Book Review: Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law

An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law

Book Review: Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law

Before Buying, Better to Read the Book Review: Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law by Legaproblema.com - Have you ever wondered how the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence distills its complex legal traditions into a concise manual? The book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law offers us precisely that—a compact yet profound insight into Hanbali fiqh, one of the four major Sunni madhhabs. This work sheds light on the nuances of fiqh Islamic jurisprudence and the application of Islamic sharia through the lens of Hanbali thought.

This epitome, originally titled Kitab furūʿ al-fiqh, was authored by Yusuf b. ʿAbd al-Hādī in the early 16th century (d. 1503). It is widely regarded as the shortest substantive law manual in the Hanbali tradition, covering essential aspects of worship (ʿibādāt) and social dealings (muʿāmalāt) in a streamlined format.¹ The book is invaluable for students, scholars, and practitioners seeking to understand the practical and theoretical underpinnings of Hanbali fiqh within the broader context of the four madhhabs.

By exploring this manual, we deepen our understanding of how Islamic jurisprudence functions in everyday life and legal thought, highlighting the distinctiveness of the Hanbali approach compared to other schools.

Book Details

Author

Yusuf b. ʿAbd al-Hādī al-Hanbali ²

Original Language

Arabic

Translation

English⁶

Publisher

Dar Al-Arqam (2018 edition)⁵

ISBN

992813666⁵

Length

141 pages⁵

Genre

Islamic Law / Fiqh / Religious Studies

Structure and Contents

What makes this epitome stand out in the realm of Islamic jurisprudence manuals? The book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law reveals a unique organizational style that simplifies learning Hanbali substantive law.

• Concise chapters focusing on major substantive law topics such as family law, property law, contracts, and criminal law.⁴
• Inclusion of both worship-related laws (ʿibādāt) and social dealings (muʿāmalāt), providing a holistic view of Islamic legal practice.¹
• An appendix featuring translated chapters on fasting and devotional seclusion from Ibn Qudāma renowned Hanbali manual al-Muqniʿ.⁴
• Incorporation of Ibn ʿAqīl treatise on Islamic manners, enriching the reader grasp of ethical and moral dimensions within Hanbali fiqh.⁴
• Clear division and unification of legal issues under thematic chapters for ease of study and reference.⁶

Strong Points of the Book

Why does this epitome hold such esteem among scholars and students of fiqh Islamic jurisprudence? The book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law highlights several strengths:

• Conciseness: The manual brevity makes it accessible for study without sacrificing depth or clarity.¹
• Comprehensive Coverage: Despite its short length, it addresses a broad spectrum of substantive law topics relevant to Hanbali jurisprudence.⁵
• Clarity of Legal Principles: The text elucidates foundational legal concepts and methodologies distinctive to the Hanbali madhhab.³
• Practical Orientation: It bridges classical jurisprudence with contemporary application, making it relevant for modern legal contexts.⁵
• Educational Utility: Its structured format is ideal for academic settings, facilitating both teaching and self-study.⁶

Impact and Legacy

What legacy does this epitome leave on the study of hanbali fiqh and the broader Islamic legal tradition? The book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law underscores its lasting influence:

• It has become a foundational text for those seeking to understand Hanbali substantive law in a concise format.¹
• Its translation into English has broadened accessibility, allowing non-Arabic speakers to engage deeply with Hanbali jurisprudence.³
• The manual methodology has inspired subsequent works and pedagogical approaches within Islamic legal studies.⁶
• It supports the resurgence of interest in the classical madhhab traditions, promoting authentic engagement with Islamic Sharia.⁶

Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali

Criticism of the Book

Are there any critiques or limitations to consider in the book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law? While highly regarded, some points merit discussion:

• Omission of Certain Chapters: Some topics like menstruation, call to prayer, and specific business partnerships are not covered, which may limit comprehensiveness.¹⁰
• Historical Context: Being a 16th-century manual, some legal opinions may require contextualization for modern application.⁶
• Depth vs. Brevity: The concise nature might not satisfy readers seeking exhaustive legal detail or commentary.¹

Comparison with Other Similar Books

How does this epitome compare with other Islamic jurisprudence manuals? When placed alongside other works on hanbali fiqh and the broader understanding the four madhhabs, distinct features emerge:

Aspect	Yusuf Abdal Hadial Epitome	Ibn Qudāma al-Muqniʿ	Other Madhhab Manuals
Length	Very concise (141 pages)	Extensive and detailed	Varies; often longer and more detailed
Focus	Substantive law in Hanbali school	Comprehensive Hanbali fiqh	Varies by madhhab (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i)
Accessibility	Modern translation, easy to study	Classical Arabic, more complex	Depends on translation and commentary
Coverage	Covers worship and social dealings	Broader coverage including ritual and civil law	Varies; some focus on ritual, others on civil law

Fiqh Islamic Jurisprudence: The Heart of the Manual

Ever asked how fiqh Islamic jurisprudence shapes daily Muslim life? This epitome serves as a prime example of how legal rulings are systematized within the Hanbali tradition. It highlights the interpretative methods and legal reasoning that underpin Islamic law, demonstrating the balance between textual sources and juristic discretion.¹

By dissecting key rulings on worship and transactions, the book enriches our grasp of how fiqh governs both spiritual and social dimensions under Islamic Sharia.

Islamic Sharia: Principles Reflected in Hanbali Fiqh

What does this book reveal about Islamic sharia as applied in the Hanbali school? It illustrates the practical implementation of Sharia principles, emphasizing strict adherence to the Quran and Sunnah with cautious use of analogy (qiyas) and consensus (ijma’).⁴

The manual approach reflects the Hanbali emphasis on textual evidence and the cautious acceptance of juristic opinion, which shapes its distinctive legal identity within Sunni Islam.

Hanbali Fiqh: Unique Features and Approach

Why is hanbali fiqh often described as the most textualist among the four madhhabs? This epitome clarifies the school reliance on direct scriptural sources and its conservative stance on legal interpretation.¹

The book concise presentation helps us appreciate the Hanbali methodology, including its prioritization of hadith and limited use of juristic reasoning, setting it apart within the spectrum of Islamic jurisprudence.

Understanding the Four Madhhabs: Contextualizing the Hanbali School

How does this epitome help us in understanding the four madhhabs? By focusing on Hanbali substantive law, it offers a window into one of the four Sunni legal schools, complementing studies of Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i jurisprudence.⁶

It encourages comparative analysis, showing how different madhhabs approach similar legal issues, enriching our appreciation of Islamic legal diversity and unity.

Final Ruling

In sum, the book Yusuf Abdal Hadial Hanbali An Epitome of Hanbali Substantive Law stands as a pivotal resource for anyone seeking to engage with Hanbali jurisprudence and Islamic law at large. Its concise yet comprehensive treatment of substantive law, combined with accessible translation and thoughtful organization, makes it indispensable for students, scholars, and practitioners alike.⁵

By bridging classical tradition with modern study, it ensures that the rich heritage of Hanbali fiqh continues to inform contemporary understanding and application of Islamic Sharia.

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