IBN SIKKAIT

Abu Yusuf Yaqub bin Ishaq (802-858 A.D./ 186-244 A.H.) was a famous Iranian

Shi'ite philologist and traditionist. Sikkait was the nickname of his father Ishaq

who due to his excessive silence was nicknamed accordingly. Ibn Sikkait was born

in Duraq in Khuzestan and later with his family went to Baghdad. He studied under

famous scholars of his period like Abu Amru Shaybani, Farra, Ibn A'rabi, Asram

and Nasran Khurasani. He soon become one of the famous scholars of his era like

Ibn A'rabi and Abul Abbas Thalab and was considered as a distinguished

philologist and eloquent orator.

Ibn Sikkait not only had outstanding activity in the fields of syntax and philology

and played an important role in collecting and compiling Arabic poetry. He was

also an ardent follower of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet of Islam (S.A.W.A.) and

was strictly bounded to his beliefs. In addition of collecting and compiling Arabic

poetry he collected and narrated religious traditions also. Dhabi considerd him as

avery pious and religious person and he was martyred for his deep love and

affection towards Holy Ahlebayt (A.S.). Najashi considers him as the close

companion of Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.) and Imam Ali-un Naqi (A.S.) and

quotes the traditions of Imam Muhammad Taqi (A.S.). narrated by him.

Many students gained vastly from his knowledge. Ibn Sikkait also recited poetry

and Dhabi has extolled his poetry. All the sources has mentioned that he was

martyred by Mutawakkil, the Abbasid caliph for his deep love for the Holy

Ahlebayt (A.S.).

His printed works are as follows:-

1 - Islah al-Mantiq; 2 - Al-Azdad; 3 - Al-Alfaz: 4 - Al Qalb wal Abdal; some

other manuscripts and works are also ascribed to him.