Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi: The First Matn’ of the Hanbali Madhab

This post will be a concise book review regarding the first matn’ [text] in the Madhab of Imam Ahmad. I had a drive to write about this particular book because my search to find a copy of this matn’ has finally come to an end after five years!!! That’s right, I have finally managed to purchase a copy of this rare book! Al-Hamdulilah! It is very interesting to note, the publishers of this book is called: “Daar An-Nawaadir”. The word “nawaadir” is from the verb nadhar’ yanduru’ which means, “to be rare” and “to be uncommon”, – and the word “nawaadir” is the plural of “naadira” which means, “rarity” or “rare thing” – so publishers were certainly accurate about their claim, as this book took me almost five years to locate and purchase!

The Author:

He was Abul Qasim Umar ibn Ali al-Husayn bin Abdullah bin Ahmad al-Khiraqi [d.299 AH] He was a prominent Hanbali jurist from Bagdad. He was first guided to Hanbali School by his father and Al-Khiraqi knew the two son of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: Abdullah and Saalih. Al-Khiraqi’s father was very closely associated with companions of Ahmad, and he mostly associated himself with the very close companion of Ahmad: Abu Bakr al-Marwadhi [d.275 AH]. Al-Khiraqi studied under Abu Bakr al-Marwadhi, Harb al-Kirmani and two sons of Ahmad: Abdullah and Saalih. He was also a pupil of Abu Bark al-Khallah (d.311 AH).

The Book:

The Mukhtasar is a comprehensive treatise covering the whole range of legal issues. The treatise at hand is known as Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi as well as Al-Mukhtasar fee al-Fiqh. As mentioned before, it is first book that was written for the Madhab of Ahmad. It is book in fiqh [Islamic jurisprudence]. Al-Khiraqi is the one who summarised the responsa of Imam Ahmad into a book form.

As per normal, as it is a fiqh book it has been written in masaa’il format, with hardly any quotation from the Qur’an and the Sunnah. This shows us that this method of teaching fiqh through masaa’il has existed for a very long time, and it is not something new. It also shows us that a student in his initial stage in seeking knowledge should not study fiqh via hadith primarily. Secondly, a beginner should cease from requesting for evidences at every single issue and should have a certain degree of trust upon his teacher/sheikh. The student should gradually build himself in this way and understand the masaa’il through evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah. Studying fiqh through hadith come at later stage.

The book itself has been divided into sub-books [kitaab] and then the sub-books have been divided into sub-chapters [baab], containing the different issues. I can’t confirm if the author actually divided the book in this way, but what is apparent from the pictures of the manuscripts – it seems so. The book contains two thousand and three hundred masaa’il according to Abu Ishaaq.

All the books in fiqh, such as al-mutoon, as-shrooh, al-hawaashe, al-mukhtasaaraat from the Madhab until now is one way or another way related to this book! Subhan-Allah!

Ibn al-Bannaah said in the introduction of his explanation of Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi:

“Some of our sheikhs used to say: ‘There are three mukhtasaaraat in three subjects that I have not come across the likes of: al-Faseh’ by Thalab, al-Lumah’ by Ibn Jinney and al-Mukhtasar by al-Khiraqi, no one who engages himself with these [books] and understands them as they should be understood, will succeed and surpass.”’

Al-Haafid Al-Deyaah’ said:

“I saw Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal in a dream. He dictated to me an issue in fiqh. So I said: ‘This is in Al-Khiraqi.’ And then he (Imam Ahmad) said: ‘Your companion, al-Muwaffaq did not fall short in his explanation of Al-Khiraqi.”’

From these narrations we understand the position and the status of this book in the Madhab of Ahmad.

The Commentaries:

This matn’ has had many commentaries attached to it, in fact it is the most commented upon matn’ in the Madhab of Ahmad. According to Yusuf ibn Abdil-Hadi [d.909 AH], there were three hundred commentaries of Al-Khiraqi available during his time. Sheikh Bakr Abu Zayd [d.1429 AH] listed twenty eight commentaries of Al-Khiraqi in his Madkhal. As we can see that this book has been heavily commented upon, Insha-Allah as a sign of its acceptance.

