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- 241/855) studied under Imam Shafi'i. His theological views reflect those of the
early orthodox Muslim scholars Rawdat al-Nazir wa-Junnat al-Munazir
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 +20 115 925 01 02

The Fiqh of Worship. The book of al-Umdah is an abbreviated book of Fiqh according
to the hanbali school of Fiqh (madhhab).
Fiqh is a subject that to some extent is being neglected these days with more
concerted efforts taking place in the realm of aqidah (creed), and although it is
undoubtedly pertinent that one learn what is permissible and not in relation to their
beliefs, it is similarly important that the Muslims know what is permissible or
otherwise in terms of their actions.
The term fiqh is commonly translated as jurisprudence, yet the meaning of
jurisprudence has been somewhat allusive to most people. Linguistically, the word
fiqh means understanding whereas the technical meaning applied to fiqh is that it
is knowledge of the practical legal rulings derived from the detailed evidences. Of
course, to many people such a classification will seem like technical legal jargon but
it simply means that fiqh is knowledge of what is halal and haram in accordance
with the Islamic sources of authority.
The Hanbali school of legal thought was the last of the four major schools of thought
to formulate its principles, and built upon the scholarship of Imam Ahmad ibn
Hanbal it has survived and been practised for over a millennium. There were many
periods in history when the Hanbalis numbered a handful, although today the school
of thought seems to be making a resurgence. From amongst the long line of Hanbali
scholars Muwaffaq-al-Din Abdullah ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Qudama Al
Maqdisi is amongst the most famous with his scholastic contributions making an
impact on schools other than his own, not only in fiqh but also in aqidah. Having
grown up in a religious family devoted to learning, he along with relatives would
travel to Baghdad to seek knowledge already having benefitted from the scholars of
Damascus (his own city) having moved there from Palestine. A contemporary of
Salahuddin, he, along with his relatives took part in the great battle against the
Crusaders which saw the end of their barbaric control of Jerusalem.
The Hanbali scholar Abdul Qadir ibn Badran discussed the juristic contributions of
Ibn Qudama stating that he wrote four major books in Fiqh which served as a
curriculum, the first one (Al Umdah) suitable for the absolute beginner and the last
one (Al Mughni) qualifying the student as a jurist.[1] It is Umdah Al Fiqh that is the
focus of this review, since the book serves as essential for those who wish to ground
themselves in fiqh and grasp the basics.
Many Hanbali scholars past and present have attached great importance to Ibn
Qudamas Al Umdah due to its scholastic value, clear layout, simple language, and
providence of basic evidences from the Quran and Sunnah. He says in his
introduction, I have abridged this book of fiqh as much as I can and shortened it
merely to one opinion of the school so that it will serve as a primer for the reader.
Thus, he will not be confused as to what is correct because of differing reports and
narrations. Some of my (Muslim) brothers asked me to summarise it so as to make it
simple for the teachers and to facilitate its memorisation for students...
The ease by which the student can encompass all of the major topics of fiqh is
facilitated by Ibn Qudamas method of writing the manual. The chapters begin with
a hadith (prophetic tradition) related from the authentic compilations and Ibn
Qudamas discussion is drawn out of that hadith a method which instils within the
reader the importance of hadith as well as encouraging him/her to study the
prophetic traditions. It was for reasons such as these that many of the great
luminaries from amongst the Hanbalis paid attention to this brief primer. Ibn
Taymiyyah undertook its explanation which provides an extremely beneficial
analysis of the primer although he did not complete it only reaching the chapter of
pilgrimage. However, that which he did complete is extremely beneficial for the
student, its depth is realised by the fact that reaching the chapter of pilgrimage
took him four volumes! It has been printed by Dar Ibn Taymiyyah (Cairo) and Al
Maktabah Al Dhahiriyyah (Damascus).

