In Al–Fihrist ...

In Al–Fihrist , Ibn al–Nadim says “The family of Nuwbakht are known for their loyalty to Ali and his descendants.” It is reported in Riyad al–Ulama that the Nawbakhtis were a well–known group among the Shi’ah theologians. Nawbakht himself was a Persian who was learned in the sciences of the predecessors. When he grew too frail to continue in the company of al–Mansur, his son, Abu Sahl replaced him. The latter fathered al–Fadl ibn Abi Sahl ibn Nawbakht who took the lead in learning and culture.

Some eminent personalities among our companions had this to say about him: “He was the philosopher and theologian who was steeped in divine wisdom and an authority on ancient sciences. He translated from Persian to Arabic many works of illuminationist philosophy written by the Pahlavi predecessors. He also wrote about the types of wisdom (philosophy), and Kitab fi…