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Qurrat al-ʿAyn [Commentary on al-Waraqat]

“Qurrat Al-Ayn” is an introductory commentary on Imam al-Haramayn’s famous “al-Waraqat,” focusing on Usul al-Fiqh. The work aims to elucidate ... Show more
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  • Description
  • Curriculum

Al-Hattab’s (d. 954) “Qurrat Al-Ayn bi Sharh Waraqat al-Imam al-Haramayn” is a comprehensive commentary on “Al-Waraqat,” a foundational text in Usul al-Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence) by Imam al-Juwayni. The work aims to elucidate and expand upon the concise yet profound points made in the original text, making it accessible to both beginners and advanced students of Islamic legal theory.

Key Features of the Commentary:

  1. Detailed Explanations: Al-Hattab delves deeply into the definitions, classifications, and applications of key terms and concepts in Usul al-Fiqh, such as rulings (ahkam), evidence (dalil), commands (amr), prohibitions (nahi), and consensus (ijma).

  2. Clarification of Ambiguities: The commentary addresses areas of ambiguity in the original text, providing examples, analogies, and scholarly insights to ensure clarity.

  3. Integration of Classical Scholarship: Al-Hattab references other classical works and opinions of major scholars, situating “Al-Waraqat” within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition.

  4. Emphasis on Practical Application: While maintaining theoretical rigor, the commentary also highlights how these principles apply in deriving Islamic rulings and addressing contemporary issues.

  5. Accessibility: Though aimed at students of Usul al-Fiqh, the commentary is written in a manner that facilitates understanding for those with a foundational knowledge of Islamic sciences.

Significance:

“Qurrat Al-Ayn” has been praised for its depth and clarity, making it a cornerstone text for those studying Islamic legal theory in the Maliki tradition and beyond. Al-Hattab builds upon previous commentaries of “Al-Waraqat” and attempts to improve the widely relied upon commentary of the Shafi’ jurist Al-Mahalli (d. 864) by reworking it. It serves as a bridge between introductory texts like “Al-Waraqat” and more advanced works in the field.

In This Course:

Sh. Fahd employs a comprehensive and engaging teaching methodology to ensure students gain a deep understanding of “Qurrat Al-Ayn” and its foundational text, “Al-Waraqat.” His approach includes the following elements:

  1. Complete Translation of the Text

    • Students are provided with a thorough translation of the core text, facilitating accessibility and comprehension for those without advanced proficiency in Arabic.
  2. Deciphering the Text

    • Sh. Fahd meticulously unpacks complex phrases and concepts, breaking them down into manageable components to enhance student understanding.
  3. Gloss of Al-Hadda (d. 1197) 

    • The instructor incorporates insights from Al-Hadda’s gloss, enriching the study with valuable interpretations and scholarly perspectives.
  4. References to Other Works of Usul

    • Relevant works of Usul al-Fiqh are referenced to broaden the students’ perspective and situate the discussion within the 4 schools.
  5. Comparative Analysis & Contrasting

    • A comparison with Al-Mahalli’s commentary and Al-Hattab’s during certain discussions and the nuanced contrasts between the Hanafi and Hanbali positions on select topics.

By integrating translation, commentary, comparative analysis, and cross-Madhhab perspectives, Sh. Fahd’s course delivery provides students with a rich, multidimensional understanding of Usul al-Fiqh.

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