The most well known explanation of the primer is Al Uddah Sharh al Umdah by the
faqih (jurist) and muhaddith (traditionalist) Bahauddeen Abdul Rahman ibn Ibrahim
Al Maqdisi. His explanation is a detailed exposition of the Hanbali school of thought
crammed with evidences from the Quran and Sunnah. Although Al Umdah provides
only one position in regards to a legal issue, Al Uddah at many junctures quotes up
to three opinions found within the school (as well as the scholars these opinions are
ascribed to) whilst occasionally mentioning the opinions of the other Imams,
although, this is not an oft occurrence. Some scholars state that Al Uddah is,
arguably, an abridged form of Ibn Qudamahs Al Kafi (the third book in his
curriculum) but written as an explanation to Al Umdah.
Al Uddah has become somewhat of a norm to be studied alongside Al Umdah,
although, it can be confusing for those who are absolute beginners in fiqh, and more
specifically, the Hanbali School of thought. Al Uddah has been published by
Maktabah Al Qahirah (Cairo) although it contains many errors as well as the
verification of hadith being unreliable. A better verification has been provided by
the scholar Dr. Abdullah Al Turki and printed by Muassasah Al Risalah (in two
volumes).
Al Umdah also has a few contemporary explanations such as that written by
Abdullah ibn Abdul Aziz Al Jibreen, and due to its simplicity, it seems to be more of
an appropriate starting point for the beginner than Al Uddah. Such is also the case
with Hashiyah ala Umdah Al Fiqh by shaikh Abdullah Aali Bassam which provides
explanatory notes that accompany Al Umdah.
Al Umdah, being a brief primer in Hanbali fiqh is extremely beneficial for those
beginning a new course of study as well as those wanting to go over the basics. The
manual consists of short chapters which are very much understandable, and the
brevity of the primer leaves the reader thirsty for more. The issues covered within
the respective chapters are core points to note, but the intriguing way in which they
are presented leaves the reader with deeper questions as if the discussion at hand
was intended not only to inform the reader of the legal issue, but to invoke
questions deeper into the topic.
One of the earliest explanations of the 'Umdatul Ahkam is this very book named Al
'Uddah Sharhil 'Umdah Fi Ahadithil Ahkam by the famous Muhadith, Faqih, student
and lifelong companion of Imam Nawawi; Abi Al Hassan 'Aliy Ibn Ibrahim 'Ala' Al
Deen Al 'Attar (d 724H). He explained the ahadiths contained in this book in a very
easy way while not leaving out the biographies of those who narrated certain
ahadiths and what their ahwal was. Then he continued to explain the opinions of the
Fuqaha and the Usuliyiin in some of the ahadiths while trying to conclude his final
opinion. Much of the transmitted words are verbatim from his Shaykh Imam anNawawi.
ABOUT IBN AL'ATTAR:
Imam al-Dhahabi says about him:
''The Shaykh, The Imam, The Mufti, the Hadith scholar, the righteous, the remnant
of the Salaf, 'Alla al-Din Abu al-Hassan 'Ali Ibn al-Mawfaq, al-'Attar, Ibrahim ibn alTayyib, Da'ud ad-Dimishq, ash-Shafi'i, the Shaykh of Dar al-Hadith al-Nuriyyah and
Madrassat al-Qawsiyyah wal 'Ilmiyyah, known as Mukhtasar al-Nawawi. He was born
in 654 and he memorised the Qur'an at an early age''. He travelled for knowledge to
various countries and heard ahadiths from numerous hadith scholars. He
accompanied imam Nawawi close to 20 years, considering the young age imam
Nawawi passed away (40 years).
He excelled in almost all sciences and wrote numerous works such as:
* Tuhfat al-Talibin fi Tarjumat al-Imam Muhyidin (al-Nawawi),
* Fatawa imam al-Nawawi, (compiled by ibn al-'Attar)
* Hukm Sawm Rajab wa Sha'ban wama al-Sawab fihi,

* Ikhtisar Nasiha Ahlul Hadith,

* Sharh al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyah,
* al-'Uddah Sharh 'Umdat al-Ahkam, being commentary of Ibn Daqiqs Commentary
on the 'Umdat al-Ahkam,
* Fadlul Jihad,
* Hukm al-Ihtikar 'Ind Ghula' al-As'ar,
* Risalat fi Ahkam al-Mawta wa Ghaslahum,
* Risalat fi al-Makus wa Hukm Fa'iluha,
* Adab al-Khattib
* al-I'tiqad al-Khalis min al-Shakk wal Intiqad
* and many more. He passed away in 724.
Fiqh
First, some basic books used for study:
Akhsar al-mukhtasirat -- most basic rulings in the mathab. The Dar Al-Basha'ir print
includes marginal notes from Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir Ibn Badran, which are quite
useful.
Dalil Al-Talib -- much more detailed than the above, while still being very easy to
read. This is the basis for fatwa in Sham. This is one of the more important books for
students, because of its two primary commentaries: Nail Al-Ma'arib and Manar AlSabil. The first commentary focuses on giving examples and more fiqh issues; the
second gives basic commentary and evidence for almost all of the rulings. Both
commentaries are very easy to read. There is a hashiya on Nail Al-Ma'arib titled
Hashiyat Al-Lubadi, which is quite helpful. These commentaries are fairly late, and
they are standard books for a Hanbali student.
Al-`Udda Sharh Al-`Umdat -- the classical commentary on Al-Muwaffiq's basic text
for beginners. The commentary introduces the student to alternative positions in
the mathab, their evidence (dalil), how the evidence works (wajh al-istidlal), and the
underlying cause that is used for analogical reasoning (ta`lil). This typically read
after getting decent familiarity and mastery of Nail Al-Ma'arib.
Al-Raudh Al-Murbi` -- the basic introductory, mufta bihi primer used in the Gulf.
Quite excellent; there's a lot more in it than you'd expect, given it's small size. Not
typically read in Sham.
Ghayat Al-Muntaha -- the encyclopedia of rulings. Doesn't include evidence of ta`lil;
it's just ruling, after ruling, after ruling. And unlike many other Hanbali books: it's
really, really concise and sometimes difficult reading. This isn't necessarily basic,
but this used to be part of the Hanbali syllabus here.
Reference books:
Al-Mughni -- perhaps the most famous Hanbali book among non-Hanbalis. It
includes opinions of the Four schools, in addition to the early mathabs that became
extinct. The books gives the various opinions; the Companions, Tabi`in, and Imams
(Allah be well pleased with them all) who took which opinions; the evidence; and a
very brief discussion of the evidence. It's easy to read, but you need some
familiarity with usul and mustalih al-hadith.
Al-Insaf fi ma`rifat al-rajih min al-khilaf -- one of the better references for knowing
the various opinions within the mathab and which scholars took them. Includes
evidence and lots of commentary. A must have, but unfortunately very difficult to
get these days.

