Name Sayf Umar | ||
Sayf ibn Umar al-Usayyidi al-Tamimi (Arabic: سيف بن عمر) (died 796 CE/ 180 AH), was an early Islamic historian from Kufa. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Tamim. In his reports, he represents the Iraqi view of history. His works is said to be influenced by the tribal traditions of Banu Tamim. Sayf is al-Tabari's backbone source for the period between the death of Muhammad (632 CE/11 AH) and the First Fitna (656 CE/36 AH). Sayf's history begins with the Ridda wars (which he dates as before Muhammad's death) and ends, so far we know, with Amr ibn al-'As giving allegiance to Mu'awiya.
Contents
Shia view
Shia researcher Arzina Lalani suggests that Sayf, is the first person who mentions Abdullah ibn Saba, in his writings. His claim that a Yemeni Jew was allegedly a founder of Shia Islam, was picked on by al-Tabari. Shes claims his account of early Islamic history heavily influenced later Sunni historiography.
Murtada Sharif 'Askari, a Shia researcher. In two of his works; 150 fictional companions, and Abdullah bin Saba, he claimed that Sayf was a liar and mendacious person.
Other views
According to a book called Abdullah bin Saba (عبدالله بن سبا) authored by Shia researcher Murtaza Askari the 12 the most popular Rijali (someone who knows about Ilm al-Rijāl) scholars, believed Sayf was not an authentic person. These named Sayf as weak or a non-real historian. They are as follows: Yahya bin Moein, Al-Nasa'i, Abu Dawood, Ibn Sakan, Abu Hatim Muhammad ibn Idris al-Razi Ibn Hibban, Al-Daraqutni, Al-Hakim Nishapuri, Firoozabadi, Ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani, Al-Suyuti, and Safi Al din.
It has been recorded in Tahdib al-Kamal, that Yahya bin Moein held this view.