He was Hafidh Abul Fida Ismail ibn Abi Hafs Shihabuddin Omar ibn Kathir ibn Daw ibn Kathir in Zar` the Quraishite – originally from Busra (Syria) – and raised in Damascus. He followed the Shafi`ee school of thought. Ibn Kathir was born in the year 701 AH in an area called Majdal, near Busra, west of Damascus. His father died when he was only four years old and was taken in by his brother and moved to Damascus in 706. Here, he learned from great scholars such as Ibn Asakir, Ishaq ibn Yahya al-Amudi and the great Ibn Taymiyyah who was extremely close to him. He also studied under various other sheikhs who gave him permission in fiqh and Hadith. He made many academic contributions to Islamic sciences.Al-Hafiz Ibn hajar Al-Asqalani said,”Ibn Kathir lost his sight just before his life ended. He died in Damascus in 774A.H. May Allah grant him Mercy and make him amongst the residents of Jannah (Heavenly Garden)

This book is the first part from Ibn Katheer’s enormous work Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah. It starts by describing the beginning of creation — from the Throne and the Kursi, the Universe and all that is in it, such as the angels, the Jinn and humans. This book continues to early Prophet Adam (Aadam) up to Prophet Yunus/Younus (A). The book also recounts stories from the lives of the Prophets and their nations, up to the times of the Children of Israeel and the days of ignorance, which ended with the advents of the final prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Darussalam is proud to present the abridged English translation of the classic work, Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah. Early Days is the first part from this enormous work. It starts by describing the beginning of creation — from the Throne and the Kursi, the Universe and all that is in it, such as the angels, the Jinn and humans. Early Days continues to early Prophet Adam up to Prophet Yunus/Younus (A).

Al-Bidayah wan Nihayah (The Beginning and The End) by the renowned scholar Abu Al-Fida, ‘Imad ad-Deen Isma’eel bin ‘Umar bin Katheer (Imam Ibn Kathir), is considered one of the most authoritative sources on Islamic history. A unique feature of the book is that it not only deals with past events, but also talks about future events mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) until the Day of Judgment

Early Days starts by describing the beginning of creation- from the throne and the Kursi, the universe and all that is in it, such as the angels, the jinn and humans. The book also recounts stories from the lives of the prophets and their nations up to the times of the children of Israeel and the Days of Ignorance, which ended with the advent of the final Prophet Muhammad (PBUH ).

Stories of the beginning of the creation includes:
Creation of Angel, Creation of Jinn, Story of the Prophets:- Adam, Hood, Salih, Ibraheem, Isma’eel, Ishaq, Shu’aib, Ayyoob, Dhul Kifl, People of Yaseen, Younus (Peace be upon them all)
The Classical work Al-Bidayah wa’an-Nihayah (The Beginning and the End) or Tarikh ibn Kathir (The history [book of] Ibn Kathir).
One of the most comprehensive sources of Islamic history