Advanced Islamic Texts Programme

Sahih al-Bukhari I & II

Overview

This module involves the detailed study of hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sunan al-Tirmidhi. The first unit on Sahih al-Bukhari will highlight the brilliant method used by Bukhari in extracting the narrations of his collection and understanding Islamic law and theology. In the process, chains of transmission (isnads) for the same hadith texts from other collections will be analysed so as to show why Bukhari only chose the chains that he did, and why he left the others, in line with his remarkably consistent and thorough methodology. Moreover, the criticisms of masters like Daraqutni against some of the narrations included by Bukhari will be fully discussed.

Primary Text

Sahih al-Bukhari

About the Text

The full name of Sahih al-Bukhari (according to Ibn Salah) is al-Jami’ al-Sahih al-Musnad al-Mukhtasar min umur Rasul Allah wa Suanihi wa Ayyamihi. Bukhari travelled throughout the Abbasid-controlled lands from the age of 16, collecting over 300,000 hadith. One of Bukhari’s prominent teachers, Ishaq Ibn Rahwayh, requested him to compile a book of only authentic narrations of the Prophet, which led him to compile the al-Jami’. Bukhari finished his work around 846 CE/231 AH. In the remaining twenty-four years of his life, Bukhari made minor revisions to his book, notably the chapter headings. Each version is named by its narrator. According to Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani the number of hadiths in all the versions of Sahih al-Bukhari is the same. The most famous one today is the version narrated by al-Firabri (d. 932 CE/320 AH), a trusted student of Bukhari. Other narrations of Bukhari were transmitted through Ibrahim ibn Ma’qal (d. 907 CE/295 AH), Hammad ibn Shaker (d. 923 CE/311 AH), Mansur Burduzi (d. 931 CE/319 AH) and Husain Mahamili (d. 941 CE/330 AH). The importance of studying Bukhari’s work is the fact that it is held to be the most authentic book in Islam after the Quran. The two primary benefits to studying his book are: firstly, he collected, according to his criteria, all of the most-sound hadith; secondly, he shows how these soundest narrations are sufficient for one’s religion.

About the Author

Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Isma’il ibn Ibrahim ibn al-Mughira al-Ju’fi al-Bukhari was born in 194 AH and died in 256 AH, corresponding to 19 July 810 – September 870 CE. Bukhari’s great-grandfather, al-Mughirah, settled in Bukhara after accepting Islam at the hands of Bukhara’s governor, Yaman al-Ju`fi. Bukhari’s academic life in hadith began in the year 205 AH. He memorised the works of ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak while still a child. He was raised by his mother because his father died when he was an infant. He began authoring books and narrating hadith as an adolescent.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Analyse and critically evaluate hadith commentaries
• Relate the level of authenticity of a hadith to its social, theological and spiritual application
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the criteria for hadith preference in legal applications
• Investigate the primary source of hadith material in the analysis of religious issues
• Understand how these same narrations can be understood and applied in our time to modern questions that the community faces.

Jami’ al-Tirmidhi I & II

Overview

The second unit on Sunan al-Tirmidhi lessons will further expand upon hidden defects of hadith by analysing the works of Daraqutni and others. Furthermore, Tirmidhi manages to bring together an incredible wealth of information about how the Companions, students of the Companions (taba’un) and the early generations of scholars derived law from hadith, or differed with some hadith or reconciled between certain hadith. In this way, the student is empowered with similar tools of analysis as those early generations when engaging with the hadith canon.

Primary Text

Sunan al-Tirmidhi

About the Text

The full title of the text is al-Jami’ al-mukhtasar min al-sunan al-Rasul Allah wa ma’rifah al-sahih wa al-ma’lul wa ma ‘alaihi al-‘amal. It is one of the six major hadith collections. It was collected by Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn ‘Isa al-Tirmidhi. He began compiling it after the year 250 AH and completed it on the 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 270 AH. It contains 3,956 hadith, and has been divided into fifty chapters. It is also classified as a Sunan, which implies that the book has been divided into chapters according to their legal subject, such as purification, prayer etc. The work is an extraordinary collection of hadith relating to legal rulings (ahkam) and how isnads are to be analysed for hidden defects (‘illah), which are sometimes explicitly mentioned by Tirmidhi and sometimes not. The compiler’s principal aim was to discuss the legal opinions of the early jurists. Tirmidhi mostly mentioned those hadith which the jurists used as the basis for their legal decisions and he mentioned which school used which traditions. Hence this book became an important source for the different opinions of the various legal schools.

