Comparative Study of Views of Hafiz Abru and Muslim Historians Concerning Significance and Benefits of History Science

Shahab al-din Abdallah ibn Lotf-Allah ibn Abd-al-Rashid, also called Hafiz Abru, was a prominent Persian historian working at the courts of Timurid rulers. He has authored several books; the most important of which is Geography and History Compendium of Al-Sultania. In the preface of this book, he has expounded on "History science" from theoretical point of view. Like Ibn al-Fanduq, he believed that as historical events have a lot in common, studying history in essential for everyone, particularly politicians and administrators; since learning about the past generations can aid individuals not to repeat their mistakes. According to Hafiz Abru, aspiring to holy prophets as role models is one of the advantages of studying history since learning about the prophet's manners and behaviors at the time of hardship and their patience can make human societies not be driven to despair at the time of life disasters and social crises. Hafiz Abru, like Khajeh Rashid-al-Din Fazlollah Hamadani, emphasizes on the necessity of impartiality of the historians and believes that a historian should inscribe both the vices and virtues of a certain tribe.