Al-Shafi'i's Risala: Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence By Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-shafii

Al-Shafi'i's Risala: Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence By Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-shafii

ISBN: 9780946621156

Author: Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-shafii

Book Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 378

Size: 6 x 9 inch

Publiication: 2008

Description

About This Book:

This famous treatise, written during the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi'i (who died in 204 AH/820 AD), the founder of one of the four major Sunni schools of law, lays forth the essential foundations of Islamic jurisprudence. Its persistent effect is still shaping Islamic legal theory today.

Scholars confronted the complicated problems of administering a varied and fast growing empire in the early years of Islam's development. Legal concepts had to be formed in locations like Medina, Kufa, and other towns under early Muslim control. However, it was Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi'i's remarkable mind, born in 150 AH/767 AD, that led to the formulation of the principles necessary to synthesis these disparate legal systems into a unified framework. Al-Shafi'i's seminal book, known as the Risala, firmly established the Sunna, the Prophet Muhammad's example, as the second most significant source of guidance after the Quran. This treatise laid the groundwork for the synthesis of Islamic jurisprudence.

By translating this crucial book into English, Professor Majid Khadduri has made a significant contribution. His outstanding translation is based on genuine manuscripts unearthed at Dar al-Kutub, Cairo's National Library, including those by Ibn Jama'a and al-Rabi. He also makes use of authorized editions from the early twentieth century, such as the Bulaq and Shakir editions.

Professor Khadduri gives context in his introduction by detailing the Risala's historical past. He also includes a full biography of al-Imam al-Shafi'i as well as analyses of the text's authorship, organization, substance, and argument. He gives a list of tradition transmitters, a dictionary of significant Islamic legal terminologies, and a select bibliography to assist readers. For further clarity and convenience, this updated version includes an extended index and a minor corrigendum.