Ibn al-Khatib
Lisan ad-Din Ibn al-Khatib (Arabic: لسان الدين ابن الخطيب; 16 November 1313 - 1374) was an Arab Andalusi polymath, poet, writer, historian, philosopher, physician and politician from Emirate of Granada. Being one of the most notable poets from Granada, his poems decorate the walls of the palace of Alhambra. He is known for composing the muwashahs entitled "Jadaka al-Ghaithu" and "Lamma Bada Yatathanna."
Ibn al-Khatib | |
|---|---|
ابن الخطيب | |
An inscription in the Court of the Myrtles of the Alhambra, where poetry by Ibn al-Khatib is inscribed. | |
| Born | November 16, 1313 Rajab 26 713 AH Loja, Emirate of Granada |
| Died | 1374 AD, 776 AH Fes, Marinid Sultanate |
| Cause of death | Strangulation |
| Resting place | Bab Mahruq 34°03′45″N 4°59′9.8″W |
| Alma mater | Madrasa Yusufiyya |
| Occupation(s) | Poet, historian, statesman, physician |
| Era | Islamic golden age |
Ibn Al-Khatib is highly esteemed both as an historian and as a poet. He was a contemporary and acquaintance of Ibn Khaldun.
His greatest historical work, al-Ihata fi akhbar Gharnata الإحاطة في أخبار غرناطة (The Complete Source on the History of Granada), written in 1369 AD, which includes his autobiography, has yet to be translated into English.