About the Author

Abu ‘Isa Muhammad ibn Isa al-Sulami al-Bughi al-Tirmidhi was born during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun in 209 AH (824/825 CE). He was born in Tirmidh, in modern-day Uzbekistan. Tirmidhi began the study of hadith at the age of 20. He was a pupil of Bukhari, Muslim and Abu Dawud. Muslim narrated one hadith from Tirmidhi in his own Sahih. Tirmidhi became blind in the last two years of his life and died on 13 Rajab 279 A.H. / 892 C.E.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Analyse and critically evaluate hadith commentaries
• Relate the level of authenticity of a hadith to its social, theological and spiritual application
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the criteria for hadith preference in legal applications
• Investigate the primary source of hadith material in the analysis of religious issues
• Understand how these same narrations can be understood and applied in our time to modern questions that the community faces.

Tafsir al-Kashshaf I & II

Overview

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the application of Quranic exegetical methodology by studying famous exegetical works. Various passages of the Quran with theological, legal and spiritual emphasis will be critically discussed by studying these exegetical works based on tradition (riwayah) and deduction (dirayah). Classical and contemporary interpretations of the Quran in the Muslim world will also be

Primary Text

Al-Kashshaf ‘an haqa’iq al-Tanzil

About the Text

Al-Kashshaf was written in the 12th century CE. It is considered a primary source by all major scholars. However, it is criticised for the inclusion of Mutazili philosophical views. Nevertheless, his work is the best for understanding the language of the Quran, its eloquence and miraculous nature. The work shows how the Quran was understood at the time of its revelation; hence, it has been used by Sunnis throughout the centuries in their religious seminaries.

About the Author

Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari (1074 or 1075 – 1143 or 1144 CE) was of Iranian origin, who subscribed to the Mutazilite theological doctrine.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the major exegetical types and works
• Critically analyse and evaluate Quranic exegetical works
• Relate multiple meanings of Quranic text by reference to exegetical works
• Demonstrate critical ability to deduct theological, legal and spiritual meanings from the Quranic verses by following correct exegetical methodology

History of Indian Scholarship

This course examines the religious and political history of Indian Muslims, with a focus on its prominent leaders, thinkers and institutions. It covers the period from the establishment of the Mughal empire to the era of colonial rule through to the post-colonial context. In particular, it looks at the development of Islamic institutions, and their figureheads, such as Darul-Ulum at Deoband, Nadawa al Ulama at Lucknow, and the Aligarh Muslim University.

Course Overview

This course examines the religious and political history of Indian Muslims, with a focus on its prominent leaders, thinkers and institutions. It covers the period from the establishment of the Mughal empire to the era of colonial rule through to the post-colonial context.

Of particular relevance are the religious reform movements that have shaped the way Islamic is experienced by hundreds of millions of people today. During the British rule of India, Islamic theologians and revivalist groups mobilised masses of Muslims with a call to return to the authentic and prophetic way by establishing Islamic institutions such as Deoband and the Tablighi-Jama’at. This course explores the social, political and religious changes that took place through the prism of these religious reform movements.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Understand the complexity of Muslim politics in India in the colonial and post-colonial context
• Appreciate key developments that took place in India
• Gain familiarity of prominent Indian scholars and thinkers
• Understand the development of the various Islamic institutions, groups, and schools in India and appreciate the context in which they arose

Madkhal ra’i’ ‘ila Sahih al-Bukhari

Course Overview

This 4-day short course will provide an in-depth introduction to Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most important books in Islamic intellectual history. In order for students to be able to truly understand some of the intricacies of this monumental work, Shaykh Akram Nadwi has written ‘Madkhal Rai’ ila Sahih al-Bukhari’, which includes unique contributions informed by numerous years of research and teaching. This book will be the basis of the short course. Topics to be covered will include the biography of Imam al-Bukhari, the popularisation of the Sahih, its commentaries, Bukhari’s methodology, conditions as well as criticisms of the text, responses to criticisms and more.

