Overview of Ibn Al-Arabi’s “Rules of the Quran”
The book “Rules of the Quran” is authored by Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad Ibn Al-Arabi. In this work, he elucidates the verdicts derived from the Holy Quran in accordance with the Maliki school of thought, following his previous writings on Quranic sciences, monotheism, and abrogation. In the introduction to his book “Rules of the Quran,” he states: “The first part of Quranic sciences—monotheism—and the second part—abrogation—have been sufficiently addressed in a manner that is convincing and well-articulated for those who are fair-minded and accommodating to the truth. Thus, it is necessary to focus on the third part, which is the discussion on the rules of the legal actions of the responsible agents.” The completion of this book was finalized in the year 503 AH.
The book “Rules of the Quran” has been published multiple times, reflecting its importance. It is widely circulated among students of knowledge, with its first edition printed in 1331 AH in two volumes by Al-Saada Press in Cairo. Subsequent editions have included a version critically edited by Ali Hamad Al-Bajawi, multiple prints by Dar Al-Ma’rifah in Beirut in 1392 AH, and a printing by Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah in Beirut in 1424 AH, accompanied by commentary by Hamad Abdul Qadir Atta.
Scholars regard Ibn Al-Arabi’s book as one of the essential texts in legal interpretation, serving as a reference for jurisprudential exegesis based on the principles of the Maliki tradition. In this work, he interprets verses related to legal rulings grounded in the jurisprudential rules of Imam Malik.
Reasons for Composing the Book
The motivation behind Imam Ibn Al-Arabi’s authorship of “The Rules of the Quran” is attributed to several factors:
- A desire to dedicate a specific book to the verses of legal rulings after previously writing on various Quranic topics.
- His commitment to composing a comprehensive work that adheres to the interpretative norms of Imam Malik’s jurisprudence.
- Aiming to document the legal rulings derived from the verses through personal reasoning and what he learned firsthand from his mentors.
Methodology of Ibn Al-Arabi in the Book
Ibn Al-Arabi’s methodology in this book is characterized by the following aspects:
- He ensures the verification of disputed issues by referencing the meanings of the Quran and the Sunnah, clearly articulating the meanings of legal verses. He states: “We begin by mentioning the verse, then analyze its words and even letters, understanding each individually before combining them with others. We respect the principles of rhetoric, avoid contradictions in rulings, and carefully consider language. We compare Quranic texts with the authentic Sunnah to find coherent interpretations.”
- The book starts with the mention of a Surah, followed by the count of its verses related to legal rulings. He then explains these verses in an orderly fashion, discussing the reason for revelation when applicable and elaborating on literary aspects, grammar, and related verses and hadiths. He interprets the Quran with the Quran itself and clarifies various readings of the verses. He may also reference poetry and present differing opinions on issues, offering his preferred view.
- He employs the concept of “the application of rulings” to real-life situations, indicating that Ibn Al-Arabi was among the first to do so in his book “Rules of the Quran.”
- His approach involves contextualizing Quranic verses by directly applying them to contemporary issues, showcasing his understanding of real-world situations. As a judge, Ibn Al-Arabi rendered decisions based on these significant realities, particularly in matters of marital disputes. His extensive travels in search of knowledge further facilitated his comprehension of real-life issues, which he illustrated through the relevant verses.
Introduction to Ibn Al-Arabi, the Author of the Book
Imam Ibn Al-Arabi can be introduced through the following points:
- Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad Ibn Al-Arabi, the Andalusian judge from Seville, was born on Thursday, 22 Sha’ban in 468 AH, into a family deeply rooted in knowledge.
- He embarked on an educational journey to the East, accompanied by his father, touring famed capitals such as Baghdad, Cairo, Damascus, and Khorasan, where he met the prominent scholars of his time.
- Among his notable teachers were Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali, Abu Bakr Al-Shashi, Abu Bakr Al-Turtushi, and Al-Tabrizi, among others.
- He performed Hajj to the Holy House and learned from the scholars of the Hijaz, consistently seeking knowledge from every region he traveled to, mastering various sciences, including jurisprudence, exegesis, fundamentals of faith, hadith, and narrative techniques.
- Notable students of Ibn Al-Arabi included Abu Al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Ansari, Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Fathun, Abu Abdullah Muhammad Al-Lakhmi, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Ibrahim (known as Ibn Ziryab), Abu Nasr Khakan, Abu Al-Baqa Al-Umwi, Ibn Al-Suqail, Abdullah ibn Ali Al-Rashti, and Al-Qadi Iyad ibn Musa Al-Yahsubi.
- Some of his significant works include Al-Qanun fi al-Takwil, Rules of the Quran, Anwar Al-Fajr, The Abrogator and the Abrogated, Al-Qabas fi Sharh Muwatta Imam Malik, Al-Awasim Min al-Qawasim, Ardat al-Ahwadhi fi Sharh al-Tirmidhi, Masalik ‘ala Muwatta Malik, Al-Insaf fi Masail Al-Khilaf, A’yān al-A’yān, Al-Maḥṣūl fi Uṣūl al-Fiqh, and Sirāj al-Muhtadīn.
- He passed away near Fez on the night of Thursday, the 3rd of Rabi’ al-Awwal in 543 AH, and was carried to Fez, where he was buried the following day outside Bab Al-Mahrouq in the cemetery of Al-Qaid Al-Mudhafar.
The book “Rules of the Quran” by Ibn Al-Arabi stands as one of the pivotal works in jurisprudential interpretation, addressing the legal rulings found within the Holy Quran from a Maliki perspective. The Imam follows the arrangement of the Surahs in the Quran and organizes the verses according to the presence of rulings, categorizing each verse into issues, with the count he provides for the Surah reflecting only the number of verses that convey legal rulings, rather than the total number of verses.