The first commentary of the book was by the author himself, Al-Khiraqi. So, he was the first person to author a book in fiqh for the Madhab and the first person to comment upon it also! This unfortunately has not reached us. I have only come across only three commentaries, which are available in print:

The First: Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudamah [d.620 AD]. Without any doubt, the greatest of the commentaries is Al-Mughni; it has been praised by Hanbali and non-Hanbali scholars alike. The Shafi`i mujtahid Imam Al-Izz bin `Abdus-Salam held back from giving verdicts until obtaining a copy of Al-Mughni. Al-Mughni builds on the previous works of Ibn Qadamah [i.e. Al-Umdah’, Al-Muqni and al-Kaafi’] by adding opinions from the other Madhabs from the Companions and early Imams whether it is still followed or extinct. Also, he brings in the opinions within the Mathab with a particular emphasis on what is transmitted from the Imam (Ahmad). The evidence for all of these various positions are included, and then a defence of the predominant position in Ibn Qudamah’s opinion. The book is also full of minute branch issues.

The Second: Al-Wadih by Abdur-Rahman ibn Umar ibn Abul-Qasim al-Basri [d.684 AH]. This is available in three volumes, and it has been completed.

The Third: Sharh’ al-Zarkashi ala al-Khiraqi by Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Zarkashi al-Misri [d.772 AH]. This is available in five volumes. The author actually authored two commentaries upon the book; the first being a detailed commentary and the second being an abridged version. He was not able to complete the abridged version, but this was completed by a later scholar from the Hanbali School.

Al-Hamdulilah! With this we have completed the brief book review of Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi. Until the next post: As-Salamu’aliykum wa-Rahmatullah wa-barkaatuh.

Abu Siyaam

Classes on ‘Asmaa wa as-Sifaat: Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad

Al-Hamdulilah a fresh new class on the Names and Attributes of Allah (SWT) will be starting in South London. The book that will be studied is called Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad and it was written by great scholar Ibn Qudamah [d.620AH].

• About the Book: Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad

This book has been translated in English as, ‘The Radiance of Faith’ and ‘The Sufficiency in Creed’.

Ibn al-Uthaymeen said, in explaining the title: ‘The word lum’ah occurs in the Arabic language with many meaning, one of which is ‘sufficiency in livelihood’. This meaning is the most appropriate one with regard to the subject of this book. Therefore the meaning of Lum’at ul-‘Itiqaad here refers to having sufficiency in correct belief, which is according with the way of the predecessors, may Allah be pleased with them. What is meant by the term ‘Itiqaad is the rational conviction that one is determined on. So if it confirms to the reality then it is correct and if it is not then it is corrupt [i.e. false].’

This book is one of the great classic and scholarly works concerning the Belief and Creed of a Muslim. It outlines fundamental principles and precepts for every Muslim to have knowledge of. Ibn Qudamah lists ninety-five points on various topics of the Islamic Aqeedah. These points include discussions on Allah’s Names and Attributes, the conditions of mankind on the Day of Judgement etc. The author of this discussion on Creed has talked at great length of following the way of the Salaf and the scholars of Hadith in regard to this issue. Thus you will see that he has filled his book with Qur’anic verses, reports from the Hadith, statements of the Companions and sayings of the righteous scholars.

Regarding this book Ibn al-Uthaymeen said: ‘In this book, the author (ra) gathered together the main points of the Islamic Aqeedah. For this reason, the Board of Educational Institutes assigned this book to be studied and taught during the second semester of the first year of study, so that it may serve as a pillar upon which one can establish his Aqeedah at this stage.’

• About the author

Ibn Qudamah was a possessor of an upright and correct Aqeedah, being an honourable and pious worshipper of Allah (SWT), and following the regulations laid down by the Salaf. He was a leader in with regard to knowledge and action. And this pure Aqeedah [of his] produced an overwhelming effect for him in his life, such that it was said about him: “Whoever sees him, then it is as if he has seen on of the Companions.” The one who said this was Ibn al-Jawzee. Refer to my previous post regarding Ibn Qudamah. I will quote some of the statements of Scholars about him to show some of his virtues:

Abu ‘Amr Ibn As-Salaah said: “I have not seen the likes of Sheikh Al-Muwaffaq.”

Ibn Taymiyyah said: “No one possessing more understanding of the Religion entered Shaam, after Al-Awzaa’ee, other than Sheikh Al-Muwaffaq.”

Al-Mundhiree said: “He was a faqeeh, the Imaam. He narrated hadith in Damascus, issued fataawaa and taught classes. He authored many books, both short and long, on the subject of fiqh, as well as other subjects.”

Ad-Dhahabee said: “He was one of the eminent Imaams and an author of many books.”

Ibn Katheer said: “He was the Sheikh ul-Islam, an Imaam, a scholar, outstandingly proficient. There was not found in his era nor before it by a long span of time, anyone possessing more [understanding] fiqh than him.”

