Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi
Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi, whose full name is Nasir ibn Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al-Samarqandi, is honored with the title Imam Al-Huda. He is commonly referred to by his kunya, Abu Al-Layth, which has become more prominent than his actual name. Renowned as a significant jurist in the Hanafi school of thought, he is known for his humility and asceticism. His name, Al-Samarqandi, reflects his place of origin, the city of Samarkand. He earned the title Imam Al-Huda due to his virtues and righteousness. In addition to his expertise in jurisprudence, he was also a respected interpreter of the Quran and a hadith scholar. He passed away in the year 373 AH, specifically in the month of Jumada Al-Thani, according to reports from Judge Shihab Al-Din Ibn Abdul Haqq.
The Knowledge of Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi
Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi acquired knowledge from various prominent scholars and teachers, including Muhammad ibn Al-Fadl ibn Anif Al-Bukhari, among others. His intellectual legacy was carried forward by notable figures such as Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Tirmidhi, who studied under him. Abu Al-Layth authored several significant works, including “Tanbeeh Al-Ghafileen” (Warning the Negligent), a book of fatwas, and his renowned Quranic exegesis, known as “Bahr Al-Uloom” or “Interpretation of Al-Samarqandi,” where he compiled interpretations based on narrated sayings. His contributions to literature extend to “Umdat Al-Aqayid,” “Bustan Al-Aarifin,” “Al-Bustan,” “Treasury of Jurisprudence,” “Virtues of Ramadan,” his introductory work on jurisprudence, “Sharh Al-Jami Al-Saghir,” also in the field of jurisprudence, “Ayoun Al-Masaail” in fatwas and biographical references, “Daqaiq Al-Akhbar” detailing the inhabitants of paradise and the torments of hell, “Mukhallaf Al-Riwayat,” which outlines disagreements between Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi’i, and Malik, “Shari’at Al-Islam” in jurisprudence, “Al-Nawazil” in fatwas, and countless other writings attributed to Abu Al-Layth.
“Tanbeeh Al-Ghafileen” by Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi
“Tanbeeh Al-Ghafileen” is one of the most widely published works of Abu Al-Layth Al-Samarqandi and falls under the category of books aimed at moral guidance and exhortation. However, it includes a significant number of weak hadiths that are not authenticated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it may also contain fabricated narrations. Additionally, the text features unverified stories that were incorporated with the intention of softening hearts and souls.