📚🔎 What books should be studied in order to progress in the Hanbali Madhhab?

Keys To Fiqh | T.me/K2Fiqh | #K2FiqhNotes5

Before we discuss the books within the 3 levels referenced in #K2FiqhNotes4, I think it is important to mention some of the books our scholars in the Madhhab suggest to study before reaching the final level of “at-Tadqeeq” التدقيق.

Allah tells us in the Quran,

وَلِكُلٍّ وِجْهَةٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّيهَا

💡Among the usages of this verse is to show that every scholar has their own method in how & what books to study, so suggestions really depends on the scholar. With that being said, before you even think about studying any book, you should supplicate to Allah asking Him to guide you to a proficient well-versed scholar/teacher. A skillful experienced scholar will simplify this path, guide you throughout your journey, & protect you from falling into the many potholes along the way.

🎙Our beloved Sh. Muhammad Ali Adam al-Ityubi حفظه الله once said, 

ويأخذ العلوم عمن كملا … أهلية كذاك في الدين اعتلى

مشتهرا بالعلم والصيانة … ينشر علمه مع العناية

The student obtains knowledge from one who has completed their qualifications (in knowledge) & also ascended in the Deen (specifically in character & action). This scholar should be known for their knowledge & protection (of the Deen against misguidance & innovations) & is one who spreads his knowledge w/ care & consideration.

👣Follow your teacher’s method & suggestions. 

What are some suggested methods one should take? I’ll mention 3 views:

A. Sh. Ahmad al-Qu’aymi حفظه الله mentioned that Hanbali Fiqh has two stages. In the initial stage the student should study the following books: 

1. Ahksar al-Mukhtasarāt by ibn Balbān (1083h)

2. Umdatul Tālib by al-Buhūti

3. Dalīl at-Tālib by Mar’i al-Karami (1033h)

4. Kāfī al-Mubtadī by bin Balbān

5. Zād al-Mustaqni’ by Musa al-Hajjāwi (968h)

*6. ar-Rawdh al-Murbi’ by al-Buhūti

In his view, the student can either start from 1 & end at 5, or go the opposite route, or even shuffle between 1-5. The main objective is to memorize ONE of those texts, master its contents, then read the other 4 texts in order to cover the additional issues discussed therein. 

In terms of preference, then the Sh. suggests memorizing: Zaad. If you’re not able to, then Dalīl at-Tālib is the second suggestion, then it is Ahksar al-Mukhtasarāt, then Umdatul Tālib, then Kāfī al-Mubtadī. You will choose ONE of those 5 to memorize. (When selecting a text to memorize, see which one is most suitable for you. This depends on the style of the author & which is being taught in your area)

The main goal of this stage is to cover all 5 books with ONE of them being your foundation. You will then examine the additional issues in the other books & add them to your foundation. You then move onto #6.

B. Ibn Badrān has a wonderful program as well where he combines Usūl along with the issues of Fiqh. The previous two programs also include Usūl studies along w/ Fiqh, but to add them here would make this post too long. There will be a separate post in the future about Usūl إن شاء الله. Ibn Badrān stated the Hanbali should move in this order: 

1. Ahksar al-Mukhtasarāt OR Umdatul Tālib

2. Dalīl at-Tālib OR Umdatul Fiqh by ibn Qudāmah (620h), with the latter being preferred over the first

3. Here one will learn Usūl al-Fiqh beginning with al-Waraqāt w/ its exp. by al-Muhalli (864h), then Mukhtasar at-Tahrīr

4. After obtaining Usūl, the students begins their studies of ar-Rawdh al-Murbi’. To become a Faqīh one must know both sciences.

5. Finally they begin to study the explanation of Muntahā al-Irādāt by al-Buhūti along w/ Rawdatun-Nādhir (Usūl) by ibn Qudāmah.

The Shaykh also gives suggestions for the other Madhāhib in his book المدخل إلى مذهب الإمام أحمد بن حنبل pgs. 487-489 for those who would like to review.

These are some suggestions & there are many others. Once again, follow YOUR scholar’s program. If you don’t have a teacher, then pick one of the three programs above. In future posts, we will speak on how to study the books mentioned above in detail, ibn Qudāmah’s works, & many other issues related to Hanbali Fiqh إن شاء الله. If you like this content let us know by liking, commenting, & sharing. This feedback informs us to post more! جزاكم الله خيرا

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🕋 Makkah al-Mukarramah حرسها الله

🗓 22nd of Sha’baan, 1441 (4/15/2020 CE)

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