Muntakhab Ahadeeth

Written in the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi’i (d. 204AH/820AD), the founder of one of the four Sunni schools of law. This important work gives the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and its influence continues to the present day. During the early years of the spread of Islam, the exponents of Islamic legal doctrine were faced with the problems raised by ruling and administering a diverse and rapidly growing empire. In Medina and Kufa, as well as other cities of early Muslim rule, schools of law had to be developed, but it took the genius of Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi’i, born in the year 150AH/767AD, to establish the principles by which the various legal doctrines could be synthesised into a coherent system. In the Risala, which laid down the basis for such a synthesis, al-Shafi’i established the overriding authority, next only to the Qur’an, of the Sunna or example of the Prophet Muhammad as transmitted in the traditions.

Description From The Publisher I begin with praise, sending prayers upon Muhammad S.A.W, the best of Prophets sent From the most noble of sciences is the science of Hadith. It is the key to unlock the Sunna of the Prophet S.A.W through his words, actions, qualities and tacit approvals. Allah says: “Follow him so that you may be guided.” The Messenger of Allah S.A.W said: “May Allah illuminate the one who hears my speech, understands it and conveys it.” For this reason, the scholars of Hadith have spared no effort to establish the principles by which to verify narrations and deduce—with the utmost precision—what can and cannot be attributed to the guide of mankind S.A.W. Facilitating this quest for the beginning student, the erudite Imam ʿUmar al-Bayquni al-Dimashqi (d. 1080 H.) succinctly defined thirty-four categories of Hadith in his famous thirty-four verses of poetry. Completed, with goodness they are sealed! Numerous commentaries upon this treatise followed, of which one of the most sought after in recent times is the masterpiece we have before us, written by the master [hafiz] of Hadith and exegete of the Qurʾan, Imam ʿAbdallah Sirajuddin al-Husayni. In his unique and eloquent style, the saintly Imam takes the reader on an illuminating path of learning, guiding him towards the guidance of the most beloved S.A.W.