Have you ever imagined how the features of Islamic identity were preserved for centuries, and how heritage books triumphed over oblivion to remain beacons that guide researchers and scholars? A book of heritage (al-Mawtas) by Imam Malik is not just an ancient scientific monument, but a living witness to the greatness of Islamic thought when science and faith met, creating the first comprehensive compilation that combines hadith and jurisprudence in a rare and wonderful balance.
In this article, we will explore the origins and importance of the Muta'a, Imam Malik's approach to compiling it, and its place in the jurisprudential heritage, as well as the role played by Dar Al-Zaman Library in reviving this precious treasure and making it available to the modern reader in a spirit that combines originality and contemporaneity.
What is a book of heritage (al-Mawtooa)?
The book Al-Muta' is considered an authentic Islamic heritage, authored by Imam Malik ibn Anas, the Imam of Dar al-Hijra and one of the great imams of jurisprudence and hadith. This book was characterized by its unique combination of hadith and practical jurisprudence derived from the work of the companions and followers, and was a bridge between text and practice. The Muta'a was widely recognized as a key reference in the Maliki school of thought, and other schools of Islamic law relied on it for its accuracy of narration and depth of deduction.
The importance of the book lies in the fact that it is one of the oldest books of hadith and jurisprudence compiled in Islamic history, and it is a witness to a precise methodology in documenting the Sunnah and categorizing rulings. It has been used by scholars as a reliable source for studying the origins of Islamic jurisprudence and the development of its schools, and has been studied to this day because of its great scientific and historical value, making it one of the greatest creations of Islamic civilization in the field of legal and jurisprudential literature.
The author and status of the book
Imam Malik ibn Anas, one of the most prominent imams of Islam and one of the four imams who founded the major schools of jurisprudence. He was born in Medina and learned from the great followers, combining the accuracy of narration with the depth of jurisprudence. His status among the scholars was high, as he was known for his piety and equanimity, and the people of Medina relied on him as a reference in fatwa. The Mutta' reflects his thought and methodology in deriving rulings, and embodies the scientific spirit that characterized the Medina school in the early ages.
History of the book's categorization
Imam Malik wrote a book of traditions (al-Muta') in the second century AH at the request of the Abbasid Caliph Abu Jaafar al-Mansur, who called for the standardization of jurisprudence in the Islamic nation. However, Imam Malik refused to bind the nation to his book out of respect for the diversity of jurisprudence and different scientific environments, emphasizing that the breadth and mercy of the Shari'ah lies in this diversity. Thus, the Muta' became a mature scientific fruit that was woven from the spirit of dialog and ijtihad, not from the imposition of obligation and uniformity.
Why is the Mawtasa the most important book in the Islamic heritage?
Imam Malik ibn Anas's Muta' is one of the most prominent works that combined accuracy in classification and depth in content, making it a milestone in the history of Islamic authorship. It was characterized by its balance between hadith and jurisprudence, combining reliable prophetic texts with the jurisprudence of the companions and followers, making it a solid reference for preserving the Sunnah and building madhhabs.
Documenting the Sunnah
Imam Malik carefully selected the traditions of the Muta'ah from the thousands of narrations circulating in his time, and only included what he had proven to be true and authentic. His goal was to document the Sunnah and protect it from weakness and confusion, so the book was organized according to jurisprudential topics, making it easy for scholars to refer to it.
The book is based on hadiths narrated to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with the statements of the companions and followers, to be a reference that connects what is said with what is done and preserves the prophetic heritage from being distorted or forgotten.
Maliki jurisprudence
The Muta' is considered the foundation on which the origins of the Maliki school of thought are built, as it represents a stable reference in fatwa, evidence, and reasoning. The Maliki relied on its texts and support in legislative derivation, and considered it one of the strongest evidences that builds rulings.
His approach to jurisprudential classification also served as a model for subsequent books on hadith and jurisprudence, becoming an ideal model for composing between the narration of hadith and the jurisprudence of its practice.
Gathering knowledge of the city
A book of heritage (the Muta'a) was characterized as the fruit of the knowledge of the people of Medina, who were the capital of fatwa and the community of the companions and followers in the second century AH. Imam Malik compiled a summary of their knowledge from narration and action, and made it a reference documenting the collective ijtihad that characterized the city, making it one of the greatest examples of the spirit of the civil school of Islamic jurisprudence.
