The original Arabic text is massive, spanning roughly 80 volumes in modern printings. The work meticulously documents the lives of the notable men and women who lived in or visited Damascus, from the time of the Companions of the Prophet (Sahaba) up to the author's own time. It covers scholars, rulers, saints, poets, and judges, providing a comprehensive socio-political and religious tapestry of one of Islam’s holiest cities.
The work was begun in 1134 CE and completed under the patronage of the famous ruler Nur al-Din. It serves as a vast encyclopedia covering: