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Current Research Journal of History 
Published: December 15, 2020 | Pages: 10-14 

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/crjh/Volume01Issue01-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

This article deals with the historical, philosophical and didactic work of the famous Khorezm scholar 
Makhmud Zamakhshari, “Rabi' al-Abrar” written in Arabic and the issues raised in it. This work is one 
of the great works of Makhmud Zamakhshari and is dedicated to various issues encountered in 
society. In particular, the work contains information about religious, social, political, medical, and 
natural and wildlife and geographical locations and different regions. This article tells about the 
descriptions of famous people about the cities of Khorezm and Samarkand in Central Asia. 

 

 

KEYWORDS  

Ilm al-muhadarat, society, “Rabi' al-Abrar”, hadith, quotation, four gardens in the world, bozinj, 
paradise. 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
The importance of works that have a long 
history in human society, reflect the nature 
and the past of society at a certain stage, the 
dynasties that ruled in different periods, the 
socio-political, economic and cultural relations 
in society. Such works, first of all, give us 
information and lessons from history, and 

secondly, the various events and social issues 
described in the works encourage people to 
be creative and strive for the future in the 
image of universal values and high spirituality. 
We must emphasize the importance of 
historical, literary and didactic works, 
especially in the coverage of social and 

Depiction Of The Cities Khorezm And Samarkand In The Work Of “Rabi' Al-

Abrar” 
 

Laziz Abdivali ugli Turaev 
PhD student 

Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies 

Uzbekistan, Tashkent city, Uzbekistan 

 



Current Research Journal of History, Volume 01 Issue 01-2020 11 

 

  
 

Current Research Journal of History 
Published: December 15, 2020 | Pages: 10-14 

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/crjh/Volume01Issue01-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

cultural life in history. Because all the issues 
rose in such works are aimed at the 
development of every society, the well-being, 
peace and prosperity of people. One such 
work is “Rabi' al-Abrar” (The Spring of the 
Good). 

THE MAIN FINDING AND RESULTS 

“Rabi' al-Abrar” belongs to the great thinker 
and scholar Makhmud Zamakhshari. 
Makhmud Zamakhshari wrote works not only 
on linguistics, lexicography and theology, but 
also on historical, didactic, moral and social 
issues. His work “Rabi' al-Abrar” is devoted to 
such issues. The scholar wrote this work in 528 
AH, after completing his famous work, Al-
Kashshaf. We can learn the purpose of the 
work and its significance from the 
introduction to the work. 

“I aim to gather the memories of the readers 
of “Al-Kashshaaf 'an Haqa'iq at-Tanzil” and to 
soothe their weary minds and comfort their 
hearts as they reflect on the intricacies and 
mysteries of the commentary. For those who 
find it difficult to read Al-Kashshaf, I have 
created for them a garden rich in flowers and 
fruits, and from this garden1 those who wish 
to eat sweet fruits will enjoy the juice, others 
who wish to enjoy the scent of beautiful 
flowers, and those who wish to enjoy the 
beautiful scenery, the ears enjoy the murmur 
of the lush waters of the garden. Those who 
read the work will be free from any assembly 
and will not have to learn anything else. 
Whoever seeks wealth and knowledge should 
read this book, then he will have much. He 
who despises himself will increase his self-
esteem and become beautiful. If something 
wills in a wish, that wish will come true. 
Anyone looking for information will be a 
messenger of this work. In it you will read 
ghazals and poems about the friendship of 
Malik and Uqail and Kusair Azza and Jamil ibn 
Abdullah ibn Muammar. If you want sadness, 

                                                             
1 Makhmud Zamakhshari likens “Rabi' al-Abrar” to a beautiful 

garden 

that is, if you want to relax, you will find 
tearful messages, sermons, if you want to be 
happy, if you want to laugh, you will find 
funny news-anecdotes. Whoever is close to 
him will not be in need, and whoever is friends 
with him will not need another friend”, said 
Makhmud Zamakhshari in the introduction to 
his work. [1, p.1b] 

In compiling the book, Makhmud Zamakhshari 
first read the hadiths of the Prophet (peace 
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on the 
subject, then the words of the Companions, 
then the sayings of the followers and the 
Arabs and Russians, the sayings of the 
ascetics, the ascetics, the sages and the poets, 
had brought. He also quoted the words of the 
prophets and others from the Children of 
Israel. He also quoted news and stories about 
the history of the Arabs, their kings, caliphs, 
emirs, governors, singers and poets. The 
scholar quoted from the best of the messages 
so that those who were aware of these 
messages would be moral and polite. The 
method of classifying a work using such 
quotations is “Ilm al-muhadarat”2, one of the 
twelve sciences in Arabic literature. 

