Ibn Najjar and the Book " Al-Dorra al-Thamina fi Akhbar Al-Madina Al-Munawwara"

The city of Medina, due to its position and importance, has long been a focal point for historians; including Mohammad b. Mahmud, known as Ibn Najjar (d. 643 AH), who wrote the book "Al-Dorra al-Thamina fi Akhbar Al-Madina". Ibn Najjar wrote this work in the 7th century AH which is unique in its kind and a precise description of the city of Medina. "Al-Dorra al-Thamina" is arranged in a very interesting and special way which the breadth of information, diverse sources, numerous travels, and the breadth of author's opinion and credibility are among its most important indices.
The present study, after exploring the aspects of Ibn Najjar’s life, introduces the book and its various versions. Ibn Najjar divided his book into eighteen chapters, starting with the name of Medina. Then he begins with the conquest and migration of the Prophet, expressing his virtues and the limits of the shrine and historical works from the Prophet's mosque to the Quba mosque and the rest of the mosques. Afterwards, it names the wells and surrounding villages, ending the discussion with the words of the great companions and affiliates and their followers. In each section, they have cited verses from the Quran and the Hadiths of the Prophet, and the news and words of the Companions and their followers. Introducing four different versions of the book, as well as a method for investigating it, is another aspect of this research.