Soft copies of the text will not be available for this short course. As such, we highly recommend students purchase a hard copy of Shaykh Akram’s Madkhal for reference throughout the duration of the course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Understand the context of Imam al-Bukhari and his Sahih
• Be aware of the structure and features of the text
• Better understand the conditions of the Sahih
• Be aware of the unique contributions and status of Sahih al-Bukhari

Kitab al-Tamyiz

Course Overview

Covering selected chapters of the book, Shaykh Akram will teach how to analyse chains of narration (asānīd) to identify a hidden defect (‘illah). The esteemed Shaykh will dissect and discuss examples of ‘ilal as well as shedding light on the emergence and development of the study of ‘ilal al-ḥadīth as a whole.

Nukhbat al-Fikr

Course Overview

This two-day intensive seminar on Nukhbat al-Fikr covers the principles of prophetic traditions as penned in the small primer of Ibn Hajr. Students will apply the terminology, classification methods, and tools of authenticity to analyse the veracity of specific hadith narrations. In addition, the biographies of major hadith narrators will be evaluated as well as the relative strengths and weaknesses of the collective communities of hadith scholars in the early generations of Islam.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• apply the principles of hadith classification to assess prophetic traditions
• research the biographies of hadith narrators
• recognise common chains of narration in the six sahih hadith collections
• demonstrate familiarity with the biographies of the earlier narrators
• critically analyse the text (matn) and chain (isnad) of different hadith narrations

Muqaddimah of ibn Salah

Course Overview

Kitab Ma’rifat anwa’ Ilm al-Hadith, better known as the Muqaddimah of Ibn al-Salah, is a well-known intermediate-level text on the science of Usul al-hadith. For students familiar with the Arabic language and who have covered beginner’s texts in hadith methodology, this course provides an excellent opportunity to further one’s understanding of the science.

Uthman b. ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Salah al-Shahrazuri was a Kurdish-Iraqi scholar who specialised in hadith studies. He is known to have held notable teaching positions in various centres of learning in the Muslim world, including in Damascus, Syria and Jerusalem, Palestine. The Muqadimmah is said to have begun as a series of lectures which then became ordered into a book. The final manuscript draws on, and develops, the arguments in various prior works, including al-Hakim al-Nisaburi’s similarly titled work Kitab Ma’rifat Ulum al-Hadith.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• To become aware of the main concepts and arguments expounded on in the text
• To develop an intermediate-level understanding of Usul al-Hadith
• To gain an insight into key features of the text and the author’s approach to the science

Muqaddimah ibn Taymiyyah

Course Overview

This course focuses on the essential principles of Qur’anic exegesis posited by Ibn Taymiyyah in small treatise, ‘Al-Muqaddimah fi Usul al-Tafsir’ or ‘An Introduction to the Principles of Qur’an Interpretation’.

The text promotes a methodological framework of Tafsir that provides exegetes with the tools and principles to understand and unravel the Divine intent behind Quranic verses. The course also places emphasis on understanding the thinking process of the author and providing a comparative study of his work. It has proven to be a unique work in that, despite its conciseness, this small work of scholarship has been quoted by Qur’anic scholars from the earliest times like Ibn Kathir and Al-Suyuti up until the present day.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students should be able to:

• Understand different sources of Tafsir, from the Quran itself, to the Prophet, Companions and successors
• Recognise ideological and sectarian biases in Tafsir works
• Evaluate the pros and cons of  different genres of Tafsir

Role of Contemporary Ulama

Course Overview

This seminar will address some of the unanswered questions surrounding the ‘ulama today. These include questions such as: who are the ‘ulama, what role do they play in contemporary society and what areas of concern do they face? With more and more Muslims studying their religion, beginning at various points in their lives, so many potential sources of knowledge ranging from books to the internet, and the great Islamic intellectual heritage that precedes us, where do we stand today with regards to our scholars? This course will explore their qualifications, roles, rights, responsibilities, and challenges with Shaykh Akram Nadwi, a long-standing member of both the international community of ‘ulama, as well as the ‘ulama in the UK.