Kashshaf Al-Qina` -- lots of commentary, lots of evidence, but not a lot of different
opinions internal or external to the mathab.
Al-Furu` -- Ibn Muflih weaves together the opinions of Ibn Taymiyyah and the
mathab.
Al-Muharrar -- for each issue it says whether there are multiple opinions, without
saying with one is used for fatwa.
Usul al-fiqh
Sharh Al-Waraqat -- the very basics. Expected reading.
Ghayat Al-Sul -- much more detailed; gives differences of opinion among the
scholars of usul, and gives the position of the late Hanbalis.
Al-Madhkhal 'Ila Mathab Al-Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal -- more than just usul al-fiqh:
usul al-mathab. Yes: this book gets read.
Raudhat Al-Nathir -- an abbriged and Hanbali-ized version of Imam Al-Ghazali's
classic work Al-Mustasfa. Al-Muwaffiq even included the introduction on mantiq. The
late Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir ibn Badran has a commentary on this book which is highly
recommended. And, al-hamdu lillah, it is fairly easy to find. It still gets read.
Muswada 'Ali Tayymiyah -- notes dealing with usul written by three scholars from
consecutive generations from the well known family. Unfortunately, there's no
index.
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Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our
Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Here are five of the most important classical Fiqh references.
1. Al Hidaya (the (guidance) explanation of Bidayat ul Mubtadi (The first steps of the
novice in Sharia) written by Ali Al Mirghinani a famous Hanafi scholar. (died 593
after Hijra).
2. Al Kafi (the sufficient) in the Malikite school of Fiqh written by Yusuf Ibn Abd Al
Barr died (463 after Hijra).
3. Rawdatt Al Talibeen wa Umdatt Al Mufteen (the Garden of the learners and the
reference of the Muftis) by Imam Al Nawawi, a famous Shafiite scholar (died in 676
after Hijra).
4. Al Kafi (the sufficient) in the Fiqh of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal written by Ibn
Qudama Al Maqdisi (died 620 after Hijra) a famous Hambali scholar.
5. Al Mughni "The enriching" by Ibn Qudama as well.
Now the following are five modern Fiqh references:
1. Fiqh in the four Madhaab (schools of Fiqh) written by Shaikh Abdur Rahman Al
Jazirri.
2. Islamic Fiqh and its evidences written by Wahba Al Zahili.
3. Al Sharh Al Muqnie Ala Zad Al Mustaqni (the convincing explanation of Zad Al
Mustaqni". Shaikh Muhammad Bin Saleh Ibn Uthaimin.
4. Fiqh Al Sunnah by Shaikh Sayeed Sabiq (5 volumes of this book have been
translated into English).
5. Al Fiqh Al Manhaji Ala Mazhab Al Imam Al Shafie.
The methodological Fiqh on Al Shafie's school. (written by three scholars Mustapha
Al Khaa, Mustapha Al Bugha and Ali Al Shurbaji.
As for the Fiqh Assemblies that deal with modern issues here are the two most
important in the world.
1. Islamic Fiqh Assembly in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2. Assembly of Islamic Research in Al Azhar in Egypt.

: 381

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Answer: If he is a novice, then from the books of Fiqh, we advise him to read Fiqh
As-Sunnah of Sayyid Saabiq, while seeking assistance from some of its references,
such as Subul-us-Salaam (of Imaam As-Sanaaanee, rahimahullaah). And if he
looks into Tamaam-ul-Mannah (of Al-Albaanee) then that will be stronger for him.
And I advise him to read Ar-Rawdat-un-Nadiyyah (of Sideeq Hasan Khaan).

As for the subject of Tafseer, then he should habitually read from the book Tafseer
Al-Quraan-ul-Adheem of Ibn Katheer even though it is somewhat long for it is
the most authentic from the books of Tafseer today.

Then, on the subject of religious exhortation and heart-softening narrations, he

should read the book Riyaad-us-Saaliheen of Imaam An-Nawawee.

Then, with regard to the books related to Creed, I advise him to read the book
Sharh Al-Aqeedat-ut-Tahaawiyyah of Ibn Abee Al-Izz Al-Hanafee. And he should
seek assistance, also, from my comments and explanations to it.

Then, he should make it his customary practice to study from the books of Shaikhul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah and his student Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah, may Allaah have
mercy on them. For I hold them to be from the rare and unique Muslim scholars that
have treaded upon the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors)
in their understanding, while having Taqwaa and righteousness. And we do not
purify anyone over Allaah.

