Book Review: Ascent to Felicity, A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence Abu 'l-Ikhlas Al-Shurunbulali

Ascent to Felicity, A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence

Book Review: Ascent to Felicity, A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence Abu 'l-Ikhlas Al-Shurunbulali

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Ascent to Felicity, A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence Abu 'l-Ikhlas Al-Shurunbulali by Legaproblema.com - What makes a legal manual on Hanafi fiqh also a source of spiritual guidance? How does Ascent to Felicity help us in understanding Muslim faith through the principles of Hanafi jurisprudence? This concise yet comprehensive primer, authored by the eminent 11th-century Hanafi scholar Abu 'l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali, bridges Islamic creed and law with practical applications for daily worship and conduct. It covers the five pillars of Islam alongside detailed rulings on slaughtering, ritual sacrifice, and hunting, making it a valuable resource for those seeking clarity on Hanafi fiqh and spiritual understanding alike.¹⁵⁹

The book serves as a manual that not only educates on the legalistic aspects of Islamic jurisprudence but also enriches the reader spiritual journey by elucidating the creed underpinning these laws. This dual focus makes it a unique contribution to Islamic literature, especially for followers of the Hanafi school, founded by Imam Hanafi, whose principles continue to guide millions worldwide.⁴

Book Details

Author

Abu 'l-Ikhlas al-Hasan b. `Ammar b. `Ali b. Yusuf al-Shurunbulali

Original Language

Arabic²

Translation

English 

Publisher

White Thread Press⁴

ISBN

1933764090⁷

Length

224 pages⁸

Genre

Islamic Creed and Hanafi, Jurisprudence Manual¹

Structure and Contents

Ever wondered how a legal manual can be structured to serve both as a creed guide and a jurisprudence reference? Ascent to Felicity is organized to facilitate easy understanding of Hanafi fiqh principles alongside spiritual teachings. Its structure includes:

• An introduction to Islamic creed foundational to Hanafi jurisprudence
• Detailed chapters on the five pillars of Islam—Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj
• Sections on specific legal rulings such as slaughtering, ritual sacrifice, and hunting
• Explanatory notes clarifying complex theological and legal points
• Appendices containing Arabic supplications with English transliteration related to the five pillars
• Guidance on the etiquette of visiting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) shrine in Madina

This layout ensures that readers can navigate both the spiritual and legal dimensions of Hanafi fiqh with clarity and practicality.²⁷⁹

Strong Points of the Book

What makes Ascent to Felicity stand out among Hanafi fiqh manuals? Its strength lies in the balance between legal rigor and spiritual insight. Key strong points include:

• Conciseness and comprehensiveness: Despite its brevity, it covers essential aspects of creed and law thoroughly.
• Authoritative scholarship: Authored by a respected Hanafi scholar with deep roots in classical Islamic education.
• Practical guidance: Provides actionable rulings that are relevant for contemporary Muslims.
• Supplementary notes and appendices: Enhances understanding with contextual explanations and devotional supplications.
• Bridging creed and law: Integrates theological foundations with jurisprudential rulings, enriching the reader faith and practice.

These qualities make it an indispensable resource for students, scholars, and laypersons interested in Hanafi jurisprudence and Islamic creed.⁶⁵⁹

Impact and Legacy

How has Ascent to Felicity influenced the understanding of Hanafi jurisprudence and Islamic creed over centuries? As a classical manual, it has been a primary text in Hanafi circles, shaping generations of scholars and students. Its impact includes:

• Serving as a foundational teaching text in Hanafi fiqh education across Muslim lands
• Preserving classical Hanafi legal and theological thought in a concise form
• Facilitating the transmission of Hanafi principles to modern readers through its recent English translation and annotations
• Supporting spiritual growth by linking legal practice with creed understanding

The book legacy endures as it continues to be studied and referenced, ensuring that Imam Hanafi principles remain accessible and relevant.⁴⁷⁹

Abu 'l-Ikhlas Al-Shurunbulali

Criticism of the Book

Is there any criticism of Ascent to Felicity in terms of its approach to Hanafi fiqh and Islamic creed? While widely respected, some critiques include:

• Conciseness may limit depth: Some readers may find the brevity insufficient for complex jurisprudential debates.
• Classical language and style: Despite translation, certain classical terminologies may pose challenges for contemporary readers without prior background.
• Focus on Hanafi school: The manual is specific to Hanafi jurisprudence and creed, which might limit its applicability for followers of other Islamic schools.

