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Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained

Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained

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Detailed Description

Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is one of the earliest texts written on Islamic ­creed and one of the surviving works of Abu Hanifa, the Great Imam of jurisprudence and theology. Studied for centuries in the Muslim world, Al-Fiqh al-Akbar offers a more nuanced, textured approach to understanding divine oneness (tawhid), the focal point of Islamic belief. It refines one’s understanding of the Creator, the messengers and divine communication, and enables one to gain much-needed insight into the realities of this life and the events of the hereafter.

Al-Fiqh al-Akbar not only improves one’s understanding of ‘aqida and deepens one’s appreciation of his or her beliefs, but it endeavors to address questions, which, if left unanswered, could leave insidious doubt and cause communal division. Such questions include: Where is Allah? Does Allah evolve? What constitutes true Islamic belief? Are prophets capable of sinning? Is there creation beyond what we see? What comes after death?

This translation of Al-Fiqh al-Akbar is an unprecedented contribution to the subject of ‘aqida in English. A lucid rendering, unhampered by sterile literalism, it draws on a number of commentaries to unlock a subject that has been largely inaccessible to an English readership. This is due both to the subject’s complexity and the lack of reliable works in English. Combining Maghnisawi’s basic commentary with copious notes carefully selected from ‘Ali al-Qari’s super-commentary and the entire Kitab al-Wasiyya of Abu Hanifa, this edition promises to be an essential guide on the intellectual and rewarding journey through Islamic creed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is “Imam Abu Hanifa’s al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained”?

“Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained” is a book that provides a detailed commentary on Al-Fiqh al-Akbar, one of the earliest texts on Islamic creed (beliefs) attributed to Imam Abu Hanifa. Essentially, it breaks down the fundamental beliefs of Islam – like the attributes of Allah, the status of the Qur’an, what Muslims believe about the hereafter, etc. – and explains them in a clear, systematic way.

2. Who has explained or written this commentary?

The explanation is compiled by a traditional scholar (the edition available is published by White Thread Press). It includes the commentary of Mulla Ali al-Qari, a renowned 16th-century scholar, with further notes by Maulana Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf Mangera (Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera) who translated and added insights. So, it’s a combination of classical commentary and modern scholarly notes for clarity.

3. Do I need prior knowledge to benefit from this book?

Not necessarily. The book is designed to take a foundational creed text and explain it from scratch. It starts with the text of Al-Fiqh al-Akbar (which is quite short by itself) and then provides explanations line by line. It’s very useful for beginners who want to learn Sunni Islamic beliefs in depth, as well as for students of knowledge looking for a reliable commentary. The language in the translation/commentary is straightforward, making complex theological concepts easier to grasp.

4. What are some topics covered in “Al-Fiqh al-Akbar” that this book explains?

The book covers core topics of Aqeedah (creed), such as: the oneness and attributes of Allah (for example, what do terms like Allah’s “hand” or “anger” really mean – explained in a way that befits His majesty), the status of the Qur’an (as Allah’s uncreated word), beliefs about the Prophets (their infallibility, etc.), and issues like divine decree (Qadr). It also touches on what constitutes disbelief versus belief. Each of these points is explained with evidence from the Qur’an, Hadith, and statements of early scholars.

5. Why is Imam Abu Hanifa’s Al-Fiqh al-Akbar significant?

Imam Abu Hanifa (rahimahullah) is the great 8th-century scholar, founder of the Hanafi school of thought in jurisprudence. Al-Fiqh al-Akbar (literally “The Greatest Understanding”) is significant because it’s one of the earliest formulations of what Muslims must believe. It shows that from the very early period of Islam, scholars articulated the creed to protect against deviations. Studying it gives us a direct connection to the understanding of the earliest generations regarding faith. This particular explained version ensures that a modern reader can appreciate that legacy with proper context and clarity.