Shaykh al-Albaanee (may Allaah have mercy on him)

[Al-Asaalah, Issue #5]

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By AshbulHadeeth Posted in Al-Albaanee Tagged Al-Albaanee, Aqidah &

Manhaj, as-Sana'anee, Book, Fiqh, Ibn Abi al-Izz, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Qayyim alJawziyyah, Ibn Taymiyyah, Knowledge, Minhaj, Nawawi, Recommendation, Riyad asSaliheen, Salaf, Subul as-Salaam, Tafseer, Tahawiyyah

Important Books For The Seeker of Knowledge

1) Aqeedah (basic tenets of faith):

1- Thalaathat al-Usool

2- Al-Qawaaid al-Arbaah

3- Kashf al-Shubahaat

4- Al-Tawheed

These four books were written by Shaykh al-Islam Imaam Muhammad ibn Abd alWahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him).

5- Al-Aqeedah al-Waasitiyyah which deals with Tawheed al-Asmaa wal-Sifaat (The

Oneness of the Divine names and attributes). This is one of the best books written
on this topic, and it is worth reading and studying.

6- Al-Hamawiyyah

7- Al-Tadmuriyyah

These two books are more comprehensive than al-Waasitiyyah. These three books
were written by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

8- Al-Aqeedah al-Tahhaawiyyah, by Shaykh Abu Jafar Ahmad ibn Muhammad alTahhaawi

9- Sharh al-Aqeedah al-Tahhaawiyyah by Abul-Hasan Ali ibn Abil-Izz

10-Al-Durar al-Saniyyah fil-Ajoobah al-Najdiyyah, compiled by Shaykh Abd alRahmaan ibn Qaasim (may Allaah have mercy on him)

11-Al-Durrah al-Madiyyah fi Aqeedah al-Firqah al-Mardiyyah by Muhammad ibn

Ahmad al-Safaareeni al-Hanbali.

This book contains some general statements which go against the madhhab of the
salaf, such as his saying, Our Lord is not an essence or an attribute or a physical
entity, exalted be He.

Therefore the seeker of knowledge has to study it with a shaykh who is well versed
in the aqeedah of the salaf, so that he can explain the general statements in it that
go against the aqeedah of the righteous salaf.

2) Hadeeth

1- Fath al-Baari Sharh Saheeh al-Bukhaari, by Ibn Hajar al-Asqallaani (may Allaah
have mercy on him).

2- Subul al-Salaam Sharh Buloogh al-Maraam, by al-Sanaani, and his book Jaami
bayna al-Hadeeth wal-Fiqh

3- Nayl al-Awtaar Sharh Muntaqaa al-Akhbaar by al-Shawkaani

4- Umdat al-Ahkaam by al-Maqdisi. This is an abridged book; most of its ahaadeeth

are narrated in al-Saheehayn so their authenticity does not need to be researched.

5- Al-Arbaeen al-Nawawiyyah, by Abu Zakariyya al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy

on him). This is a good book because it includes etiquette and a good methodology,
and important basic principles, such as the hadeeth, Part of a persons being a
good Muslim is his leaving alone that which does not concern him.

(Narrated by Imaam Ahmad, 1 201; al-Tirmidhi, 2318; classed as hasan by alNawawi in Riyaadh al-Saaliheen, 73; classed as saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir in alMusnad, 1737)

This principle if one made it the path upon which one walks would be sufficient.
Another principle is given concerning when one should speak, Whoever believes in
Allaah and the Last Day, let him say something good or else remain silent.
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Adab; Muslim, Kitaab al-Luqtah, Baab alDiyaafah).

6- Buloogh al-Maraam, by al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqallaani. This is a very useful

book, especially because it mentions the narrators, and quoted the opinions of
others scholars, who said whose hadeeth is saheeh and whose is daeef, and he
comments on the hadeeth to say whether they are saheeh or daeef.

7- Nukhbat al-Fikr by al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqallaani. This is considered to be a

comprehensive work. If the seeker of knowledge understands it completely then he
will have no need of many other books of mustalah (the science of hadeeth). Ibn
Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) has a useful way of writing, which involves
examining every issue in depth and categorizing the topics he discusses. If the
seeker of knowledge reads it he will find it stimulating, because it is based on
making one think. I say: it is good for the seeker of knowledge to memorize it
because it is a useful summary of the science of mustalah (science of hadeeth).

8- The Six Books (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, Muslim, al-Nasaai, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah
and al-Tirmidhi). I advise the seeker of knowledge to read them often, because that

will serve two purposes: reviewing the main sources of Islam and reviewing the
names of hadeeth narrators. If you often review the names of hadeeth narrators,
then whenever you come across the name of one of the narrators of al-Bukhaari in
any isnaad, you will know that this is one of the narrators of al-Bukhaari, so you will
benefit from this knowledge of hadeeth.

3) Books of fiqh:

1- Aadaab al-mashiy ilal-Salaah by Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn Abd alWahhaab (may Allaah have mercy on him)

2- Zaad al-Mustaqni fi Ikhtisaar al-Muqni by al-Hajjaawi. This is one of the best

texts of fiqh. It is a blessed book, brief and comprehensive. Our shaykh, Abd alRahmaan al-Sadi (may Allaah have mercy on him) told us to memorize it, even
though he had memorized the text of Daleel al-Taalib.

