Imparting lessons from the past, historians endeavoured to present standards for man’s actions. As mentioned in the Qur’an (11: 100, 120), the histories of the prophets and nations and the exposition of the factors leading to the rise and decline of nations urge man to take lessons and tread the path towards guidance. Abu ‘Ali Miskawayh entitled his work ‘Experience of Nations’. Ibn al-Athir maintained that historical knowledge may foster human intellect and provide him with further stamina to face vicissitudes and urge rulers to administer justice in an unstable world.