Ibn Abi al-Hadid

Abu Hamid Abd al-Hamid ibn Hibat Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Abi al-Hadid al-Mada'ini was a Mu'tazili scholar, poet, and administrator under the Abbasid Caliph al-Nasir li-Din Allah. He is best known for his Sharh Nahj al-Balaghah, a 20-volume literary, historical, and philosophical commentary on the Nahj al-Balaghah (collection of speeches and letters attributed to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib). Though from a Mu'tazili perspective, it contains valuable historical and literary analysis. He died in Baghdad in 656 AH, the same year as the Mongol sack. Note: His Mu'tazili methodology means his theological conclusions should be evaluated carefully.