3- Al-Rawd al-Murbi Sharh Zaad al-Mustaqni by Shaykh Mansoor al-Bahooti

4- Umdat al-Fiqh by Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him)

5- al-Usool min Ilm al-Usool. This is an abridged book which serves as an

introduction for the seeker of knowledge.

4) Faraaid (laws of inheritance)

1- Matn al-Rahbiyyah by al-Rahbi

2- Matn al-Burhaaniyyah by Muhammad al-Burhaani. This is a useful and

comprehensive abridged book dealing with all the laws of inheritance. I think that
al-Burhaaniyyah is more comprehensive than al-Rahbiyyah in some ways, and it
gives more information.

5) Tafseer

1- Tafseer al-Quraan al-Azeem by Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him).
This book is good for tafseer based on reports and it is useful and trustworthy. But it
does pay much attention to matters of grammar and style.

2- Tayseer al-Kareem al-Rahmaan fi Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan by Shaykh Abd alRahmaan al-Sadi (may Allaah have mercy on him). This is a good, easy and
trustworthy book, and I recommend it.

3- Muqaddimah Shaykh al-Islam fil-Tafseer. This is an important introduction.

4- Adwaa al-Bayaan by al-Allaamah Muhammad al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have

mercy on him). This is a comprehensive book covering hadeeth, fiqh, tafseer and
usool al-fiqh.

6) General books on some subjects:

1- On (Arabic) grammar: Matn al-Ajroomiyyah. This is an abridged book.

2- Also on Arabic grammar: Alfiyyah Ibn Maalik; this is a summary of the science of
grammar.

3- On Seerah (Prophets biography): The best book that I have seen is Zaad alMaaad by Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him). This is a very useful
book in which he mentions the biography of the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) from all angels, then he discusses many rulings.

4- Rawdat al-Uqalaa by Ibn Hibbaan al-Busti (may Allaah have mercy on him). This
is a useful book despite its brevity. He compiled a large amount of useful material
and stories of the scholars, muhadditheen and others.

5- Siyar Alaam al-Nubalaa by al-Dhahabi. This book is very useful and the seeker of
knowledge should read and refer to it.

From Fataawa al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen, Kitaab al-Ilm, p. 92

Taken from http://www.Islam-QA.com
Level One: Mabadi Al Mufeedah of Sh. Yahya Al Haajoori & Duruus Ul Muhimmah of
Sh. Ibn Baaz.
Fiqh: Conditions of prayer, ettiquette of going to the prayer by Sh. Muhammad Ibn
Abdul Wahhab
Treatises of Sh. Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al Uthaimeen and Sh. Ibn Baaz.
Summary of Zaad Al Mustaqni by Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Baa Jaabir.
Hadeeth: Mudhakirah of 20 Hadeeth by Sh. Rabee Ibn Haadi Al Madkhali.
Arabic Language: Madeenah Books
Usool Ul Fiqh/ Mustalah Al Hadeeth/ Sarf [Thulathi Al Mujarrad]: To come soon insha
allah pending
its end and approval from the Mashayikh. These books insha allah would be an easy
way to ease an
English speaker into these sciences.
Tafseer: Tafseer of Juz Amma

Level Two: Tawheed Al Uluheeyah: Treatises of Sh. Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab:
Three Fundamental Principles, 4
Principles and 6 Principles.
General Aqeedah : Lumah Al Ittiqaad by Ibn Qudama Al Maqdisi
Fiqh : Minhaaj Us Saalikeen (Imam As Sadi)
Usool Ul Fiqh : Ar Risalah Al lateefah (Imam As Sadi)
Hadeeth : 40 Nawawi, 40 Hadeeth of the Methodology of the Salaf (Sh. Ali Al
Hadaadi)
Science of Hadeeth : Baiqoonah Poem (author unknown)
Tafseer : Tafseer of Imaam As Sadi (1st half)
Usool Ut Tafseer : Introduction of Ibn Katheer
Arabic Language : Ajroomeeyah, As Sarf Lil Mubtadieen by Brother Nawwas Al Hindi

Level Three: Tawheed Al Uluheeyah: Kitaab Ut Tawheed & Kashf Ush Shubuhaat [Ibn
Abdul Wahhab]
General Aqeedah : Aqeedah Al Waasiteeyah [Ibn Taymeeyah]
Fiqh : Akhsar Al Mukhtasaraat & Daleel Ut Taalib/ Umdah Al Fiqh [Hanbali Fiqh]
Usool Ul Fiqh : Al Waraqaat [Imaam Al Haramain]
Hadeeth : Umdah Al Ahkaam
Science of Hadeeth : Ikhtisaar Uloom Al Hadeeth (Ibn Katheer)
Tafseer : Tafseer of Imaam As Sadi (2nd half)
Usool Ul Tafseer : Introduction of Sh. Ul Islaam
Arabic Language : Mutammimah of Ajroomeeyah

