Al-Tabari, Thabit Ibn Sinan and the Theory of Masadir in Miskawayh’s Historiography

This article intends to theorize the existence of historical masadir (sources) in the works of al-Tabari and Thabit Ibn Sinan which inspire Miskawayh in forming the writing of Tajarib al-Umam. The works are referred to and adopted as masadir in the Tajarib. Miskawayh applies mukhtasar (epitome) method, which rejects the use of isnad technique, besides adopting the sources as part of the composition of the universal history section. Relying on document analysis method, it is found in this discussion that Miskawayh does not apply isnad technique and instead, he is selective in deciding sources to be noted down in the Tajarib. The selective attitude is due to the historiography of Miskawayh which is aimed at telling the audience tajribah (experience) related historical events only.