Permissibility of Studying History

Question: Is it permissible to study history per se?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Studying history per se, as a hobby, or an academic pursuit is perfectly fine.

Ibn Khaldun said, ‘History makes us acquainted with the conditions of past nations as they are reflected in their national character. It makes us acquainted with the biographies of the prophets and the dynasties and policies of rulers. Whoever so desires may thus achieve the useful result of being able to imitate historical examples in religious and worldly matters … The past resembles the future more than one drop of water another’ (The Muqaddimah, Ibn Khaldun, tr. Franz Rosenthal). Clearly, studying history is extremely important.

A scholar that might also be useful to read about is Dr. Khalid Blankinship. He is a practicing Muslim and a historian.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language