In this way, the book became an integrated record of the city's scientific and practical life, and a strong barrier to preserve the authentic Islamic heritage from being lost through generations.
What is the content of the Mawtoo'a book?
A book of traditions (al-Mawtā') contains a surprising diversity of narrations, making it one of the most prolific sources combining hadith and jurisprudence. You can notice that its types are as follows:
- True Prophetic Hadiths Imam Malik narrated it with his continuous chain of custody to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, which is the basis of the book and its central axis.
- Traces of the Companions and FollowersThe Imam wrote down their words and actions to show the extension of legislative understanding in the city.
- CommunicationsThese are hadiths or news that he mentions without the full attribution, and he often refers to this discontinuity with the word «reported to me».
- Jurisprudential comments and clarifications After the narrations, Imam Malik gives the reasoning or guidance for action, making the book close to the practical application of jurisprudence.
Through this diversity, the Imam combined transmission and opinion, narration and guidance, to accurately reflect the nature of the school of jurisprudence in Madinah.
What is Shaykh al-Shinqiti's approach to explaining the Mawtooqa?
Analyzing attribution and corpus
Sheikh Al-Shinqiti's commentary on a heritage book (Al-Muta'a) relies on a careful analysis of the narrations in terms of their authenticity and continuity, and traces the narrations in terms of their authenticity and continuity. He is keen to point out where there are reports and interruptions, and explains the reasons why he sometimes limits himself to quoting without commentary, if the intention is only to authenticate the narration. This approach gives the reader a clear visualization of the hadith structure on which the Muta' was built, and allows for a deeper understanding of Imam Malik's arrangement and transmission of narrations.
The Shaykh also compares the texts, noting the difference in words and their connotations, and shows the impact of this in directing the ruling or understanding the prophetic intent, without neglecting to take into account the nature of oral transmission and the subsequent differences in performance and narration.
Interpretation of legislative provisions
Al-Shinqiti's interest in interpreting the legislative wisdom in the actions of the Prophet, explaining how forgetting or delaying the application of a ruling can be a practical legislation for the Ummah. He does not merely list the rulings, but links them to their practical context, showing that jurisprudence in the Sunnah is not achieved merely by the text, but by understanding its intentions and purposes.
His commentary shows a careful realization of the relationship between the appearance of the prophetic act and its legislative intent, making the understanding of the Mawtas more profound and in touch with the spirit of Islamic legislation.
Linking to the Maliki doctrine
Al-Shinqiti connects the hadiths in a book of tradition (al-Muta') with the major principles of the Maliki doctrine, showing how rulings are based on rules such as masalasat al-mursalah and bridging the gaps, as well as inferring the work of the people of Madinah. He highlights the difference between the Maliki approach and other schools of thought, especially the Hanafiya, by explaining the reasons for precaution or strictness in some matters, making the Muta'a an applied reference that reflects the school's balance between text and ijtihad, and between transmission and reason.
It also tends to clarify the method of deriving rulings by Imam Malik, in a way that makes the student realize the close connection between the Hadith text and the Maliki fundamentalist approach that governs its understanding.
Relying on the work of the Companions
Shaykh al-Shinqiti pays special attention to the work of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), seeing it as one of the most important sources of practical derivation of rulings. He points out that Imam Malik, who derived his methodology from Medina, considered the work of the Companions to be weighty when narratives conflict.
This tendency is evident in Al-Shanqiti's commentary when he emphasizes the work of the companions over mere narration, showing that practical application is the living image of the Sunnah. In this way, he seeks to strengthen the link between hadith and action, and between transmission and jurisprudential reason, which characterizes the school of Imam Malik in understanding a book of heritage (al-Mawtawa).
How did Dar al-Zaman Library contribute to the revitalization of the Mawtoo'ah?
is a library Dar Al-Zaman Publishing and Distribution Library It is one of the most prominent houses specialized in publishing Islamic heritage books, as it took upon itself the task of reviving ancient scientific treasures and presenting them to modern generations. Among these outstanding treasures is a book of heritage (Al-Muta'a), to which the library paid special attention, recognizing its pivotal place in the history of Islamic jurisprudence.
Dar Al-Zaman has contributed to making a book of heritage (Al-Muta') and its commentaries available through verified scientific editions, combining academic rigor and quality output. It relied on comparing old manuscripts and clarifying the subtle differences between them, allowing readers and researchers to access the original texts in a smooth and clear manner.