Usul al-Shashi

Course Overview

This four-part course will provide a detailed study of the Principles of Jurisprudence based on the text Usul al-Shashi. Usul al-Shashi is a well-known compendium on the principles of Islamic jurisprudence according to the Hanafi school. Despite its brevity and conciseness, the text is fit for a full, detailed study as it clearly articulates the position of the school, rather than the views and opinions of particular notable jurists.

The study of usul al-fiqh focuses on the principles upon which scholars have expounded upon Islamic jurisprudence. It also includes the study of the historical development of the discipline. The goal is to become familiar with the historical, social and religious factors in the development of Islamic legal schools and to become acquainted with the framework of jurisprudential discussion.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• Demonstrate considerable understanding of the development of usul al-fiqh
• Apply traditional usul al-fiqh to the modern era
• Demonstrate proficiency in the understanding of the methodology of Islamic lawmaking
• Confidently recall the position of the Hanafi school of thought on different usuli principles
• Understand the origins of the differences in the schools of Islamic law

Qiyas Ijma Ijtihad

Course Overview

This course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the concepts and applications of ijma’ and qiyas in Islamic legal theory and, in particular, as methods utilised during the process of ijtihad. This will include an examination of the historical background of these jurisprudential tools and how understandings of these tools have evolved over time. There will be a focus on differentiating between understandings in the various Islamic sciences, including kalam, usul al-fiqh and fiqh itself.

Students will be provided with an understanding of the framework of Islamic legal theory in order to adequately determine the role of ijma’ and qiyas in relation to the sources, methods and principles of Islamic legal theory.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students should be able to understand:

• the historical development and practical implementation of ijma’ (consensus) in Islamic intellectual thought
• the historical development and practical implementation of qiyas (analogical reasoning) in Islamic intellectual thought
• the relationship between ijma’, qiyas and ijtihad (legal reasoning)
• the foundations of ijma’, qiyas and ijtihad in the Quran & Sunnah
• the roles and objectives of the mujtahid
• who is authorised as a mujtahid in our times
• how best to employ these tools effectively

Al-Mufassal I & II

Overview

In the modern era there is an alarming trend for recent graduates from Islamic institutions, and even established scholars, to make fundamental mistakes in Arabic grammar. Therefore, this module provides an opportunity to revise one’s knowledge of this oft-neglected area and develop expertise in the nuances of the language. For this purpose, al-Mufassal of Imam Zamakhshari, a masterpiece on the fundamentals Arabic grammar, will be studied alongside workshops in Arabic composition and linguistic exposition of the books of hadith, Islamic law, and Quranic exegesis that are also taught in the Advanced level.

Primary Text

Al-Mufassal

About the Text

Commentators and critiques of classical works on Arabic grammar have noted that al-Mufassal is one of Zamakhshari’s most important, popular and best-known works. The Encyclopedia Britannica mentions that al-Mufassal was “celebrated for its concise but exhaustive exposition” of the principles of Arabic grammar. The text is perhaps the most important grammatical work that is taught from the traditional syllabus, and is an authority on the Arabic language despite its conciseness and relatively late addition to the corpus.

