An extraordinary autobiographical work by one of the most celebrated Arabic writers, Islamic scholars and intellectuals of the twentieth century. In this monumental collection of memoirs, Shaykh ʿAlī al-Ṭanṭāwī recounts his remarkable life, offering a fascinating first-hand account of the political, social, intellectual and religious transformations that swept across the Arab and Muslim world during the twentieth century.
Born in Damascus in 1909, Shaykh ʿAlī al-Ṭanṭāwī was a distinguished scholar, teacher, judge, journalist and literary figure, renowned for his beautiful, flowing Arabic prose, remarkable storytelling ability and talent for presenting profound ideas in a simple, engaging manner. His writings combine scholarly knowledge with literary elegance, humour, personal reflection and insightful observations about human nature and society.
Dhikrayāt consists of 244 autobiographical instalments, originally published as a weekly series in al-Muslimūn magazine and subsequently in al-Sharq al-Awsaṭ newspaper between 1985 and 1989. Written towards the end of his life, these recollections take the reader on a remarkable journey through almost a century of history, as witnessed by a scholar who experienced many of its defining events.
The memoirs begin with his childhood in Damascus, vividly describing family life, traditional education, the scholars and institutions of the city, and the social conditions prevailing during the final years of Ottoman rule. He recounts his schooldays, his teachers, his early passion for reading and literature, and the profound influence of his family upon his intellectual and religious development.
As the narrative progresses, the reader encounters the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the First World War, the French occupation of Syria, the struggle for independence and the political upheavals that reshaped the Arab world. Shaykh al-Ṭanṭāwī describes these events not merely as a historian, but as an eyewitness and participant, recounting his experiences in student activism, journalism, education and public life.
The work also traces his extensive career as a teacher, judge, writer and Islamic preacher, including his experiences in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. He recalls his encounters with prominent scholars, writers, political personalities and public figures, providing valuable insights into the intellectual and religious atmosphere of his time.
Throughout the memoirs, he introduces the reader to numerous scholars, literary figures, teachers, journalists and personalities whom he encountered, preserving anecdotes, conversations and personal impressions that might otherwise have been lost. These accounts make the work an important source for understanding the scholarly, literary and cultural history of Damascus and the wider Arab world.
Yet the appeal of Dhikrayāt extends far beyond its historical value. The author frequently interrupts his recollections with humorous incidents, moving personal experiences, reflections on human character, observations about changing social customs and profound lessons drawn from a lifetime of experience. His accounts of family life, friendship, hardship, bereavement and the passing of time are often particularly affecting.
One of the greatest attractions of this collection is the exceptional quality of Shaykh al-Ṭanṭāwī's Arabic writing. His prose is distinguished by its clarity, natural elegance, expressive vocabulary and effortless movement between serious discussion, humour, description and storytelling. He demonstrates how sophisticated ideas and complex experiences can be conveyed in beautiful, accessible Arabic, free from unnecessary affectation (Takalluf).
For students of Arabic, the series offers far more than an engaging autobiography. Reading these memoirs provides an excellent opportunity to develop an appreciation for refined modern Arabic prose, expand one's vocabulary and observe the techniques of a master stylist whose writing remains remarkably easy to follow despite its literary richness.
This Dār Ibn Ḥazm, Beirut, edition (2024) comprises 9 hardback volumes containing 3,765 pages, printed on cream-coloured paper. The ninth volume complements the original eight-volume collection, which was subsequently expanded.
An outstanding addition to any Arabic library, particularly recommended for students and graduates of Islamic seminaries, teachers of Arabic, readers interested in modern Islamic history and anyone wishing to enjoy the writings of one of the finest Arabic prose stylists of the modern era.
Combining autobiography, history, literature, scholarly biography and reflections on life, Dhikrayāt ʿAlī al-Ṭanṭāwī is both an absorbing reading experience and a valuable record of an extraordinary century.