• Explanation of the book

Sheikh Muhammad bin Saalih al-Uthaymeen [d.1421AH] did an excellent explanation of this masterpiece. It has been translated in English but I am not sure if it is out of publication but I will give the details of it anyway.

The Explanation of Sufficiency in Creed by Ibn al-Uthaymeen and published by Al-Manhaj Publication.

• Time, Venue and Teacher
  

Every Wednesday, 8.15 pm [after Isha prayer]

Morden Islamic Centre, 2a Crown Lane, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5BL

Ustadh Nabeel Shahzad Ul-Haq; He has studied at the Islamic University of Madinah. He was awarded a BA in Shari'ah followed by an MA in Aqeedah.

For further information please contact Brother Shahid on 07939 297 812. And this class is open to bothers and sisters.

Enjoy!

A New Circle!

A new circle of knowledge will be starting in central London and it is totally free! It will be a class on Aqeedah’. I will give a very brief review on the subject topic, the book that will be studied and about its author Insah-Allah.

• Thalaathatul-Usool

This is very concise book about Tawheed al-‘Ibaadah. So what is this term tawheed?

Literally tawheed means ‘unification’ [making something one] and it comes from the Arabic verb wahhadah which itself means to unite, unify or consolidate. When the term tawheed is used in reference to Allah (SWT): It is the belief that Allah (SWT) is One, without partner in His dominion – this is Tawheed ar-Ruboobeeyah. Allah (SWT) is One, without similitude in His Essence and Attributes – this is Tawheed al-Asmaa’ was-Sifaat. And that Allah (SWT) is One, without rival in His divinity and worship and this is known as Tawheed al-Ulooheeyah or Tawheed al-Ibaadah. So true tawheed is the belief in the Oneness of Allah (SWT), His Oneness in His Essence and Attributes and worshipping Him alone with no partner or associate. The science of tawheed has been traditionally divided in this way – the three overlap and are inseparable. The omission of any of the above mentioned aspects of tawheed is referred to as shirk; the association of partners with Allah (SWT).

As this book is about Tawheed al-Ulooheeyah or Tawheed al-Ibaadah – let us speak a little more on this. Allah (SWT) said: “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except for My worship.” (51:56). Indeed Allah (SWT) did not create us in vain but created us for a noble purpose and a noble aim, which is to worship Him. To fulfil this worship Allah (SWT) has sent Prophets, Messengers and Books over and over again, Allah (SWT) said: “Verily, We have sent to every nation a messenger [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false gods.” (16:36). Many times we find in the Qur’an that Allah (SWT) has told us to worship Him and not commit shirk.

Tawheed al-Ulooheeyah necessitates the denial of all forms worship to other than Allah (SWT). All forms of worship must be directed to only to Allah (SWT) because He alone deserves worship. Worship [ibaadah] is a word which covers all words and actions, inward and outward, that Allah (SWT) loves and is pleased with.

The book Thalaathatul-Usool deals with this aspect of tawheed. It was written by Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab [d.1207 AH]. This is the first book a student of knowledge would study in this field of tawheed – then followed by al-Qawaaid al-Arb’ah, then Kashf ush-Shubuhaat and finally Kitaab ut-Tawheed as mentioned by Sheikh Bakr Abu Zayd (rh). All these books were written by Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab and they all concentrate on Tawheed al-Ulooheeyah.

• Sheikh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab

The Sheikh was born in the town of ‘Unayzah in the year 1115 AH in a household known for knowledge, nobility and attachment to the religion. He himself memorized the Qur’an before reaching the age of ten and studied fiqh of which he learnt a great deal. He sought knowledge day and night and he used to memorize the books of the various branches of Islamic knowledge. He was granted deep understanding and a very high degree of intelligence by Allah (SWT) and he devoted his time to research, study and writing. He travelled through out Najd and to Makkah and studied the books of knowledge with the scholars. Then he travelled to Medina and studied under the scholars there.

He was a leading Hanbali jurist and a theologian of Najd; more notably remembered as the pioneer of the revivalist movement which began in the Arabian Peninsula, and continued to influence various Islamic movements until today.

Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab was living in a situation much like the Prophet (pbuh) himself, wherein most of the people were dedicated to acts of ignorance and idolatry and only a small number of people were still dedicated to the true religion of their ancestor Abraham. Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab wanted to take the people back to the knowledge of Allah and to keep them from the greatest thing that Allah had prohibited, shirk. Ibn Abdul-Wahhaab could not remain quiet in such a setting. His knowledge and his faith drove him to act. It drove him to try to save those poor people who were following the devil and their desires.