Level Four : Tawheed Al Uluheeyah: Fath Ul Majeed explanation of Kitaab Ut

Tawheed.
General Aqeedah : Explanation of Aqeedah At Tahaweeyah by Ibn Abee Izz Al
Hanafi
Fiqh : Ar Rawd Ul Murbi [Imaam Al Baahuuti]
Usool Ul Fiqh : Mukhtasar At Tahreer, Mandhoomah Qawaid Al Fiqheeyah [Imam As
Sadi]
Tafseer : Tafseer Ibn Katheer: (1st half)
Hadeeth : Buluugh Ul Maraam [Ibn Hajar]/ Riyaad Us Saaliheen [An Nawawi]
Science of Hadeeth : Nuzhah An Nadhr [Ibn Hajar]
Arabic Language : Tawdeeh Un Nahuw [Easy explanation of Alfeeyah Ibn Maalik]
(Volume 1)

Level Five: Aqeedah : Books of the Salaf e.g Al Khalaal, Al Laalakaaee etc.
Fiqh : Sharh Muntaha Al Iraadaat [Imaam Al Baahooti]
Usool Ul Fiqh : Mudhakirah of Imaam Ash Shinqiti
Tafseer : Tafseer Ibn Katheer (2nd half)
Hadeeth : The six books of Hadeeth beginning with Bukhari and Muslim
Science of Hadeeth : Tadreeb Ur Raawi [Imaam An Nawawi]

Arabic Language : Tawdeeh Un Nahuw (2)

Other books to read:

1. Tafseer: Adwaa Al Bayaan, Tafseer Al Baghawi, Tafseer Ut Tabari

2. Fiqh : Mulakkhas Al Fiqhi, Al Sharh Al Mukhtasar Li Zaad Al Mustaqni [Sh.

Fawzaan], Al Sharh Al Mumti'[Sh. Uthaimeen]

3. Usool Ul Fiqh: Al Usool Min Ilm Ul Usool [Sh. Uthaimeen]

4. Science of Hadeeth : Mustalah Al Hadeeth [Sh. Uthaimeen], At Tankeel [Imaam Al

Mualimi], Tayseer Mustalah Al Hadeeth.

5. Aqeedah : Al Irshaad [Sh. Fawzaan], Al Ittisaam [Imaam Ash Shatibi], Al Imaan

[Sh Ul Islaam]

6. Arabic Language: Mukhtasar Mughni Al Labeeb [Sh Uthaimeen]

7. Seerah & Islamic History: Ar Raheeq Ul Makhtoom [Imaam Al Mubarakpuri] ,

Bidayah Wan Nihayah [Ibn Katheer], Seyar Alaam An Nubala [Imam Adh Dhahabi]

8. Raqaiq: Mukhtasar Minhaaj Ul Qaasideen [Ibn Qudama Al Maqdisi]

Zd al-Mustaqni' fi Ikhtisr al-Muqni' by al-Hajjwi (a basic Hanbali text which shaikh
'Abdur-Rahman as-Sa'di recommended his students memorize.)

b) ar-Rawd al-Murbi'
Al-Muqni and its place in the Hanbali School:

This is one of the most famous books in the Hanbali School for jurisprudence. It was
authored by Imam Muwaffaq al-Din ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi [d.620H]. Imam
Muwaffaq authorized a series of books in jurisprudence, as a syllabus for the
beginners level to the advanced level. The first of them being Al-Umdah, the
second Al-Muqni, the third Al-Kaafi and the fourth Al-Mughni. The syllabus was
written in this manner for the gradual development in jurisprudence. Al-Muqni is
not widely taught these days, but it makes up the syllabus for learning
jurisprudence according to the Hanbali School. The People of Knowledge would
teach this book after the study of smaller texts in jurisprudence, either Al-Umdah or
Zaad al-Mustaqni. It was way of the scholars that they would not let the beginners
sit in the circles of al-Muqni classes; this was in order to prevent them from falling
into confusion and misunderstanding.

In the Hanbali School, there were many books authored that were entitled AlMuqni but the one by Imam Muwaffaq became very well known and distinct within
the Hanbali School. Shaykh Bakr ibn Abu Zayd (ra) in his book Al-Madkhal AlMufassal said, This book of his was a [support] depended upon by the Hanbalis of
his time to the Hanbalis of our time. It is the most famous text after Mukhtasar AlKhiraqi [the first text of the School] this is why they [the scholars]occupied
themselves in explaining the book, adding footnotes to it, in clarifying the
ambiguous, [also] in extracting of its hadith, authenticating it, checking it and
explaining it.[1]

Imam Muwaffaq in his introduction of the book wrote: to precede, this is a book
in jurisprudence according to the School of Imam Abu Abdullah Ahmad bin
Muhammad bin Hanbal al-Sahaybaani may Allah be pleased with him. I have done
my utmost best in putting it together, arranging it, making it concise and clarifying
it in order for it [i.e. the book] to be intermediate between the smaller and the
larger [books]. I strove to make it comprehensive for most of the rulings, free from
quoting evidences and [giving] reasoning [for the rulings]. This is to numerate the
information in it and to reduce the size of it, in order for it to be memorized and
comprehended easily[2]

The first page from a copy of the depended transcript:

Features of Al-Muqni:

It mentions two opinions within the Hanbali School; unlike Al-Umdah which only
mentions just one opinion from the Hanbali School.

