Shudhūr al-ʿuqūd fī dhikr al-nuqūd

Shudhūr al-ʿuqūd fī dhikr al-nuqūd is a treatise on monetary policy and coinage written by Egyptian scholar Al-Maqrizi in the early 15th century. The text examines the history of currency and monetary systems in Islamic Egypt from the time of the Prophet Muhammad through the Mamluk period. The work presents a detailed analysis of various coins used throughout Islamic history, including the dinar, dirham, and fulus. Al-Maqrizi documents changes in currency values, minting practices, and the economic effects of monetary decisions by different rulers. Through his examination of monetary policy, Al-Maqrizi chronicles periods of inflation, currency debasement, and economic instability in medieval Egypt. The text includes specific examples and case studies of monetary reforms and their impacts on society. The treatise stands as an important historical source on Islamic economic thought and monetary theory. Its arguments about the relationship between currency stability and social welfare continue to influence discussions of monetary policy in the Islamic world.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Al-Maqrizi's overall work: Online reviews and discussions of Al-Maqrizi's works focus primarily on his historical writings and economic analysis. Readers value: - Detailed firsthand observations of medieval Cairo - Clear explanations of complex monetary policies - Integration of social, economic and political analysis - Documentation of ordinary people's lives during crises - Methodical use of primary sources Common criticisms: - Dense writing style can be difficult to follow - Limited English translations available - Some passages require extensive historical context - Original manuscripts challenging to access Review data is limited since many works remain untranslated. On Goodreads, his economic treatise on famines and monetary policy averages 4.1/5 stars (42 ratings). Academic reviewers frequently cite his "systematic approach to historical documentation" and "valuable insights into Mamluk administration." Note: Most online discussion appears in academic contexts rather than general reader reviews.

Kitab al-Nuqud by Ibn Baṭṭūṭa A medieval Islamic treatise on currency systems, monetary policy, and economic practices across various Islamic territories.

Money in Classical Islam by Michael L. Bates This work examines the development of Islamic monetary systems from the 7th to 12th centuries with focus on coinage and economic institutions.

Monetary History of Egypt by Jere L. Bacharach A comprehensive study of Egyptian currency from the Islamic conquest through the Mamluk period with analysis of economic crises and reforms.

Trade and Commerce in Islamic History by S.M. Imamuddin The book explores Islamic economic systems, monetary exchanges, and trade relations across medieval Muslim territories and beyond.

The Monetary System of Egypt by Warren C. Schultz A detailed examination of Egyptian monetary practices, currency debasement, and financial administration during the Mamluk period.

🌟 Al-Maqrizi wrote this treatise on money in 1415 CE amid a severe monetary crisis in Egypt, making it one of the earliest comprehensive works on monetary policy and inflation. 💰 The book documents how the replacement of gold and silver coins with copper ones led to economic chaos in medieval Egypt, providing valuable insights into historical monetary systems. 📚 Despite being written over 600 years ago, the text accurately describes concepts like Gresham's Law (bad money drives out good) centuries before they were formally recognized in Western economics. 🏰 Al-Maqrizi served as a market inspector (muhtasib) in Cairo, giving him firsthand experience with the economic problems he describes in the book, including currency devaluation and price manipulation. 🌍 The book's detailed analysis of Egypt's currency crisis influenced later Islamic economic thought and continues to be studied by modern economists examining historical patterns of inflation and monetary policy.