Who is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ali (Al-Mazari)?
Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Umar ibn Muhammad, known as Al-Mazari, was a prominent Maliki jurist and scholar. He was born in 453 AH (1061 CE) in the city of Mahdia, Tunisia. Esteemed for his expertise across various fields, including literature, medicine, and mathematics, he became renowned as one of the most distinguished jurists of his era, especially noted for his proficiency in preserving and interpreting hadith. Al-Mazari was also recognized for his vast knowledge, piety, and humility.
Early Life and Education of Imam Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mazari
The title “Al-Mazari” denotes his roots from the town of Mazara, located on the southern coast of Sicily, opposite northern Tunisia, where he was born and raised. He received his education at a young age from several prominent scholars of the time and primarily resided in Mahdia throughout his life.
Some of the eminent scholars from whom Imam Al-Mazari learned include:
- Abu Al-Hasan Al-Lakhmi: A distinguished jurist and hadith scholar who passed away in 478 AH.
- Abdul Hamid Al-Saiq: A pious jurist and scholar who died in 486 AH.
- Abu Bakr Abdullah Al-Maliki: A revered jurist and author of “Riyad Al-Nufus,” who died in 464 AH.
Scholarly Status of Imam Al-Mazari
Imam Al-Mazari is recognized among the scholars who achieved the status of ijtihad, a testament to his scholarly capabilities acknowledged by numerous contemporaries, including noted scholars like Al-Dhahabi and Ibn Farhun. He was of Ash’ari creed, following the principles laid out by Imam Abu Al-Hasan Al-Ash’ari, as evidenced in his work “Al-Mu’allim bi Fawa’id Muslim.”
In this particular book, Imam Al-Mazari articulated many of his theological views, including:
His Stance on the Issue of Faith
It’s crucial to note that the concept of faith has been a subject of disagreement among various Islamic sects, both Sunni and non-Sunni, who have not converged on a singular definition. Imam Al-Mazari contended that faith is grounded in certainty and affirmation.
His Position on Sinners Among the People of the Two Testimonies
The punishment of a sinner who professes the two testimonies (Shahada) has sparked significant debate between differing Islamic factions, notably the Mu’tazila and the Murji’a. Imam Al-Mazari explained that the Murji’a held the view that sin does not harm one’s faith, while the Mu’tazila believed that a person committing a major sin is condemned to eternal damnation and labeled as corrupt. Conversely, Ash’ari scholars, including Imam Al-Mazari, argued that a sinner remains a believer, even if they are punished, with the belief that ultimately, due to intercession, they will exit hell and enter paradise.
Major Works and Contributions of Imam Al-Mazari
Imam Al-Mazari was a prolific scholar, and among his most significant works are:
- Al-Mu’allim bi Fawa’id Muslim: A commentary on the Sahih of Imam Muslim Al-Qushayri.
- Iydah Al-Maḥṣūl min Burhān Al-Uṣūl: A multi-part explanation based on the works of Imam Al-Haramayn Al-Juwayni on the principles of religion.
- Al-Mu’een ‘ala Al-Talkīn, or Sharh Al-Talkīn: A commentary on the book by Abu Muhammad Abdul Wahhab ibn Ali Al-Thalabi Al-Maliki, judge of Baghdad.
- Nizam Al-Fara’id fi Ilm Al-Aqa’id: A detailed elucidation of various beliefs and their principles.
- Amali ‘ala Al-Ahadith: A comprehensive explanation of hadith collected by Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abd Allah Al-Jawzi from the Musnad of Imam Muslim Al-Qushayri.
- Ta’liq ‘ala Mudawwanat Sahnun: An exposition and commentary on the Mudawwanat of Sahnun, considered the foundational text of the Maliki school.
- Al-Kashf wal Inba’ ‘ala Al-Mutarjim bil ‘Ihya: A critical examination of forged hadiths found in Imam Al-Ghazali’s “Ihya Ulum al-Din.”
- Amali ‘ala Rasail Ikhwan Al-Safa: An exploration of key problems in mathematics and philosophical views mentioned in these letters.
- Book on Medicine: A notable work by Imam Al-Mazari addressing various aspects of medical science.
Death of Imam Al-Mazari
Imam Al-Mazari passed away on the 8th of Rabi’ al-Awwal in 530 AH, corresponding to October 12, 1141 CE, at the age of 83. He dedicated his life to scholarship and virtue, and his death in Mahdia was met with profound mourning among the populace.
Following his demise, his body was transported via boat from Mahdia to the town of Monastir, where many scholars and righteous individuals are buried. A large gathering attended his funeral to offer prayers and to lay him to rest, and a simple structure was erected over his grave, standing until the late second century AH.
Due to concerns that rising waters could inundate his grave, his body was relocated on the 23rd of Dhul-Qi’dah in 1176 AH, which corresponds to June 9, 1763 CE, to the present-day shrine in Monastir cemetery.