So for example, in the chapter Removal of Impurities Imam Muwaffaq said: It is

not allowed to remove impurities except with water. And on the authority of him [i.e.
according to the other opinion of Imam Ahmad] it shows that impurities can be
purified by pure substance, such as vinegar, rose water, water from trees etc [as
long as] it removes the essence and effects of impurity[3] So, here the author
has quoted two opinions from Imam Ahmad, one of which is well known in the
Hanbali School. Very rarely the author quotes more than two opinions.

It does not quote evidences for the given opinions; so it is free from evidences from
the Quran, Sunnah etc.
This book concentrates on the difference of opinions within the Hanbali School only.
Benefits from Al-Muqnis Style and Context:

It is free from quoting evidences and the reasoning for the rules. This is in order for
the student to get familiar with differences of opinion within the Hanbali School.
Shaykh Bakr ibn Abu Zayd (ra) writes, its free from evidences to accustom the
jurist into diligent enquiry upon the Hanbali School, [also] accustom himself to
authentication and the search for evidences [4]

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-Uthaymeen said in the explanation of Hilya when
speaking about the book, he said: no evidences so it shows the student that
there are differences of opinion within the issues [5]

Jurisprudence is studied in steps so one gets to know the rulings first, then move
on to the evidences for the rulings.
A student should ground himself well with the known opinions of the madhab before
delving into the differences of opinion within the madhab.
The opinions outside a madhab should be studied only after a comprehensive study
of a particular madhab.
It is befitting for the teacher to bring up the students level by level. Sometimes it is
easy to flood students with many opinions and evidences without realising the
consequences.
Works based on al-Muqni:

A total of forty one works have been authored based on Al-Muqni they include
explanations, footnotes upon it, poems, abridgement of it, extractions of its
ahaadith and others. Ten explanations of it was authorized, some of the famous
ones are as follows:

Sharh al-Muqni by Abd al-Rahmaan bin Ibrahim Bahaa al-Maqdisee [d.623]. This
was the first explanation of the book as mentioned by Shaykh Bakr ibn Abu Zayd
[d.1429]
Al-Sharh Al-Kabeer by Shaykh al-Islam, Abd al-Rahmaan bin Muhammad bin
Ahmad bin Qudaamah al-Maqdisee Shams al-Deen [d.672]. He was the nephew of
the author of al-Muqni he sought permission from his uncle to explain this book
and allow the book al-Mugni be a source for his explanation. His uncle gave him
permission to do so. This is one of the very big explanations of al-Muqni.
Al-Insaaf fee marifa al-Raajih min al-Khilaaf by the verifier of the madhab; Alaa alDeen Ali bin Sulaymaan al-Mardaawi [d.885].
The most famous abridgement of it is known as Zaad al-Mustaqni by Sharf al-Deen
al-Hajjaawi [d.968]. This text is studied widely now, it has been much praised by the
scholars of the past and present. It seems the abridgement is so concise and
important, scholars of our time teach this text rather than Al-Muqni after teaching
Al-Umdah! Or could it be that the studiousness of the students of knowledge has
vanished? In fact, it is very rare to find the syllabus set by Imam Muwaffaq to be
fully followed or followed at all these days. We find that much easier texts than
Al-Umdah are required for the beginners of our time, so a book like Manhaj asSalikeen or a book like Kitaab Furoo al-Fiqh would be taught first before even
starting Al-Umdah; even texts such as these smaller ones take a very long time to
complete! So, the milestones in learning jurisprudence and developing in it has
certainly changed in our modern day. Allah knows best.
Fiqh
First, some basic books used for study:
Akhsar al-mukhtasirat -- most basic rulings in the mathab. The Dar Al-Basha'ir print
includes marginal notes from Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir Ibn Badran, which are quite
useful.
Dalil Al-Talib -- much more detailed than the above, while still being very easy to
read. This is the basis for fatwa in Sham. This is one of the more important books for
students, because of its two primary commentaries: Nail Al-Ma'arib and Manar AlSabil. The first commentary focuses on giving examples and more fiqh issues; the
second gives basic commentary and evidence for almost all of the rulings. Both
commentaries are very easy to read. There is a hashiya on Nail Al-Ma'arib titled
Hashiyat Al-Lubadi, which is quite helpful. These commentaries are fairly late, and
they are standard books for a Hanbali student.
Al-`Udda Sharh Al-`Umdat -- the classical commentary on Al-Muwaffiq's basic text
for beginners. The commentary introduces the student to alternative positions in
the mathab, their evidence (dalil), how the evidence works (wajh al-istidlal), and the
underlying cause that is used for analogical reasoning (ta`lil). This typically read
after getting decent familiarity and mastery of Nail Al-Ma'arib.
Al-Raudh Al-Murbi` -- the basic introductory, mufta bihi primer used in the Gulf.
Quite excellent; there's a lot more in it than you'd expect, given it's small size. Not
typically read in Sham.
Ghayat Al-Muntaha -- the encyclopedia of rulings. Doesn't include evidence of ta`lil;
it's just ruling, after ruling, after ruling. And unlike many other Hanbali books: it's
really, really concise and sometimes difficult reading. This isn't necessarily basic,
but this used to be part of the Hanbali syllabus here.
Reference books:
Al-Mughni -- perhaps the most famous Hanbali book among non-Hanbalis. It
includes opinions of the Four schools, in addition to the early mathabs that became