Nonetheless, these critiques are common to many classical manuals and do not diminish its overall value as a legal and spiritual guide.¹⁴

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does Ascent to Felicity compare with other Hanafi fiqh manuals or Islamic creed texts? Here is a brief comparison:

Aspect	Ascent to Felicity	Nur al-Idah	Al-Hidayah
Author	Abu 'l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali	Abu 'l-Ikhlas al-Shurunbulali	Al-Marghinani
Focus	Creed and Hanafi jurisprudence primer	Detailed Hanafi jurisprudence	Comprehensive Hanafi fiqh manual
Length	Concise (224 pages)	More extensive	Extensive and detailed
Use	Introductory and practical guide	Primary teaching text	Reference for scholars and students
Spiritual content	Integrated with legal rulings	Primarily legal	Primarily legal

This comparison highlights Ascent to Felicity as a uniquely balanced text offering both creed and fiqh in an accessible format, complementing more detailed works like Nur al-Idah and Al-Hidayah.⁴⁹

Hanafi Fiqh: The Core of Ascent to Felicity

What is Hanafi fiqh, and why is it central to Ascent to Felicity? Hanafi fiqh is the jurisprudential school founded by Imam Abu Hanifa, emphasizing reasoned opinion (ra'y) and analogy (qiyas) alongside Quran and Sunnah. This manual distills the principles of Hanafi jurisprudence, guiding readers through practical rulings on worship, transactions, and ethical conduct. It reflects the school commitment to balancing textual evidence with contextual understanding, making it a vital resource for those studying Hanafi fiqh.¹⁴⁵

Legal Manual: Practical Guidance in Islamic Law

Why do we need a legal manual like Ascent to Felicity? Islamic law governs many aspects of a Muslim life, and a legal manual provides clear instructions to ensure compliance with Sharia. This book offers concise rulings on key areas such as prayer, fasting, zakat, and pilgrimage, as well as specific legalities like slaughtering and hunting. Its role as a legal manual is to equip Muslims with the knowledge to perform religious obligations correctly and ethically within the Hanafi framework.⁴⁵⁹

Spiritual Guidance: Beyond Jurisprudence

Can a book on Hanafi jurisprudence also offer spiritual guidance? Absolutely. Ascent to Felicity intertwines creed with law, reminding readers that legal compliance is rooted in belief. The appended supplications and etiquette instructions nurture spiritual connection, encouraging mindfulness and devotion. This dual approach helps readers not just act legally but also understand the spiritual significance behind their actions, fostering a holistic Muslim identity.⁵⁷⁹

Understanding Muslim Faith Through the Manual

How does this manual deepen our understanding of Muslim faith? By laying out the creed alongside jurisprudence, it clarifies core Islamic beliefs and how they manifest in practice. It explains the theological foundations of worship and legal rulings, helping readers appreciate the interconnectedness of faith and law. This comprehensive perspective aids both new learners and seasoned practitioners in grasping the essence of Islam as understood in the Hanafi tradition.¹⁴⁷

Principles of Hanafi Jurisprudence Highlighted

What principles of Hanafi jurisprudence are emphasized in Ascent to Felicity? The book underscores:

• The primacy of the Quran and Sunnah
• The use of consensus (ijma) and analogy (qiyas)
• The importance of intention (niyyah) in all acts
• Flexibility and consideration of public welfare (maslahah)
• Detailed rulings on ritual purity, worship, and transactions

These principles form the backbone of the Hanafi school and are articulated clearly to guide readers in both belief and practice.¹⁴⁵

Islamic Creed and Law: A Unified Approach

Why is it vital to study Islamic creed and law together as done in Ascent to Felicity? Because creed (aqidah) forms the foundation of legal rulings (fiqh). Without correct belief, legal observance loses its meaning. This manual ensures that readers understand the theological basis for the laws they follow, promoting a unified approach that integrates faith and practice harmoniously.⁴⁷⁹

Imam Hanafi: The Legacy Behind the Manual

Who was Imam Hanafi, and how does his legacy influence this manual? Imam Abu Hanifa (699–767 CE) was the founder of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, known for his analytical reasoning and emphasis on justice and flexibility. Ascent to Felicity reflects his legacy by presenting a legal framework that balances textual fidelity with practical application, embodying the spirit of Imam Hanafi teachings for contemporary readers.¹⁴⁵

Final Ruling

In reviewing Ascent to Felicity, A Manual on Islamic Creed and Hanafi Jurisprudence Abu 'l-Ikhlas Al-Shurunbulali, we find a timeless, authoritative, and accessible guide that serves both as a legal manual and spiritual companion. It stands as an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand Hanafi fiqh, Islamic creed, and the practical application of faith in everyday life. Its balanced approach, scholarly depth, and practical notes ensure it remains relevant for the 21st-century Muslim and beyond.

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