Read M. J. Kister's Articles
  1. "The Crowns of This Community"...: Some Notes on the Turban in the Muslim Tradition
    M. J. Kister
    Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Islam 24 (2000): 217-45
    Languages:
  2. Notes on a Papyrus Account of the ʿAqaba Meeting
    M. J. Kister
    Le Muséon 76 (1963): 403-417
    Languages:
GoBrowse all Articles List
Meir J. Kister (1914-2010), Professor of Arabic language and literature

M. J. Kister made a major contribution to the study of the spiritual, religious, economic and social aspects of pre- and early Islamic periods. Thanks to his meticulous studies we now know a lot more about the history of Islam’s sacred cities, al-Ḥīra’s relations with the tribes of eastern Arabia, Mecca's rise to prominence, the tribes of Quraysh, Tamīm and Quḍāʿa, early Islamic institutions and many other topics that caught his interest.

Featured Articles

The Massacre of the Banū Qurayẓa: A Re-Examination of a Tradition
Jerusalem Studies in Arabic and Islam 8 (1986): 61-96
more
One of Kister's research notes

Kister's Methodology

Kister's research was based on his thorough knowledge of the poetry and prose written in Classical Arabic. He attempted to collect all the available evidence regarding the scientific question under discussion, including marginal and obscure accounts, while heeding nuances in the text and variant readings. His analysis and conclusions were free from pre-conceived opinions and shed light on aspects of the pre- and early Islamic society.

Last updated on: 03.01.13