extinct. The books gives the various opinions; the Companions, Tabi`in, and Imams
(Allah be well pleased with them all) who took which opinions; the evidence; and a
very brief discussion of the evidence. It's easy to read, but you need some
familiarity with usul and mustalih al-hadith.
Al-Insaf fi ma`rifat al-rajih min al-khilaf -- one of the better references for knowing
the various opinions within the mathab and which scholars took them. Includes
evidence and lots of commentary. A must have, but unfortunately very difficult to
get these days.
Kashshaf Al-Qina` -- lots of commentary, lots of evidence, but not a lot of different
opinions internal or external to the mathab.
Al-Furu` -- Ibn Muflih weaves together the opinions of Ibn Taymiyyah and the
mathab.
Al-Muharrar -- for each issue it says whether there are multiple opinions, without
saying with one is used for fatwa.
Usul al-fiqh
Sharh Al-Waraqat -- the very basics. Expected reading.
Ghayat Al-Sul -- much more detailed; gives differences of opinion among the
scholars of usul, and gives the position of the late Hanbalis.
Al-Madhkhal 'Ila Mathab Al-Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal -- more than just usul al-fiqh:
usul al-mathab. Yes: this book gets read.
Raudhat Al-Nathir -- an abbriged and Hanbali-ized version of Imam Al-Ghazali's
classic work Al-Mustasfa. Al-Muwaffiq even included the introduction on mantiq. The
late Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir ibn Badran has a commentary on this book which is highly
recommended. And, al-hamdu lillah, it is fairly easy to find. It still gets read.
Muswada 'Ali Tayymiyah -- notes dealing with usul written by three scholars from
consecutive generations from the well kn Fiqh
First, some basic books used for study:
Akhsar al-Mukhtasirat most basic rulings in the mathab. The Dar Al-Bashair print
includes marginal notes from Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir Ibn Badran, which are quite
useful.
Dalil Al-Talib much more detailed than the above, while still being very easy to
read. This is the basis for fatwa in Sham. This is one of the more important books for
students, because of its two primary commentaries: Nail Al-Maarib and Manar AlSabil. The first commentary focuses on giving examples and more fiqh issues; the
second gives basic commentary and evidence for almost all of the rulings. Both
commentaries are very easy to read. There is a hashiya on Nail Al-Maarib titled
Hashiyat Al-Lubadi, which is quite helpful. These commentaries are fairly late, and
they are standard books for a Hanbali student.
Al-`Udda Sharh Al-`Umdat the classical commentary on Al-Muwaffiqs basic text
for beginners. The commentary introduces the student to alternative positions in
the mathab, their evidence (dalil), how the evidence works (wajh al-istidlal), and the
underlying cause that is used for analogical reasoning (ta`lil). This is typically read
after getting decent familiarity and mastery of Nail Al-Maarib.
Al-Raudh Al-Murbi` the basic introductory, mufta bihi primer used in the Gulf.
Quite excellent; theres a lot more in it than youd expect, given its small size. Not
typically read in Sham.
Ghayat Al-Muntaha the encyclopedia of rulings. Doesnt include evidence of ta`lil;
its just ruling, after ruling, after ruling. And unlike many other Hanbali books: its
really, really concise and sometimes difficult reading. This isnt necessarily basic,
but this used to be part of the Hanbali syllabus here.

Reference books:
Al-Mughni perhaps the most famous Hanbali book among non-Hanbalis. It
includes opinions of the Four schools, in addition to the early mathabs that became
extinct. The books gives the various opinions; the Companions, Tabi`in, and Imams
(Allah be well pleased with them all) who took which opinions; the evidence; and a
very brief discussion of the evidence. Its easy to read, but you need some
familiarity with usul and mustalih al-hadith.
Al-Insaf fi ma`rifat al-rajih min al-khilaf one of the better references for knowing
the various opinions within the mathab and which scholars took them. Includes
evidence and lots of commentary. A must have, but unfortunately very difficult to
get these days.
Kashshaf Al-Qina` lots of commentary, lots of evidence, but not a lot of different
opinions internal or external to the mathab.
Al-Furu` Ibn Muflih weaves together the opinions of Ibn Taymiyyah and the
mathab.
Al-Muharrar for each issue it says whether there are multiple opinions, without
saying with one is used for fatwa.
Usul al-fiqh
Sharh Al-Waraqat the very basics. Expected reading.
Ghayat Al-Sul much more detailed; gives differences of opinion among the
scholars of usul, and gives the position of the late Hanbalis.
Al-Madhkhal Ila Mathab Al-Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal more than just usul al-fiqh:
usul al-mathab. Yes: this book gets read.
Raudhat Al-Nathir an abbriged and Hanbali-ized version of Imam Al-Ghazalis
classic work Al-Mustasfa. Al-Muwaffiq even included the introduction on mantiq. The
late Sheikh `Abd Al-Qadir ibn Badran has a commentary on this book which is highly
recommended. And, al-hamdu lillah, it is fairly easy to find. It still gets read.wn
family. Unfortunately, there's no index.