AḌUD AL-DAWLA AL-BUWAYHĪ (324–372 AH / 935–983 CE) HIS CHARACTERISTICS AND THE OPINIONS OF HISTORIANS

Abstract

Aḍud al-Dawla is considered one of the most prominent rulers of the Buyid dynasty due to the rare combination of qualities he possessed—qualities seldom found in a single individual. When the Buyid state is mentioned, ʿAḍud al-Dawla stands at the forefront of its kings because of his political, economic, architectural, scientific, and literary achievements. The greatness of the Buyid state was epitomized by its ruler, ʿAḍud al-Dawla.

He was known for his strength and for being resolute and strict in matters that affected him personally or related to the security of his kingdom—he would never show leniency in such cases, handling them with determination and firmness. However, he was tolerant and gracious toward scholars and men of letters.

The study includes an introduction, a preface, and a brief overview of ʿAḍud al-Dawla’s early political life. It encompasses his full name, titles, lineage, and epithets, as well as his most notable traits and the opinions of historians, as well as with insights from his contemporaries, including scholars, poets, and jurists. It also addresses the circumstances of his death.

The study adopts the historical method by collecting information about the views of historians and their contemporaries, followed by an analysis to understand their impact on the intellectual and scientific spheres.