Book Review: Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah, A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh for An English Audiences Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili

Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah

Book Review: Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah, A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh for An English Audiences Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili by Legaproblema.com - Ever wondered how maliki jurisprudence is conveyed to English-speaking audiences? The book Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah offers an accessible window into this rich tradition of Islamic legal treatise. This work, authored by Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili, is a concise yet eloquent treatise on Maliki fiqh principles, tailored originally for the community around the Azhar Mosque in Cairo and now translated for a broader English readership.²

The text stands out by covering the core aspects of worship and practical life issues such as marriage, divorce, commercial transactions, and inheritance, making it a practical guide within the framework of maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law. While not the most authoritative text of the Maliki madhab, its clarity and simplicity have made it a treasured resource across West Africa, North Africa, and Sudan, reflecting its enduring legacy and relevance.⁵

Book Details

Author

Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili¹

Original Language

Arabic

Translation

English⁵

Publisher

Dar al-Risala Publishing Solutions, USA

ISBN

-

Length

112 pages⁶

Genre

Islamic Legal Treatise / Maliki Fiqh

Structure and Contents

What makes this Islamic legal treatise so approachable? The book is structured into eleven chapters, each focusing on fundamental aspects of Maliki fiqh principle and daily worship and transactions. Here a snapshot of the contents:

• Purification (Taharah)
• Prayer (Salah)
• Fasting (Sawm)
• Almsgiving (Zakat)
• Hajj (Pilgrimage)
• Marriage and Divorce
• Commercial Transactions
• Inheritance
• Miscellaneous rulings relevant to everyday life

This organization reflects the classical Maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law, emphasizing both ritual worship and practical societal matters.²

Strong Points of the Book

Why does this book continue to resonate with students and scholars of maliki jurisprudence? Here are some of its key strengths:

• Simplicity and Eloquence: The text is written in clear, straightforward language, making complex legal principles accessible to lay readers and students alike.⁵
• Comprehensive Coverage: It addresses both worship and social transactions, offering a holistic view of Maliki fiqh principle application.²
• Practical Orientation: Designed originally for the common community around Azhar Mosque, it focuses on applicable rulings rather than abstract theory.⁴
• Translation Quality: The English translation maintains the original clarity and has been annotated for better understanding.⁵
• Regional Popularity: Its adoption in West Africa, North Africa, and Sudan attests to its practical value and cultural relevance.⁷

Impact and Legacy

How has this Islamic legal treatise influenced the understanding of maliki jurisprudence in modern contexts? Although not among the primary canonical texts of the Maliki madhab, its legacy is significant. It bridges classical Islamic legal thought with contemporary readers, especially English speakers, fostering wider appreciation of the 4 madhabs in Islam and their distinct legal methodologies.²

Its impact is particularly notable in educational institutions and communities where Maliki jurisprudence predominates, serving as an introductory yet authoritative text for students and practitioners. The treatise dissemination beyond Egypt to Africa and the English-speaking Muslim diaspora underscores its role in preserving and promoting maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law globally.⁵

Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili

Criticism of the Book

Is the book without fault? While the buku Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah is widely appreciated, some critiques arise:

• Not a Primary Reference: Scholars note that it is not among the major relied-upon texts of the Maliki madhab, limiting its authority in advanced jurisprudential debates.¹
• Minor Typographical Errors: Some editions contain minor typographical issues, which can occasionally disrupt reading flow.⁶
• Scope Limitations: Its brevity means some complex legal issues are treated superficially, requiring supplementary study from more comprehensive Maliki jurisprudence sources.

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does this Islamic legal treatise compare with other works on maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law? Consider the following table:

Aspect	Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat	Al-Mudawwana Al-Kubra	Al-Risala by Ibn Abi Zayd
Audience	General community, beginners	Scholars, jurists	Students, intermediate learners
Length	Short (112 pages)	Extensive multi-volume	Moderate
Language	Arabic (translated to English)	Classical Arabic	Classical Arabic
Focus	Practical worship and transactions	Comprehensive jurisprudence	Foundational Maliki principles
Usefulness for English audiences	High (due to translation and clarity)	Low (no widely available translation)	Medium (some translations exist)

Maliki Jurisprudence: Foundations and Principles

What defines maliki jurisprudence, and why is it significant in Islamic law? Maliki jurisprudence is one of the 4 madhabs in Islam, founded by Imam Malik ibn Anas. It emphasizes the practices of the people of Medina as a source of law, alongside the Quran and Sunnah. This school is known for its balanced approach between textual sources and local customs, making it adaptable and practical.²

The Book Review: Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah encapsulates these maliki fiqh principles, providing readers with insights into how Islamic law is applied in worship and daily life according to Maliki jurisprudence.

Islamic Legal Treatise: Role and Relevance

Why do Islamic legal treatises like Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat matter? They serve as authoritative guides that systematize and explain Islamic law, making the complex corpus of jurisprudence accessible to students, scholars, and laypeople. This treatise contributes to the tradition by focusing on clarity and practicality, essential for those seeking to understand maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law.⁵

Maliki Fiqh Principle in Contemporary Context

How do maliki fiqh principles remain relevant today? The principles emphasize justice, public welfare, and adherence to prophetic traditions, which continue to guide Muslim communities worldwide. The treatise under review highlights these principles in a manner that resonates with modern readers, particularly English speakers, bridging classical jurisprudence and contemporary application.²

Maliki Jurisprudence in Islamic Law: A Global Perspective

What is the global footprint of maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law? It is predominant in North and West Africa, parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and among some Muslim communities worldwide. The translation and dissemination of works like Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah have helped spread Maliki jurisprudence beyond Arabic-speaking regions, facilitating cross-cultural Islamic legal understanding.⁵

Final Ruling

In sum, the book Al-Muqaddimah Al-Izziyat Lil Jamaat Al-Azhariyyah, A Treatise on Maliki Fiqh for An English Audiences Abu Al-Hasan Ali Al-Maliki Ash-Shadhili stands as a valuable resource for those seeking to explore maliki jurisprudence in Islamic law through an accessible English lens. Its strengths in clarity, practical coverage, and translation make it an essential introduction to Maliki fiqh principles, despite its limitations as a non-primary text. For students, educators, and practitioners interested in the 4 madhabs in Islam, this treatise offers a meaningful bridge between tradition and modern understanding.

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