About the Author

Abu al-Qasim Mahmud ibn Umar al-Zamakhshari (1074 or 1075 – 1143 or 1144 CE) was of Iranian origin, who subscribed to the Mutazilite theological doctrine. He is considered to have reached the level of ijtihad in Arabic in grammar, meaning that he will differ with Sibawayh and the Kufan/Basri schools on certain particulars of the language, which will benefit the student further.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Accurately detail the properties of the Noun, Verb, and Particle
• Demonstrate mastery of the Arabic language
• Appreciate the subtleties of Arabic grammar and composition

Al-Mughni I, II & III

Overview

This module is a comparative study of Islamic law. The text chosen for this area of study will highlight some of the most profound legal thought from contrasting legal traditions. The module will introduce a dynamic way of approaching traditional Islamic law; taking the schools of law as a foundation whilst applying a rigorous scholarly method that truly considers how traditional fiqh can be analysed in light of principles of hadith, Arabic language and Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh).

Primary Text

Al-Mughni

About the Text

Imam al-Muwaffaq Ibn al-Qudama’s al-Mughni is one of the foremost legal masterpieces of Islamic civilisation, with a superb documentation of the juristic findings of the Sunni schools of Islamic law. The one termed ‘Sultan of the Ulama’, Imam ‘Izz al-Din b. ‘Abd al-Salam, said, ‘In terms of quality and research, I have not seen in Islam the like of al-Mughni by al-Muwaffaq.’ The Hanbalis narrate that Imam Ahmad was seen in a dream and said, ‘Your companion al-Muwaffaq has not been remiss in [his] commentary [entitled al-Mughni].’ Ibn Taymiyyah is reported to have said, ‘No one has entered al-Sham after al-Awzaʿai with more knowledge of Islamic law than Shaykh Muwaffaq.’

About the Author

His full name was Muwaffaq al-Din Abu Muhammad Abd Allah Ibn Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi. Imam Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi was a noted Hanbali ascetic, juris-consult and traditionalist theologian. He authored many treatises on jurisprudence and doctrine. He was born in Palestine in Jammain in 1147AD/541AH. He received the first phase of his education in Damascus where he studied the Quran and hadith. He left Palestine with his maternal cousin, ‘Abd al-Ghani, for Baghdad in 561AH. In later life, Ibn Qudamah left Damascus to join Salah al-Din in his expedition against the Franks in 1187AD / 573AH, participating particularly in Salah al-Din’s conquest of Jerusalem. He died on Saturday, the Day of Eid al-Fitr on 7 July 1223 AD / 620 AH.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:Understand legal reasoning of the different legal schools, including ones outside of the four standard Sunni legal schools of law
  • Appreciate the expertise, sophistication and open-mindedness that characterised early legal thought
  • Demonstrate proficiency in comparative Islamic law

Hujjatullah I & II

Overview

This module will cover the great work of Shah Wali Allah al-Dihlawi, Hujjatullah al-Balighah (The Profound Evidence of Allah). The text is monumental due to its balance and depth in explaining the wisdom of Islamic rulings through a study of the Prophetic hadith. Through critical analysis of the text, students will be able to put Islam into context and make a connection between each juristic ruling; because the Hujjat makes all the parts of Islam whole. The study of this work refines the intellect; and by studying how the author addressed the hadith corpus to the challenges of his time, we will be better prepared to apply the same corpus to the challenges of the present era. Similarly, students will discuss the dangers of attempting to make the wisdom or higher objectives (maqasid) of the shariah into independent sources for law-making.

Primary Text

Hujjatullah al-Balighah

About the Text

The magnum opus of Shah Wali Allah, Hujjat Allah al-Balighah, is a comprehensive and cogent work presenting a synthesis of the Islamic creed, devotions, transactions, morals, social philosophy, statecraft and spirituality.Few works can compare with the compendious yet clear and cohesive exposition attempted in the Hujjat Allah al-Balighah. The text laid the foundation of a new dialectical theology for the modern age of reason.

