Wahb ibn Munabbih: One Yemen Historian at Early Islamic History

 

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Today, we will discuss about Wahb ibn Munabbih, one Yemen Historian at Early Islamic History who bring Judaism  story tradition to Islamic Tradition. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations at Islamic History and Civilizations. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help our blog that focuss educate people about Islamic History and Civilization. Lets start it and please read until end for get complete informations about this topic.

Wahb, born at 34 H. He is one Yemeni Historian, and according Badri Yatim, was achieve position of Qadhi ( Islamic law judge).  At his era, Yemeni Style entered Islamic Historiography. Yemeni Style, entered citation from Judaism s books to Islamic Historiography. Because, one pioneer from this style, Kaab al-Ahbar ( die 32 H) is one former Jewish who convert to Islam.

According Mahdum Kholid, Wahb born at Uthman ibn Affan , third caliph from Rashidun Caliphate Goverment ( ruled 644-656 AD).  His fullname is Wahb ibn Munabbih ibn Kaamil ibn Sij ibn Dhi Kibar Wahb, is Persian Descedant who stay at Yemen.  Wahb, studied Hadith ( Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s oral tradition) from two Propeth Muhammad s shahaba, Abu Hurayra and Ibn Abbas.  And , also Abu Said al-Khudry and Amr ibn Ash. Wahb, also studied about history. He studied history of Christiant and Judaism s religion. He also studied story of propeths and kings.  He also studied Greek s language.  Not only popular as scholar, Wahb also has good attitude. He never gossiped and he also diligent at fasting.

Such as mentioned by Badri Yatim, Wahb ibn Munabbih write book titled al-Ahadith al-Anbiya  wa al Ibad wa  Ahadith Bani Israil ( news about propeths, pious people, and Israelite). He also write one book about history of Islamic Propeths, titled Qashash al-Anbiya ( the story of propeths).  And also book that discuss history from King Of Himyar at Yemen , Kitab al-Muluk al-Mutawajjah min Himyar wa Akhbaruhun wa Ghayr Dzalik ( book about coronated kings at Himyar, their history, and other). According Badri Yatim, his books was disappeared, but the citation from this books finded at several Islamic Historian Books, such as Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Qutayba, Ibn Hisham, al-Tabari, and other. According Ibn Qutayba, such as cited by Mahdum Kholid, this book consist of 10 volumes.

According Philip.K.Hitti, Islamic Historiography from early Islamic History, has mixed from legend and tradition from pre Islamic History. And, Wahb s books interpretated this tradition.  Wahb, used literature style for write his works. He write with style Arabic Poet. He also many included mithology at his works. According Badri Yatim, his book dont became refrence for historical research. But, many Islamic Historians quoted Wahb s works for many historical Islamic Propeth s stories, such as Propeth Adam, Propeth Daud, and Propeth Sulayman Alaihimussalam. Al-Tabari, quoted argument of Wahb ibn Munabbih  about old of the earth that achieve 60.000 years old. Tabari, also quoted Wahb s stories about Islamic Propeth.

Wahb ibn Munabbih, die at 729/731 AD. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:
Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Yatim, Badri: Historiografi Islam,  Penerbit Logos Wacana Ilmu, 1997 M.

Al-Asror, Mahdum Kholid: Wahb bin Munabbih; Tabiin Keturunan Persia yang Pandai Bahasa Yunani, accesed 16 July 2025, 12: 36 PM.