Imām Ṭaḥāwī’s Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār stands as a timeless masterpiece and one of the greatest contributions to Islamic scholarship. Encompassing a vast collection of unique Prophetic traditions, it serves as a detailed and indispensable resource for jurisprudential discourse.
As a cornerstone of the Ḥanafī School of Law, it dispels the common misconception that the School rests solely on reason, instead demonstrating how many of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah’s (raḥimahu’Llāh) rulings are firmly grounded not only in sound reasoning but also in authentic evidences.
What sets this work apart is its unmatched style of composition and method of argumentation, through which legal rulings are meticulously deduced and rigorously analyzed. At the same time, it guides readers with clarity and coherence, presenting complex discussions in a cogent and comprehensive manner.
As one of Imām Ṭaḥāwī’s most remarkable treatises, it reflects both the breadth of his sacred knowledge and his capacity for independent legal reasoning, offering a glimpse into the depth of his scholarly legacy.
This English translation has been undertaken with the aim of broadening access to this seminal work and fostering greater appreciation of its value among a wider audience.
Understanding Qatf al-Azhar: A Treasure of Hadith
Qatf al-Azhar is a very rare type of hadith collection dedicated to an even rarer type of hadith — the mass-transmitted (mutawatir) hadith — in which a piece of information is corroborated by a multitude of eyewitnesses whose relative abundance precludes a conspiracy to lie; it is then transmitted continuously by similar multitudes from the original witnesses to the present.
One of the salient qualities of Islam is its concern with certainty in regards to establishing the fundamentals of the religion. The mass-transmitted report is a means of acquiring certainty and as such deserves our profound attention in an age in which the authenticity of the whole hadith corpus has come under attack.
The text was abridged by its author, Imam Suyuti, specifically to suit the needs of the lay reader and this English translation incorporates the text of all 113 hadiths listed by the Imam, along with helpful explanatory notes and a layout that visually reinforces the authoritativeness of each mass-transmitted report.
The Importance of Qatf al-Azhar
Qatf al-Azhar is an important Hadith collection compiled by the esteemed Imam Jalal ad-Din As-Suyuti. This collection holds significant relevance for those studying Islamic texts because it provides deep insights into prophetic traditions. It aims to preserve the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) clearly and concisely. Therefore, it serves as an invaluable resource for both scholars and students of Islam.
Features of the Collection
One of the main features of Qatf al-Azhar is its systematic organization, which makes it easier for readers to navigate through the Hadiths. Imam As-Suyuti meticulously categorized these traditions, enabling readers to understand complex subjects effectively. Additionally, each Hadith is provided with its sharh (exegesis), offering context and deeper meanings. This combination facilitates a richer learning experience.
An Invitation to Explore
As a vital contribution to Islamic literature, Qatf al-Azhar invites readers to delve deeper into the teachings of Islam. Through its detailed exposition of Hadiths and scholarly commentary, it enhances our understanding of faith and practice. Therefore, for those passionate about religious studies, this collection is not just beneficial, but essential for comprehensive learning.
This is a concise Hadeeth book written by Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam. He has compiled various Ahadeeth that relate to basic and moral etiquette in Islam accessible to a wider readership.
Each Hadeeth has been presented with the Arabic text, its translation and commentary to enlighten the reader, about its meaning and application in day-to-day life. In the commentary, some verses of the Holy Quran and other Ahadeeth or accounts have been mentioned with the actual Hadeeth text.
Ideal for Students of Knowledge in Islamic Schools and Madrassahs.
Muntakhab Ahadith is a compilation of Qur’anic verses and authentic hadiths centered on the Six Points of Da‘wah and Tabligh. It was originally authored in Arabic by the late scholar Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Kandhlawi—widely known as Hazratjee—during the final phase of his dedicated life.
Sahih al-Bukhari – Arabic
Sahih al-Bukhari by Imam Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari is universally recognized as the most authentic collection of Hadith after the Qur’an. This monumental work, presented here in its original Arabic, represents the result of sixteen years of meticulous effort in which Imam al-Bukhari examined and authenticated Hadith from a vast collection of over 600,000 narrations.
A cornerstone of Islamic scholarship, Sahih al-Bukhari remains indispensable for students, researchers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the sayings, practices, and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
This edition is published by Darussalam, renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, and comes in a portable 17x24 cm Hardcover format, making it both practical and accessible for daily study.
Key Features
A comprehensive collection of rigorously authenticated Hadith, second only to the Qur’an in authority.
Presented in original Arabic for an authentic reading and study experience.
Lightweight softcover edition (0.205 kg), ideal for carrying and regular use.
Compact 17x24 cm size for easy handling and portability.
Published by Darussalam, a trusted name in Islamic publishing.
Essential for students, scholars, and anyone seeking to connect with the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and Sunni tradition.
This book is a collection of 327 hadiths which the author, Shaykh Ashiq Ilahi al-Bulandshehri, compiled from Allama Tabrizi's renowned hadith compilation, Mishkat al-Masabih.