The library has also provided high-end printing for heritage books, bringing the Muta'a in a new format that emphasizes the beauty of both the font and the content, and facilitates the process of reading and studying. These efforts have greatly supported the academic research and religious education sector, as its editions have become an accredited reference for students of science and researchers in Islamic studies.
In its endeavor to connect generations to their heritage, Dar Al-Zaman works to preserve ancient texts and produce them in a modern style without compromising their authenticity. In doing so, it contributes to keeping the Muta'a as a living book in Islamic memory, combining the fragrance of the past with the needs of the present.
Dar Al-Zaman has become a role model in preserving the Arab-Islamic heritage, not only reprinting old books, but also revitalizing them with rigorous scientific investigation standards, so that the work of ancient scholars remains present in your hands with clarity and splendor.
What are the best editions of Mawtooa and commentaries available in Dar Alzaman's bookstore?
In Dar Al-Zaman Publishing and Distribution's library, you will find a distinctive collection of Islamic heritage treasures, on top of which is a book of heritage (Al-Muta'a) with the best editions and commentaries. The library provides students and researchers with a rich choice of verified editions and luxury editions that combine academic rigor and artistic production. Islamic Books:
Commentary on Imam Malik's Mawtooqa 1/6
The release of Commentary on Imam Malik's Mawtooqa 1/6 One of the most beautiful and in-depth commentaries on the Muta'a, featuring Sheikh Muhammad al-Amin al-Shinqiti's commentary in six luxurious volumes. Al-Shinqiti's commentary deals with the hadiths in the Muta'a according to the Maliki school of thought, in a style that combines jurisprudential mastery with scientific accuracy.
The edition is characterized by its quality printing and elegant binding in black leather with a gold border, with soft, durable paper and accurate indexing for easy access to topics. It is an ideal choice for any researcher of Maliki jurisprudence or lover of luxury heritage editions.
Al-Muwatta - one volume, two parts, realized by Muhammad Fouad Abdel Baqi
Al-Muwatta - one volume, two parts, realized by Muhammad Fouad Abdel Baqi This edition combines the two parts in one volume, edited by Muhammad Fouad Abdel Baqi, one of the most prominent investigators in the field of hadith. This edition is characterized by its high accuracy in verifying and reviewing the texts according to the approved copies, to provide a clear and correct text for researchers and students of science.
The cover art combines gold and blue colors with elegant Islamic motifs, giving it a luxurious heritage look that befits the book's status. Its size is suitable for office or personal use, and the quality of printing and packaging ensures that the book will be preserved for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Heritage Book (Al-Mawtwa)
What is the Mawtooba book about?
It is one of the oldest books of hadith and jurisprudence in Islam. The book (al-Mawtā') collects the traditions of the people of the Hijaz and the sayings of the companions and followers of the Prophet Muhammad. It deals with the rituals, etiquette, and laws that were practiced during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, presenting them in an orderly manner that reflects Imam Malik's jurisprudence and his deep understanding of the Prophetic Sunnah and life in Medina.
What are the eight narratives of Mawtooqa?
The Book of Prayer, which organizes the times of the obligatory prayers, the Book of Purity, which deals with the rules of hygiene, ablution and washing, the Book of Prayer, which includes the hadiths related to the performance of prayer and its conditions, the Book of Omission, which shows how to deal with omissions and forgetfulness in prayer, the Book of Friday, which deals with the rules of the Friday prayer and its sermon, the Book of Prayer in Ramadan, which talks about the night prayer in the month of fasting, the Book of Night Prayer, which presents the traditions of the night prayer outside Ramadan, and the Book of Congregational Prayer, which explains the virtues and rules of prayer in congregation.
What are the chapters of the Mawtooqa book?
The chapters of al-Mawtas are divided into four main sections: Religious worship, which includes the rules of prayer, fasting, zakat, and pilgrimage; transactions, which regulates buying, selling, and contracts; criminal offenses, which deals with the rules of qisas and hudud, and then al-Jami'a, which collects hadiths on doctrines, morals, prophetic biographies, and other general topics.
The book is a cornerstone of jurisprudence and hadith through the ages, combining depth of knowledge and accuracy of narration to preserve the Sunnah and clarify the contours of Islamic jurisprudential thought. As Dar Al-Zaman Library continues its efforts to make this precious reference available, this scientific legacy remains alive and renewed in the hands of contemporary generations, providing them with a spring of wisdom and knowledge connected to the roots of authentic Islamic history.
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