Al-Shafi'i's Risala : Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence (Hardcover)

~ Majid Kadduri (Author)

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Review

'One of the leading texts on Islamic fiqh. A must for the bookshelf of all conscientious Muslims.' -- Dr Darsh, Q News

Product Description

Written in the second Islamic century by al-Imam al-Shafi'i (d. 204AH/820AD), the founder of one of the four Sunni schools of law, this important work gives the fundamental principles of Islamic jurisprudence and its influence continues to the present day. During the early years of the spread of Islam, the exponents of Islamic legal doctrine were faced with the problems raised by ruling and administering a diverse and rapidly growing empire. In Medina and Kufa, as well as other cities of early Muslim rule, schools of law had to be developed, but it took the genius of Muhammad b. Idris al-Shafi'i, born in the year 150AH/767AD, to establish the principles by which the various legal doctrines could be synthesised into a coherent system. In the Risala, which laid down the basis for such a synthesis, al-Shafi'i established the overriding authority, next only to the Qur'an, of the Sunna or example of the Prophet Muhammad as transmitted in the traditions.

Professor Majid Khadduri has done an admirable service in making this valuable work available in English, His excellent translation uses not only the original manuscripts of Ibn Jama'a and al-Rabi, found at Dar al-Kutub, the National Library in Cairo, but also authoritative editions published earlier in this century, namely the Bulaq and Shakir editions. In his introduction, Professor Khadduri outlines the historical background of the Risala and gives a biography of al-Imam al-Shafi'i as well as annotated, detailed summaries of the composition, structure, substance and argument of the text. He also includes a list of transmitters of traditions, a glossary of the most important Islamic legal terms and a select bibliography. For this new edition, the index has been expanded and a small corrigenda added.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 379 pages
• Publisher: Islamic Texts Society (January 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0946621152
• ISBN-13: 978-0946621156
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,356,569 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Justice to the Risala of Imam Shafii by the translator Majid Khadduri, August 10, 2007

By	Abdul Majid Chougle "Abdul Majid" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Al-Shafi'i's Risala : Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence

Written by Imam Al-Shaafi (R.A) born 150 Hijri of the Islamic calender some 1,250 years back is the best book on Usul Al-Fiqh (Treatise on the Foundations of Islamic Jurisprudence). Being a student of Imam Malik (R.A) and teacher of Imam Ahmad Ibn-Hanbal (R.A), is very authentic and is referred by students of Islamic law and Scholars alike as a textbook since it has passed on to us through centuries.

Prof. Majid Khadduri does a good job in translating it in a very simple and fluent English without going away from what the author wants to say. This kind of a work is very difficult to translate from Arabic, and i congratulate him for the spendid work done by him.

I also thank Amazon for the service its giving the customers.

I highly recommend this book to Muslims and Non-Muslims alike to know Islam and its teachings in the right perspective. Thankyou.