He died in the year 1206 AH. May Allah (SWT) have mercy on him.This is a very brief biography of the Sheikh, however Sheikh Jamaal al-Zarabozo has witter a three hundred and eighty-eight page biography on the Sheikh, which is available in English; “The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab” published by ‘The Ministry of Islamic Affairs.’

The Sheikh wrote Thalaathatul-Usool in order to convey to every Muslim that which is obligatory upon him to know – in fact the ‘three principles’ [Thalaathatul-Usool] are based on the three questions that will be asked in our graves.

• Explanations of this Book

Many explanations of this precious book has been done, I will list the ones that’s available in the English Language; Title, Author and Publication:

Explanation of the Three Fundimental Principles by Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen and published by Al-Hidaayah.

Notes to the Three Tenets by Abdur-Rahman ibn Muhammad ibn Qasim and published by Dar al-Khair

A Gift for the Intellects in explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islam by Ubaid ibn Abdullah al-Jaabiree and published by Salafi Publication

Also Sheikh Saalih al-Fawzaan has done an explanation which is out in English also, but I do not have the title for it, I have been told that his explanation of it is very good.

• Location and Venue

MBS, Boscobel Street, London NW8 [Edgware Road Station]
Friday’s 6pm
Ustad Abdul-Aleem Alomgir Ali [Egypt]

Hope this helps.

The Circles of Knowledge!

This is a very brief list of classes in Fiqh and Aqeedah that are ongoing in London which are very beneficial for those who want get in-depth understanding of these two topics – as far I know they are all free! I have given the books and its authors a very simple introduction, including the timing and the location for these classes.

FIQH:

• Manhaj as-Salikeen

This is a concise book in fiqh; it deals with the most important matters in fiqh. It is a good book to start with for a student of knowledge who will be introduced to the subject for the first time; it does not go into much detail or into the difference of opinions. It is written in such a way that understanding of it is easy for beginners.

It was written by the great Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahmaan bin Nasir as-Sa’adi (d. 1376). He was prominent jurist, exegete, and grammarian with a great interest in poetry. He was extremely intelligent and had memorized the Qur’an by the age of eleven after which he devoted himself to studying under the scholars of his land, by the age of twenty-three he was already teaching. He devoted himself entirely to learning and teaching until he became the leading religious authority in the land, with students of knowledge flocking to him from all regions. The author was an expert in fiqh and usul-ul-fiqh, initially he was Hanbali in madhab, and then he progressed in his studies by studying the works of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyum and no longer restricted himself to the Hanbali School. However he would never censure or look down upon those who followed a particular school of thought. He contributed many works in different subjects, the most of celebrated of them: Taysir al-Karim al-Mannan in exegesis; Manhaj as-Salikeen a primer in fiqh. His students include Sheikh Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaymeen and Sheikh ‘Abdullah bin ‘Aqil. This book has had a two volume commentary by Sheikh ‘Abdullah bin Jibrin entitled as Ibhaaj ul-Mu’mineen. In the near future a commentary in English may be published Insha-Allah.

MBS, Boscobel Street, London NW8
Friday’s 6pm
Ustad Abdul-Aleem Alomgir Ali [Egypt]

• Umdat ul-Fiqh

This is a basic manual of fiqh for beginners also. It covers the basic rulings that every Hanbali needs. The book gave only the predominant opinion for each position of the Hanbali madhab.

It was written by the great Hanbali scholar Imam Muwaffiq Al-Din Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (d. 620). He acquired so much knowledge and understanding of the Deen that he surpassed the companions of his study gatherings, showing an extraordinary ability. Thus, the knowledge of the Hanbali madhab and its principles fell upon his shoulders. He was one of the major Hanbali authorities and the author of the profound and voluminous book on Law, al-Mughni, which became popular amongst researchers from all juristic backgrounds. Ibn Taymiyyah said about him: ‘No one possessing more understanding of the Deen entered Shaam [Damascus], after Al-Awzaa’ee, other than Sheikh al-Mawaffaq’. The author of the book did not concentrate on evidence; he did tend to begin each section with a hadith that the student can use for figuring out many of the unmentioned branch issues. The objective of this book is for developing an all-round surface understanding of jurisprudence, without confusing the student with difference of opinion within the school. This text was famously explained by Sheikh Bahaa ud-Deen al Maqdasi, entitled: 'al 'Uddah Sharh al 'Umdah.

