Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi
Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi, whose full name is Nasr ibn Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al-Samarqandi, was a prominent Imam, interpreter, and hadith scholar of the Hanafi school. He earned the title “Imam al-Huda” due to his virtuous character and righteousness. He was born in 985 CE and authored several significant works, including “Taneeb al-Ghafileen” and a book of fatwas, among others. His nickname, Abu al-Layth, has become more widely recognized than his actual name, and he is predominantly known as Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi.
In his hometown of Samarkand, Abu al-Layth was revered as one of the major Hanafi jurists and ascetic Sufi figures. Scholars have differing accounts regarding the precise date of his death. According to Imam al-Dhahabi, he reported that his death occurred in Jumada al-Akhirah in 375 AH, based on the notes of judge Shihab al-Din Ahmad ibn Ali ibn Abdul Haqq. In contrast, Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Adnrawi referenced his death in 393 AH in his work, “Tabaqat al-Mufassirin.”
Teachers and Students of Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi
Abu al-Layth studied under notable scholars, including Muhammad ibn al-Fadl ibn Ashraf al-Bukhari, his father Muhammad ibn Ibrahim al-Tawzi, the jurist Abu Ja’far al-Hindawani, Muhammad ibn al-Fadl al-Balkhi, Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Qadi, and many others. Among his most distinguished students who transmitted his teachings was Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Tirmidhi, among others.
Works of Abu al-Layth al-Samarqandi
Abu al-Layth authored numerous works, both published and manuscript. The following highlights some of his most notable publications:
Book of the Ocean of Sciences
This work serves as an interpretation of the Holy Quran, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge in tafsir (interpretation). The remainder of the book includes the interpretation of various surahs and verses.
Book of Warning the Negligent with the Hadiths of the Chief of Prophets
This book contains chapters dedicated to sincerity, the severity of death, the command to enjoin good and forbid evil, repentance, the rights of parents, the obligations of children towards their parents, and maintaining the ties of kinship.
Book of Significant Questions
Published in 1386 AH in Baghdad, this work covers topics such as purity and ablution, prayer, the prayer of travelers, prostration, Friday and Eid prayers, funerals, charity, and issues related to marriage.
Book of Precious Compilations
This compilation consists of interpretations of various segments of the Quran.
Book of the Garden of the Aware
This text encompasses diverse topics condensed by al-Samarqandi, presented in a practical manner. Its contents include discussions on legal etiquette and moral virtues.
Book of Fatwas on Contemporary Issues
In this book, the author addresses numerous subjects, including purity, prayer, various prayer-related issues, zakah, fasting, and the rites related to washing and praying for the deceased.
Book of Various Narrations
This text discusses controversial issues between Imam Abu Hanifa and the opinions of Maliki and Shafi’i scholars.
In addition, there are many other works attributed to him, including “The Essential Beliefs,” “The Scholar’s Treasury,” “Commentary on the Small Collection,” and “The Nuances of News on the Inhabitants of Paradise and the Terrors of Hell.”