The Major Principles
Known for its pivotal role in elucidating the rules of jurisprudence, “The Major Principles” stands alongside “The Metaphor of the Quran” as one of the most significant works by the esteemed scholar Ibn al-Azz – may God have mercy on him. The distinguished scholar Taj al-Din al-Subki remarked, “These two books are testimonials of his leadership and his esteemed status in the sciences of Shari’ah.” A distinctive feature of “The Major Principles” is that Ibn al-Azz – may God have mercy on him – transformed the understanding of maqasid (objectives) of Shari’ah, opening new avenues for interpretation which have greatly benefited scholars and students alike.
The importance of “The Major Principles” is highlighted through the following aspects:
- It clarifies the nature of benefits (masalih) and harms (mafasid), including their classifications and hierarchies.
- It provides a framework for weighing benefits against one another, as well as against harms, and among harms themselves.
- It distinguishes between general and specific benefits.
- This book serves as a foundational source for researchers in the field of maqasid, with all scholars writing on maqasid after Ibn al-Azz relying heavily on it.
Overview of Brevity in Certain Types of Metaphor
Often referred to simply as “The Metaphor of the Quran,” this work has been summarized by Ibn al-Qayyim in his book “The Benefits Leading to Knowledge of the Quran and Rhetoric.” Imam Al-Suyuti also summarized it, amplifying its insights in “The Horsemen’s Metaphor on the Metaphor of the Quran.” Ibn al-Azz – may God have mercy on him – divided his work into three sections, which are as follows:
- Section One: On conciseness and omission.
- Section Two: On metaphor.
- Section Three: Examples of omitted phrases in the Book of God according to the arrangement of the Surahs.
The Significance of the Abbreviated “Nihayat al-Matlab”
The book “Nihayat al-Matlab fi Dirayat al-Madhhab” by Imam Al-Juwayni is considered one of the most vital texts in the Shafi’i jurisprudential branches. Despite the esteemed standing of this book, very few scholars have attempted to summarize it, with only its author, Ibn Abi Asrun, and Ibn al-Azz al-Salami doing so. This underscores the complexity of this task, one that only the most knowledgeable scholars, such as Imam Ibn al-Azz – may God have mercy on him – are qualified to undertake.
The book “The Goal” has earned a revered position among scholars, and many have adorned their works with citations from it, including Al-Subki, Al-Zarkashi, and Zakariya Al-Ansari. “The Goal” is characterized by numerous advantages, including:
- Rephrasing the expressions of Imam Al-Juwayni using new language to facilitate understanding and resolve challenges within the text.
- Purging the text of opinions from various legal schools to present it solely as a Shafi’i text, thereby clarifying the opinions to allow scholars to rely on it without its foundational sources.
- Presenting “Nihayat al-Matlab” in a fresh format, enriched with refinement, conciseness, and structured organization.
- Imam Ibn al-Azz maintains a respectful tone towards Imam Al-Juwayni throughout the book, avoiding any derogatory comments. When presenting objections, he states, “The Imam said,” before adding “I say,” demonstrating his respect for Imam Al-Juwayni.
Introduction to Ibn al-Azz al-Salami
Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Salam, famously known as “Sultan of Scholars,” was a leading figure in Islamic scholarship during his era. Renowned for his commitment to promoting good and forbidding evil, his unparalleled knowledge, piety, integrity, and bravery earned him unprecedented respect and admiration. Born in 578 AH (or 577 AH according to some sources) and passing away in 660 AH in Cairo, he authored numerous works that showcase the depth of his scholarship and profound understanding.