In his work, Makhmud Zamakhshari draws on 
the history, culture, values of the Arab, 
Persian, Greek and Indian peoples, as well as 
the hadiths of the prophets, famous people in 
the fields of science and religion, caliphs, 
kings, commanders, scholars, sages, poets 
and singers, made effective use of his 
narrations and poems. The work also includes 
conversations between kings and ministers, 
major cities of Arab and non-Arab peoples, 
various legends, myths, historical events. 

In the play, the author gives information 
about the history, climate and culture of 
different countries and cities belonging to 
Muhammad (s.a.v.), caliphs, historians-
scholars and sages. Including Mecca, Medina, 
Tibet, Sin (China), Ruha (Odessa), Silhun, 
Baghdad, Basra, Kufa, Gur (Kura Ardasher, 

                                                             
2 Ilm al-muhadarat-quotation art, science of lectures. 



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Current Research Journal of History 
Published: December 15, 2020 | Pages: 10-14 

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/crjh/Volume01Issue01-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Firozabad), Balkh, Ahvaz, Khorasan, Sham 
(Damascus), Nishapur, Sano, Khorezm and 
gives information about ancient cities such as 
Samarkand, descriptions of them. Below are 
the descriptions given in the play about 
Samarkand and Khorezm regions, which are 
today the regions of the Republic of 
Uzbekistan. 

وشادر أصل موجود، وقد يصعدون الشعر للن

ويدبرونه حتى يستحكم استحكام النوشادر وال يغادر شيئا من 

 [p.111 ,2] عمله، وهو من خصائص سمرقند

  Ammonia is an available chemical 
element, when the smell is noticeable and 
when the ammonia is fully dispersed into the 
air, the peculiar pungent odor can be clearly 
felt, then it dissipates as fast as if nothing had 
happened, which is one of the peculiarities of 
Samarkand.  

الملح الكشي من خصائص سعد سمرقند، يكون أحمر، فإذا دق 

  [p.118 ,2] كان أشد بياضا من غيره

The color of Kesh3 salt is red, but when 
crushed it turns white, which is one of the 
peculiarities of Samarkand Sogdiana. 

ر األبلة، وشعب بوان، نهو غوطة دمشق،: جنان الدنيا أربع

 [p.205 ,2] وسعد سمرقند

There are four gardens-paradises in 
the world: Damascus’s Ghuta Valley4, Al-Ubilla 
Oasis5, the people of Bawan6, and Samarkand 
Sugdi. 

سمرقند : وما هما؟ قال: ما فعل الجناحان؟ قيل: الحسن قال

إلسالم، وما داما حصن اإلسالموخوارزم، هما جناحا ا  [2, 
p.272] 

Al-Hasan said, “What do the two wings 
do?” people asked him, “What are two wings? 
Al-Hasan said, “They are Samarkand and 

                                                             
3 The name of one of the ancient cities 

4 The Guta Valley in Damascus is famous for its fertile land and 

quality water 

5 A small town to the west of the Tigris River in Basra 

6 The people of Bavan are one of the most beautiful gardens in the 

world; it is located near the city of Bavon with many trees and 

water 

Khorezm. They are the two wings of Islam. So 
that both of them are the strongholds of 
Islam. 

أسسها أفراسياب، وبنى بعضها كيخسرو وأتمها : مرو

االسكندر، وسمرقند أسسها كيكاوس بن قباذ وفرغ منها ابنه 

 [p.294 ,2] سياوخش

 

Mero: Afrasiab founded and some 
places were built by Kaykhusraw, Alexander 
completed it. The foundation of Samarkand 
was laid by Kaykavus ibn Kubad, and his son 
Siyavush also completed the rest of the 
construction. 

حمل البازنج من خوارزم إلى مرو للمأمون على البريد، 

فأستطابه جدًا، واشتهى أن يجتنيه غًضا من منابته، فتقدم بحمل 

ا، فأمر بنقل التراب على الجمال من بهبرزه إلى مرو ليزرع 
ل الماء من جيحون، فلم يأت كما ظن، فعلم أن خوارزم، ثم يحم

 [p.227 ,2] الطيب من قبل الهواء

For Ma'mun, camels were brought to 
Marv from Khorezm from Khorezm to 
cultivate a seed of watermelon called bozinj. 
Then water was brought from the river Jaihun. 
But the result was not as expected. He 
realized that the weather in Khorezm was 
necessary for watermelon to be good and 
sweet. 

