Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Ankara Universitesi Ilahiyat Fakultesi Dergisi, cilt.66, sa.1, ss.507-521, 2025 (Scopus)
Addās of Nineveh, primarily recognized for his status as a slave, emerges as a noteworthy figure in the earliest sīra sources concerning the Prophet Muhammad, particularly during the period when the Prophet was compelled to depart from Ṭāif. Although information about him predominantly centers on the Ṭāif incident, his background as one of Ahl al-Kitāb has given rise to various assertions. Furthermore, the fact that Addās, as an individual knowledgeable in the tradition of Ahl al-Kitāb, was among the first whose counsel was sought by Khadīja regarding the initial revelation to the Prophet, and his subsequent embrace of faith in the Prophet, constitutes a significant event. This underscores his importance within Islamic history, potentially meriting independent scholarly investigation. His explanations, particularly concerning the initial revelation, indicate that he was a knowledgeable individual, much like Waraqa ibn Nawfal (d. 610[?]). The objective of this research note can be encapsulated in the following question: Is it feasible to construct a historical portrait of an individual of slave origin, not hailing from the Ḥijāz region nor part of the Prophet’s immediate entourage, yet known to have accepted his prophethood? This inquiry is addressed through a thematically focused discussion centered on Addās’s historical persona within the corpus of Islamic historical sources. Consequently, this study endeavors to holistically examine Addās’s origins, his role concerning the initial revelation, his recognition within Meccan society, his standing vis-à-vis the polytheists, his conversion to Islam in Ṭāif, and finally, the narrations pertaining to his death, in an effort to ascertain his probable historical context and significance.