The book contains many jawami' al-kalim, as well as prophecies and other accounts and narratives. The book is ultimately a compilation of hadiths intended to inspire the souls of today's Muslims and offer them a glimpse into the charisma of the Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace), as well as a roadmap for achieving closeness to their Lord.
This work is taught in many of the madrasas around the world as a first hadith work. Now it is available in this beautifully bound English edition, accompanied by a commentary from the classical sources.
Countless books have been authored on the subject of Hadīth sciences, the special status its scholars occupy and the nobility of those who adhere to the Sunnah and the scholarly reports regarding it.
This book is among the finest in this field in the way it's arranged and the ease with which one can grasp the content. Al-Khatīb recounts Prophetic narrations, statements of the Muhaddithīn and scholars of renown, by way of his own chain of transmissions (isnād); and this is an especially unique feature of this book.
Abu Dawood, Sulaiman bin Al-Ash’ath bin Ishaq Al-Azdi As-Sijistani, who was one of the eminent Imam of Hadeeth, was born in 202H. He studied Hadeeth under Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal along with Al-Bukhari and taught many of the later scholars of Hadeeth, like At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasaa’ee.
Abu-Dawud lived a couple of centuries after the Prophet's death and worked extremely hard to collect his ahadith. Each report in his collection was checked for compatibility with the Qur'an, and the veracity of the chain of reporters had to be painstakingly established.
Abu-Dawud's collection is recognized by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world to be one of the most authentic collections of the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), however it is also known to contain some weak ahadith (some of which he pointed out, others which he did not).
Though Abu Dawood collected 50,000 Hadeeth, he compiled 4,800 Hadeeth only in his book entitled As-Sunan, which he taught in Baghdad and other major cities at that time. He died at Basra on Friday in the month of Shawwal 275 H. Sunan Abu Dawood has been translated to English.
He was one of the most widely travelled of the scholars of ahadith, going to Hijaz (Saudi Arabia), Iraq, Khurasahn, Egypt, Syria, Nishapur, Marv, and other places for the sole purpose of collecting ahadith. His primary interest was in law, hence his collection focuses purely on legal ahadith. From about 50,000 ahadith, he chose 4,800 for inclusion in his work based on their superior authenticity.
It is important to realize, however, that Abu-Dawud's collection is not complete: there are other scholars who worked as Abu-Dawud did and collected other reports.Author: Imam Abu Dawud (Translator: Muhammad Mahdi al Sharif)Publisher: DKIBinding: HardbackWeight: 46200g (approx)Dimensions: 24.5x17.5cm (approx)
The Kitab al-Athar of Imam Abu Hanifah In the narration of Imam Muhammad Ibn al-Hasan ash-Shaybani
Arabic text with English translation. Explanatory footnotes in English.
The Kitab al-Athar was the first book composed in Islam after the generation of the Companions. Al-Imam al-Aazam Abu Hanifah Numan ibn Thabit wrote it. It comprises Ahadith that connect directly back to the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam (marfu'), those which stop short at a Companion or one of the Followers (mawquf) and those which are attributed to the Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam directly by one of the Followers or Followers of the Followers without attribution to a Companion (mursal).
His companions Imam Abu Yusuf, Imam Zufar, Imam Muhammad, Imam al-Hasan ibn Ziyad, Imam Hammad ibn Abi Hanifah the Imam's son, Hafs ibn Ghiyath and others narrated it from him.
In the version before us, Imam Muhammad, himself a mujtahid, narrated each tradition from Imam Abu Hanifah and then followed each with some explanatory material, sometimes confirming and occasionally differing with his Imam.
Imam Abu Hanifah
Imam Abu Hanifah was from Kufa and was one of the Followers (taabi'oon). He was born in 80 AH in a family of Persian ancestry. Imam Abu Hanifah was a trader in fabrics. He studied with the great scholars of Kufa who transmitted the schools of Ibn Mas'ud and Ali ibn Abi Talib in particular, but he also travelled further afield in search of hadith and fiqh. He was noted for his exceptional grasp of fiqh, and is said to have laid its foundations. He died in 150 AH in Baghdad.
His list of teachers is very extensive, and his list of pupils a roll-call of honour.
Sahl ibn Muzahim said, "Abu Hanifahs knowledge was universal knowledge.'' Ash-Shafiee said, "In fiqh people are the needy dependents of Abu Hanifah.''
Imam Muhammad
He is Abu Abdillah Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Farqad ash-Shaybani. Muhammad was born in Wasit in 132 AH, and grew up in Kufa. He was a pupil of Abu Hanifah. Ash-Shafiee said, "I have not seen anyone more eloquent than him. I used to think when I saw him reciting the Quran that it was as if the Quran had been revealed in his language.'' He also said, "I have not seen anyone more intelligent than Muhammad ibn al-Hasan.'' He died in Ray in 189 AH.