ا نهإ: كتب الحجاج إلى قتيبة بالعود إلى خوارزم، فقال

   [p.272 ,2] شديدة الكلب، قليلة السلب

Asking Hajjoj Qutayba to return to 
Khorezm, he wrote: “Demand is high in 
Khorezm and looting will be less”. 

طوبى لمن بات ليلة : قال رسول هللا ملسو هيلع هللا ىلص: أبو هريرة

وطبى لمن وقع عليه غبار خوارزم، وطوبى بمن . في خوارزم

 [p.289 ,2] صلى ركعتين في خوارزم

Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased 
with him) narrated that the Messenger of 
Allah (May peace be upon him) said: It is 
blessed to spend a night in Khorezm. Whoever 
prays two rak'ahs in Khorezm is happy”. 

ر نهمدينة بالمشرق يقال لها خوارزم، على شاطئ : عن الحسن

تلكيقال له جيحون، ملعون الجانبين، أال وأن   



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Current Research Journal of History 
Published: December 15, 2020 | Pages: 10-14 

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/crjh/Volume01Issue01-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

دي تهدي إلى الجنة كما تهالمدينة محفوفة مكفوفة بالمالئكة، 

اتهالعروس إلى بيت زوجها، يبعث هللا من مقبر  

 [p.289 ,2] مائة ألف شهيد، كل شهيد منهم يعدل شهيد بدر

Al-Hasan said, “There is a city in the east. It is 
called Khorezm. It is located on the banks of a 
river called Jayhun, which is said to be cursed 
on both sides. Be careful! The city is 
surrounded by angels, and the bride is led to 
heaven as she is led to the bridegroom's 
house. Allah will resurrect a hundred thousand 
martyrs from their graves there. Each of them 
is equal to the martyr of Badr”. 

مدينة بخراسان يقال لها خوارزم، ما : وعن مكحول

 داموا كفاًرا فالمسلمون منهم في شدة وتعب، فإذا

أسلموا كانوا جناًحا من أجمحة المسلمين، وترسا من 

 [p.289 ,2] ترستهم

Makhul7: There is a city in Khorasan called 
Khorezm, its inhabitants are infidels and its 
Muslims are in trouble and persecution. If they 
embrace Islam, they will be a wing and a shield 
for the Muslims. 

فيصير أنه سأل رج ً ال من أهل : وعن ابن عمر
الرجل منا يغسل وجهه، الماء خوارزم عن بالده، فوصف له أن 

بشر تلك الوجوه بالجنة: على وجهه ثلًحا، فقال  [2, p.290] 

Ibn 'Umar asked a man from Khorezm about 
his country. He said, "If a man from our 
country washes his face with water, the water 
will freeze on his face." Ibn 'Umar said to him, 
"Give those faces the prophecy of Paradise." 

ولخوارزم فضائل ال : وقد عدد ابن سمقة الكاتب فضائلها فقال

يوجد مثلها في سائر األقطار وخصال محمودة ال تتفق في 

غيرها من األمصار هي ثغر من ثغور اإلسالم، قد اكتنفها أهل 

م دائم، والقتال ا قبائل الترك، فغزو أهلها معهبهالشرك، وأطافت 
م، وأمضوا فيه تهفيما بينهم قائم، قد أخلصوا في ذلك بيا

م، وقد تكفل هللا بنصرهم في عامة األوقات، زمنحهم تهطويا

الغلبة في كافة الوقعات، ثم حصنها هللا بجيحون، بواد عسير 
المعبر يعيد المسالك، غزير الماء كثير المهالك، فال يتوغلها 

ته، وال يسلك منافذها سالك إال كان على متوغل إال خاطر بمهج

يأس من سالمته؛ وأهلها أهل بسالة، وقلوب جرية، ونفوس أبية؛ 

قد فشا عنهم ذلك فجبن العدو عن مكحافحتهم، وفشل عن 
مناوشتهم، وفيهم الرمي بالنشاب ال تخطئهم إصابة، وال تكاد 