About the Author

Shah Waliullah Dahlawi was born in 1703 C.E. four years before the death of Aurangzeb. His father, Shah Abdur Raheem was among the leading Hanafi jurists and a distinguished scholar of Islam in Delhi. Shah Waliullah was introduced to Islamic education at the age of five and completed the recitation of the Quran by the age of seven. At the age of 23 he travelled to Makkah for pilgrimage. During his stay in Makkah he received training and Ijazah in hadith from various leading scholars of the Hijaz. Upon his return to India, he remained busy in teaching and writing until his death (20 August, 1762).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the objectives of Islamic law
• Critically evaluate the usage of the ‘maqasid’ as a source of law-making
• Understand the priorities of the different legislation in Islam
• Articulate the reasoning for the differences in the development of the major legal schools

Al-Balagha al-Wadiha

Overview

This module offers an in-depth study of Arabic rhetoric through the text al-Balagha al-Wadiha. Students will explore key rhetorical principles such as metaphors, similes, and the fundamentals of eloquent expression. The module emphasises the relationship between language, meaning, and style, encouraging a nuanced appreciation of rhetorical techniques. By engaging with this foundational text, students will enhance their understanding and application of Arabic rhetoric, fostering a deeper connection to the language and its literary tradition.

Primary Text

Al-Balagha Al-Wadiha

About the Text

The book is a foundational text in the study of Arabic rhetoric, authored by Ali Al-Jarim and Mustafa Amin. It is renowned for its clear and accessible explanation of complex rhetorical concepts, making it a staple in traditional Arabic and Islamic education. The text systematically covers the major components of Arabic rhetoric, including simile (tashbih), metaphor (isti’arah), and eloquent expression (fasahah), along with illustrative examples drawn from classical Arabic literature and poetry.

About the Author

Ali Al-Jarim and Mustafa Amin are highly respected scholars in the field of Arabic rhetoric. They are renowned for their expertise in classical Arabic literature and linguistic analysis. Both authors have made significant contributions to the study of rhetoric, particularly through their work on Al-Balagha Al-Wadiha. Their collaborative effort in compiling and elucidating this text has solidified their reputation as authorities in the realm of Arabic language and rhetoric, making their work indispensable for students and scholars alike.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Grasp essential rhetorical concepts, enriching their understanding of Arabic language and literature
• Analyse classical Arabic texts in their usage of rhetorical technique
• Deepen their appreciation for Arabic literature

Usul al-Sarakhsi

Overview

This module is an advanced study of Hanafi legal theory, focusing on a key text that demonstrates the nuanced legal thought of the Hanafi school. The module will look at the legal reasoning and methodologies presented by al-Sarakhsi, exploring how Hanafi fiqh can be analysed in light of its underlying principles.

Primary Text

Usul al-Sarakhsi

About the Text

Al-Muharrar fi Usul al-Fiqh by al-Sarakhsi deals with Islamic jurisprudence and the exercise of sound intellectual deduction (ra’y) in systematic reasoning and juristic preference. To write this work, al-Sarakhsi incorporated information from many different sources, including Abu’l-Hasan al-Karkhi, Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Shashi, al-Jassas, al-Shafi’i and major works from the other legal traditions.

About the Author

Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Abi Sahl Abu Bakr al-Sarakhsi, known as Shams al-A’imma, was a Persian jurist and influential Islamic scholar of the Hanafi school. His works have profoundly impacted Hanafi jurisprudence, with later scholars like Al-Kasani and Burhan al-Din al-Marghinani drawing extensively from his legal reasoning in their seminal texts. The 19th-century scholar Abd al-Hayy al-Lucknawi classified him among the second grade of mujtahids, alongside figures such as Al-Tahawi, who were key jurists after Abu Hanifa’s direct students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Understand the foundational principles of Hanafi legal theory
• Critically evaluate the influence of Usul al-Sarakhsi on subsequent Hanafi scholars and their writings
• Analyse legal issues using the principles and methodologies outlined in the text

Al-Risala

Overview

This module delves into the foundational principles of Islamic legal theory through a detailed study of Al-Risala by Imam al-Shafi’i. The course will emphasise the groundbreaking legal methodologies introduced by al-Shafi’i, exploring how these principles have shaped the development of Islamic legal theory. Students will engage with the text using a scholarly approach that integrates the other Islamic sciences.