Hafiz Riyad Ahmad al-Multani
The explanatory footnotes to this text are the work of the contemporary scholar Hafiz Riyad Ahmad from Multan in Pakistan.
Edited by: Mufti 'Abdur Rahman Ibn Yusuf, Shaykh Muhammad Akram (Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies), Safira Batha (English editing)
"The unqualified truth is that all of the Muwatta is sahih without any exception!" Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani This quote from one of the greatest authorities on hadith of all time is sufficient recommendation. The version of the Muwatta narrated by Imam Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, one of the two leading pupils of Imam Abu Hanifah, directly from his three years of study with Imam Malik will be of particular interest not only to students of Hanafi fiqh, but also to students of hadith in general.
The Muwatta' Imam Malik composed the Muwatta over a period of forty years to represent the well-trodden path of the people of Madina. Its name also means that it is the book that is many times agreed upon about whose contents the people of Madinah were unanimously agreed and that is made easy and facilitated . Its high standing is such that people of every school of fiqh and all of the imams of hadith scholarship agree upon its authenticity. Imam Shafi i said, There is not on the face of the earth & after the Book of Allah a book & which is more sahih than the book of Malik.
Shah Wali Allah Dihlawi (1114-1176 AH) said, My breast expanded and I became certain that the Muwatta is the most sahih book to be found on the earth after the Book of Allah. Imam Malik Imam Malik is the imam of the imams, the leader of the people of knowledge of Madinah, Malik ibn Anas ibn Malik ibn Abi Amir al-Asbahi al-Madani, born in 94 AH, 95 AH or even 99 AH. He was called the Man of Knowledge of madinah.
People of knowledge understood that it was him the Prophet saw indicated in the hadith from Abu Hurayra, People will soon beat the livers of their camels [in travelling in search of knowledge] but they will not find a man of knowledge more knowledgeable than the man of knowledge of Madinah. Among his pupils were the Imams Sufyan ath-Thawri, Sa id ibn Mansur, Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak, Abd ar-Rahman al-Awza i who was older than him, Layth ibn Sa d who was one of his peers, Imam ash-Shafi i, Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Shaybani, the Malikis Abd ar-Rahman ibn al-Qasim, Yahya ibn Yahya al-Laythi, Ibn Wahb, and Dhu n-Nun al-Misri.
He died in 179 AH on the morning of the 14th of Rabi al-Awwal. Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani He is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn al-Hasan ibn Farqad al-Shaybani. Muhammad was born in Wasit in 132 AH, and grew up in Kufa. He was a pupil of Abu Hanifah. Imam Shafi i said, I have not seen anyone more eloquent than him. I used to think when I saw him reciting the Qur an that it was as if the Qur an had been revealed in his language.
He also said, I have not seen anyone more itelligent than Muhammad ibn al-Hasan. Adh-Dhahabi said, He narrated from Malik ibn Anas and others, and he was one of the great oceans of knowledge and fiqh, and he was strong [when he narrated] from Malik. Muhammad said, I stood at Malik s door for three years and I heard [the Muwatta ] from him [with] more than seven hundred hadith. He died in Ray in 189 AH. Translated by Mohammed Abdurahman, Abdassamad Clark and Dr Asadullah Yate (The science of (Jarah) Invalidation and Authentication (Tadil). Editors Mufti Zubair Ismail Bayat, Uthman Ibrahim Morrisson and Sister Safira Batha.
A commentary on the famous poem in the field of hadith sciences entitled al-Manzumah al-Bayquniyyah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen (rahimullah). The Merits of the Poem of al-Bayqūnī: Shihāb al-Dīn al-Dimyāthī said, “The poem of the knowledgeable imām of understanding and perception, al-Shaykh al-Bayqūnī (rahimullah) is one of the most interesting summaries of the science of hadīth and the most eloquent of the writings upon which one takes the rigorous course upon, for it is comprised of clear yet fine expressions that overwhelms its counterparts with a grim face.”
The importance of this subject: The knowledge of usūl al-hadīth is a science that serves the radiant Prophetic traditions; with it one can distinguish the Prophetic narrations in terms of authenticity and fabrication, soundness and weakness. Al-Imām ‘Abdullāh ibn al-Mubārak said, “The quality of the hadīth is not in the conciseness of the isnād, rather its quality lies in the soundness of its narrators." Al-Imām Yahyā ibn Sa`īd al-Qattān said, “Do not look at the hadīth but rather look at its chain. If the chain is sound [then the narration is sound]. If not, then do not be deceived by the narration with a chain that is not sound.” Al-Hāfiz ibn Qutaybah al-Daynūrī said, “There is no nation amongst the nations with the isnād like their chains (i.e. this nation); narrator from narrator, the trustworthy from the trustworthy in such a way until it reaches the Prophet (salallahu alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions, so that the sound can be differentiated from the weak, the connected from the disconnected and the fabricated from the genuine.”