تسقط ألحد منهم نشابة، مع استقاللهم بأنواع السالح، من 

                                                             
7 He is a jurist and hadith scholar 

يوف والرماح؛ ولهم السداد والديانة، وعندهم الوفاء واألمانة، الس

م في أصناف الخير ظاهر، تهوضمائرهم نقية طاهرة، ورغبا
ودينهم محبة األخيار، ومقت األشرار، واألحسان إلى الغرباء، 

والتعطف على الضعفاء؛ وخصائص آخر ال تسقصى، وال تعد 

روقة والخيل وال تحصى؛ ومما اختصت به أنواع الرقيق ال

الهميج الفرهة، وضروب الضواري من البزارة والصقور، 
وأجناس الوبر وألوان الثياب؛ وثمارها أطيب الثمار وأشهاها، 

وألذها وأحالها، وأمرأها وأنماها في األبدان؛ وهواؤها أصح 

هواء، وماؤها أعذب ماء، ألنه يجري من عيون عذبة، على 
ال يوجد مثله إال في الجنةطيبه؛ وناهيك ببطيخها الذي   ترب  
[2, p.290] 
 The writer Ibn Samaqa, enumerating his 
(Khorezm) virtues, says: Khorezm, for 
example, has qualities that are not found in all 
countries, and praiseworthy qualities that are 
not found in other cities. It is one of the 
leading cities in the Islamic world. 

Allah Himself guaranteed to help them at all 
times, always rewarding them with victory. 
Then Allah fortified Khorezm with Jayhun and 
the valley that restored the roads, with the 
abundant water that was dangerous. The 
people of Khorezm are a brave people. They 
have a fearless heart and a proud instinct. 
These rumors about Khorezmians are 
widespread, so the enemy is afraid to fight 
them. Another reason they lose when they 
collide is that there are sniper archers who 
don’t make mistakes even if they get injured. 
None of them had a bow in their hands. They 
also mastered the use of swords and spears. 

They have honesty, piety and fidelity to the 
trust. Their consciences are clear and pure, 
their motivation to do good is evident. Their 
religion is to love the good, to hate the bad, 
and to give alms to the poor and kindness to 
the weak. You can't list other features. It is 
preferred by its various bright ways, flying 
horses, wild, wild falcons, types of fur, and 
color of clothing. The fruits are the best and 
most appetizing, delicious and sweet. They 
are the most useful and powerful fruits for the 
body. The air is the best, and the water is the 
most delicious, because it flows from delicious 
springs on clean soil. Not to mention the 
Khorezm watermelons, in which are found 
only in heaven. 



Current Research Journal of History, Volume 01 Issue 01-2020 14 

 

  
 

Current Research Journal of History 
Published: December 15, 2020 | Pages: 10-14 

Doi: https://doi.org/10.37547/crjh/Volume01Issue01-3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

CONCLUSION 

In his work, Makhmud Zamakhshari 
considered Khorezm, one of the most ancient 
countries, where he was born, and 
Samarkand, which had a high culture in the 
Middle Ages. Firouzabad), Balkh, Ahvaz, 
Khorasan, Damascus (Damascus), Nishapur, 
Sana'a, and the fact that he included 
information about them in his work testifies to 
Makhmud Zamakhshari's love for his 
homeland and his devotion to the country. 

The work “Rabi' al-Abrar” serves as an 
important source of information about the 
descriptions of our cities by world-famous 
people, the climate and qualities of Khorezm 
and Samarkand. 

This work was written in Arabic in the Middle 
Ages by historians and geographers such as 
Ibn Rusta, Al-Yaqubi, Abubakr al-Balazuri, Ibn 
Khordabeh, Tabari, Ibn Fadlan, Abu Rayhan 
Beruni, Al-Istakhri and Al-Maqdisi, who gave 
information about Khorezm and other 
regions, can be included in the list of works. 

REFERENCES 

1. Abu al-Qasim Maḥmud ibn Umar al-
Zamakhshari (1588). Rabi 'ul-abrar va 
nusus ul-akhbar. Manuscript. The main 
fund of the Institute of Oriental Studies 
of the Academy of Sciences of 
Uzbekistan. Inventory No. 2384. 

2. Abdul Amır Muhanna (1992). Abu al-
Qasim Makḥmud ibn Umar al-
Zamakhshari. “Rabi' ul-abrar wa-nus us  al-
akhbar”. V.1-5. – Bayrut. Mu'assasat al-
A'lami lil-Maṭbu'at. 

 


