courageous expression of independent ijtihad (judgment). Overall, his views always leaned 
towards moderation and compromise. This attitude is proven by his interpretation of a 
Quranic verse pertaining to the practice of wiping the boot or washing the foot (5:6). While 
Sunni scholars interpreted this verse as necessitating the washing of the whole foot, not a 
mere act of wiping, Shia jurists insisted on interpreting it as just wiping the boot or foot. Al-
Tabari combined both views, however, and stated that washing and wiping with one’s hand 
are equivalent processes.
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His moderation was further evidenced by the fact that he allowed 
women to hold the post of judge (including in hudud and qisas cases), a post many scholars 
28
Ibid, pp.38-43. 
29
Ibid, pp. 56-57 

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had previously limited to men. Although he qualified his position by requiring female judges 
to possess knowledge of Shari’a and the ability to exercise ijtihad, overall he held the view 
that male and female judges were on an equal footing.
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Al-Tabari’s admiration of ‘Ali led some to accuse him of being a Shiite. Certainly, al-Tabari 
made it clear that he viewed ‘Ali as the superior Imam after the demise of the Prophet (pbuh). 
Although this allegation may have caused his difficulties with the Hanbalis, it ultimately 
seems to have been baseless; al-Tabari stood as the defender of the first four caliphs and 
demonstrated great respect for Abu Bakar as-Siddiq and Umar al-Khattab. It was reported 
that al-Tabari did not regard Ibn Hanbal's dissenting opinion with any weight; he opined that 
Ibn Hanbal was not even a jurist, but merely a recorder of ahadith.
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