Al-Maqrizi vs Al-Suyuti

Al-Maqrizi was appointed muhtasib, responsible for regulating markets, weights, measures, and public morals in Cairo. This position gave him insight into economic conditions and corruption, which he later criticized in his writings.

Al-Maqrizi wrote a treatise on the famines and plagues that struck Egypt in the early 15th century, analyzing their causes including government corruption, currency debasement, and agricultural decline. He blamed Mamluk policies for the suffering.

Al-Maqrizi resigned as chief judge of the Maliki school in Cairo, citing corruption and interference by Mamluk officials. This act reflected his principled stance and disillusionment with the political establishment.

Al-Maqrizi completed his monumental topographical history of Cairo and Egypt, detailing the city's districts, mosques, markets, and monuments. The work includes economic and social history, documenting the decline of the Mamluk state.

Al-Maqrizi compiled a chronicle of the Mamluk sultanate from 1250 to 1440, focusing on political events, plagues, famines, and monetary crises. The work is a primary source for the decline of the Mamluk state in the 15th century.

Al-Suyuti completed a comprehensive encyclopedia of Quranic sciences, covering exegesis, abrogation, and textual criticism. The work systematized the field and became a standard textbook in Islamic seminaries.

Al-Suyuti declared himself the mujaddid (renewer of religion) for the 9th century AH, based on a hadith that a renewer would appear at the turn of each century. This claim was controversial and criticized by some contemporaries.

Al-Suyuti compiled a history of the caliphs from Abu Bakr to the Abbasid caliphs of his time. The work includes biographical entries and political events, focusing on the legitimacy of the caliphate.

Al-Suyuti compiled a work on the miracles and virtues of the Prophet Muhammad, collecting hadiths and stories about his life. The book became popular among Sufi circles for its devotional content.

Al-Suyuti refused an invitation from the Mamluk sultan to teach at the newly built madrasa, citing his desire for independence. He retreated to his home on Rawda Island, focusing on writing until his death.