Arab historian. Ibn Kathir (also known as) studied Fiqh - Islamic jurisprudence, when he was only five year old. He is recognised as 'the Imam, scholar of jurisprudence, skilful scholar of Hadith, renowned Faqh and scholar of Tafsir who wrote several beneficial books.' Ibn Kathir is remembered for his fourteen volumes history of Islam, Al Bidayah wa an Nihaya (the beginning and the end). This book was the source for a number of writers. The book covered the Prophets and previous nations, the Prophet's, peace be upon him, Sfrah (life story) and Islamic history until his time. His Kitab al Jami, was an alphabetical listing of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and their sayings, Hadis and Al-Fitan about the Signs of the Last Hour. Ibn Kathir was born in Basra and before he died in Damascus he lost his eyesight.