Primary Text

Al-Risala

About the Text

Al-Risala is a pioneering work in Usul al-Fiqh and is considered the first comprehensive text on the subject. Al-Shafi’i meticulously outlines the principles and methodologies for deriving legal rulings, providing a structured approach to Islamic jurisprudence. The text significantly influenced the development of Islamic legal thought and served as a key reference for scholars across various legal schools.

About the Author

Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi’i is recognized as the founder of the Shafi’i school of law. Al-Shafi’i travelled extensively to study under renowned scholars in Medina, Iraq, and Egypt. His rigorous scholarship and innovative contributions to Usul al-Fiqh have left an enduring legacy.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Comprehend the core principles of Shafi’i legal theory and how they compare with other Islamic legal traditions
• Investigate the historical and intellectual context of the text
• Evaluate the role of al-Risala in shaping the evolution of Usul al-Fiqh

Kitab al-Hujjah

Overview

This module explores the text Kitab al-Hujjah ‘Ala Ahl al-Madinah by Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani. By studying a selected chapter, students will gain an understanding of the structure and aims of the text, which will facilitate independent study of the entire text for students who wish to do so. This module shows that al-Shaybani engaged with various Medinese scholars, mastering their legal theories and methods of deduction, and debated them on points of disagreement with Abu Hanifah.

Primary Text

Kitab al-Hujjah ‘Ala Ahl al-Madinah

About the Text

Imam Muhammad wrote this text to counter the views of the scholars of al-Madinah, particularly Imam Malik. The work addresses approximately 400 fundamental legal issues where the Medinese scholars diverged from al-Shaybani’s mentor, Imam Abu Hanifah, with al-Shaybani largely supporting Abu Hanifah’s positions.

About the Author

Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani was a prominent jurist and a student of Abu Hanifah and Malik ibn Anas, trained in the jurisprudence of both the Iraqi and Medina schools. He emphasised the decisive role of hadith in Islamic law and held a significant position in the Abbasid court, which allowed him to propagate Hanafi legal ideas. Al-Shaybani was the first to document Hanafi legal thought and authored extensive works on inheritance law and jihad.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Understand the arguments and principles outlined in the chapter of study
• Assess the influence of the text on the evolution of Hanafi fiqh and its impact on the field of comparative fiqh
• Analyse the historical and intellectual context in which the text was written

Al-Muwafaqat

Overview

This module is a close reading of the introduction to al-Muwafaqat by Imam al-Shatibi, as well as an overview of the aims of the entire text. By studying the introduction closely and gaining an understanding of al-Shatibi’s methodology, students will be able to independently study the entire work. This module highlights al-Shatibi’s engagement with various legal theories and methods of deduction.

Primary Text

Al-Muwafaqat fi Usul al-Shari’ah

About the Text

Al-Muwafaqat fi Usul al-Shari’ah deals with Usul al-Fiqh and Maqasid al-Shari’ah. Shatibi’s work was novel in Islamic jurisprudence for it was for the first time that the objectives of Shariah were addressed comprehensively. It was first published in 1884 in Tunis, and since then it has been a source of inspiration, moderation and renewal in fiqh. The book, however, deals with much more than the maqasid, and substantial research is needed to unravel its full contribution.

About the Author

Abu Ishaq Ibrahim ibn Musa ibn Muhammad al-Shatibi al-Gharnati was an Andalusian Maliki legal scholar and reformer. He wrote on a variety of subjects, including usul al-fiqh, grammar, and poetry. He was critical of the fiqh of his age and disagreed with Maliki contemporaries on many points, including taxation and the significance of taqlid (following legal precedent). He emphasised the principle of Quranic supremacy as the ultimate source for making rules among Muslims, and he argued that the individual’s interests and common good (maslahah) constitute the prime purposes of Islamic law.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Understand the arguments and principles outlined in the introduction of the text
• Assess the influence of the text on the evolution of Usul al-Fiqh
• Analyse the historical and intellectual context in which the text was written

Muqaddimah of Sahih Muslim

Course Overview

This course covers the Sahih of Muslim’s introductory section in great depth along with an overview of Muslim and Bukhari’s methodologies and the differences between them. The early acceptance of Sahih Bukhari and Muslim into hadith canon is discussed along with a history of Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj including his life, teachers, quality of transmission (isnad), and legal affiliation (madhab).