Lewisham & Kent Islamic Center, 363-365 Lewishham High Street,
London SE13 6NZ [www.lkic.org]
Wednesday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Faraz Farhat [Medina]

• Zaad al Mustaqni'

Zaad al Mustaqni is an abridgement of the book Al-Muqni which was written by Ibn Qudamah for the intermediate level in studying fiqh. One of the later scholars of the madhab took Ibn Qudamah’s Al-Muqni and reduced it to the predominant position in the madhab, removed extraneous issues, and added some things that were necessary. His book is known as Zaad al Mustaqni it was greatly accepted, and some scholars said that whoever has memorized Al-Zaad is fit to be a judge. While the book is indeed short, it gives the basics for the Hanbali madhab, including some things not even found in books twice its length.

Zaad al Mustaqni was written by Imam Sharaf ud-Deen Abu an-Najaa al Hajjaawi (d. 968h), originally from Quds and then settled in Salihyah Damascus. He was distinguished figure amongst the latter Damascan Hanbali scholars, and the author of two important manuals that were to remain the basis for verdicts amongst the Hanbalis until today: Zaad al Mustaqni and al-Iqna’. Many famous commentaries, short and long have been written for this masterpiece; for further detailed review of this book, click on to abuqutaybah.blogspot.com.

Al-Hamdulillah this book is actually being taught in two places in London at the same time; East and West London! So no excuses for seekers of knowledge!

Al-Muntada, 7 Bridges Place, Parsons Green London SW6 4HW [www.almuntadatrust.org]
Friday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Wasim Kempson [Medina]

Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre, 833-835 High Road
Goodmayes, Essex IG3 8TD [www.masjidansar.com]
Friday’s 8pm
Ustad Abu Talha [Medina]

AQEEDAH:

• Al-Wasatiyyah

Regarding Tawheed as-Asmaa’ was-Sifaat this is the first book a student of knowledge should study. This book explains the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah regarding the Names and Attributes of Allah (SWT). It was written when the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah was strange and the other false beliefs were common.

It was written by the great Sheikh ul-Islam Taqi ad-Din Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728). He came from a Hanbali family known for its piety and religious knowledge. Ibn Taymiyyah spent most of his life in Damascus. He struggled against the numerous innovations that had appeared among the Muslims. He is remembered for his invaluable contributions, not only to the Hanbali School of jurisprudence and theology, but also to the rich Islamic heritage. He also produced many students of high caliber; names such as Ibn al-Qayyum, ad-Dhahabi and Ibn Kathir are but some of his virtues. Besides being a great intellect, he was also a mujaahid and he fought valiantly against the Tartars and others.

This book was written because some judges of Waasit complained to Ibn Taymiyyah about the people’s misguidance and innovations. For this reason the book is called Al-Aqeedah Al-Wasatiyyah. He was taken to court for writing these things. This book had many commentaries; the well known ones are by Ibn al-Uthaymeen and al-Harras – these are both available in English.

Lewisham & Kent Islamic Center, 363-365 Lewishham High Street,
London SE13 6NZ [www.lkic.org]
Saturday’s 7.30pm
Ustad Abu Talha [Medina]

• At-Tahawiyyah

This is a book for the higher students of knowledge. Although it is a very small book, it is very comprehensive. It is an accepted text for all times which covers the belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah.

It was written by Imam Abu Jafar At-Tahaawi (d.310), he was born in Taha, a town in Upper Egypt. His father was a scholar of hadith and literature. He began as a student of his maternal uncle al-Muzani, a leading disciple of Imam ash-Shafi. However, Imam Tahaawi felt drawn to corpus of Imam Abu Hanifa’s works, eventually joining the Hanafi School. Most of his works were in the field of fiqh. At-Tahaawi studied under various hadith scholars whose number reaches three hundred. The outstanding qualities of his writings are a thorough research, abundance of material and an attractive manner of presentation. Ad-Dhahabi said of him; ‘At-Tahaawi was an outstanding, intelligent scholar of repute.’

The greatest of the commentaries of this book was by the great scholar Imam Ibn Abu al-Izz al-Hanafi, this work is known as Sharh al-Aqeedah at-Tahawiyyah. The abridged version is available in English but the English is not that great. The full version is available on PDF.

Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre, 833-835 High Road
Goodmayes, Essex IG3 8TD [www.masjidansar.com]
Saturday’s 8.00pm
Ustad Shaqur Rehman

All Praise belongs to Allah (SWT) for allowing these circles of knowledge to be existing in the heart of Kufr for us to benefit from.