The Muqaddimah of Sahih Muslim’s is important for understanding the way he has organised his book, including the crucial distinctions he makes between primary hadith (usul), supporting hadith (mutabaʿat), and preambulatory hadith. Understanding Muslims own organisation of his work is crucial, as re-organisations by later scholars have led to a great deal of confusion about what is authentic.

This course is a unique opportunity to benefit from someone with unmatched expertise, Shaikh Akram Nadwi is one of the world leading experts on Hadith and is currently  working on an extensive commentary on Sahih Muslim.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the methodologies of early hadith scholars including Muslim and Bukhari
• Gain a brief overview of Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj and his scholarship
• Understand the basic differences between Bukhari and Muslim’s methodologies
• Recognise Sahih Muslim’s internal structure and how it contrasts with later attempts at organisation
• Understand Muslim’s characterization and division of narrators within his Sahih
• Understand the influence and significance of Muslims Kitab al-Tamyiz

Tafsir al-Tabari

Overview

This module examines a selection from the Tafsir of Imam al-Tabari. By studying a selected chapter, students will gain an understanding of the structure and aims of the text, enabling independent study of the entire work for those who wish to do so. This module showcases al-Tabari’s engagement with various exegetical methods and his comprehensive approach to Quranic interpretation.

Primary Text

Jami’ al-Bayan fi Ta’wil al-Qur’an (Tafsir al-Tabari)

About the Text

Tafsir al-Tabari has been esteemed since its creation and remains a vital resource for scholars today. As the earliest major comprehensive commentary on the Quran still available in its original form, it is notable for its thoroughness and its use of a wide range of sources, including many that present varying viewpoints on the same verses.

About the Author

Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari was a prominent Persian scholar and historian, known for his extensive works in Quranic exegesis, history, and jurisprudence. Al-Tabari’s scholarship reflects his profound expertise and his methodical approach to collecting and evaluating narrations.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Identify al-Tabari’s interpretive techniques and use of narrations
• Assess the role of the text in shaping the methodologies of later Tafsir literature
• Analyse the historical and intellectual context in which the text was written

Tafsir al-Baydawi

Overview

This module examines a selection from the Tafsir al-Baydawi. By studying a selected chapter, students will gain an understanding of the structure and aims of the text, enabling independent study of the entire work for those who wish to do so. This module highlights al-Baydawi’s exegetical methods and his approach to Quranic interpretation, which integrates linguistic, theological, and legal insights.

Primary Text

Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Ta’wil (Tafsir al-Baydawi)

About the Text

Tafsir al-Baydawi is one of the most popular classical Sunni tafsirs. It gained particular prominence in non-Arab Muslim regions. It builds on al-Zamakhshari’s al-Kashshaf, which contains Mu’tazilite views that al-Baydawi either amended or omitted. Additionally, al-Baydawi draws from al-Raghib al-Isfahani’s Mufradat Alfaz al-Qur’an and his tafsir, as well as Fakhr al-Din al-Razi’s al-Tafsir al-Kabir.

About the Author

Nasir al-Din al-Baydawi was a Persian jurist, theologian, and mufassir who lived during the post-Seljuk and early Mongol era. His works attracted numerous commentaries, and he authored several theological treatises. During the Salghurid period, the Iranian region where he lived was relatively stable and safe due to the Salghurids’ amicable relations with the Mongols. This environment made it a preferred destination for scholars, and Baydawi benefited from the presence and knowledge of these learned individuals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to:
• Identify al-Baydawi’s interpretive techniques and use of tafsir literature
• Assess the role of the text in shaping Sunni tafsir literature
• Analyse the historical and intellectual context in which the text was written