Top Works of Ibn Hazm
Who is Ibn Hazm?
Ali bin Ahmad bin Saeed Ibn Hazm, known as the “Sun of Sciences,” was born in 995 AD in Córdoba. He grew up in an esteemed family; his father was a notable minister in the court of Caliph Al-Manṣūr bin Abī ʿĀmir in Al-Andalus. Coming from Persian descent, Ibn Hazm thrived in Córdoba, the center of culture and knowledge, which was renowned for its libraries and scholarly pursuits. He was also a student of the esteemed jurist Ibn Abī Bar, may Allah have mercy on him.
Notable Books by Ibn Hazm
Ibn Hazm authored hundreds of volumes covering topics in theology, literature, jurisprudence, foundational principles, history, hadith, logic, and philosophy, including:
- Al-Asma al-Husna (The Most Beautiful Names of Allah).
- The Qur’an and its Sciences.
- Kitab Manasik al-Hajj (Book of the Rites of Hajj).
- Sunan Ibn Hazm al-Dhahiri, published in three volumes by Dar Ibn Hazm, edited by Dr. Majid Al-Khalifa.
- Jawaami’ al-Seerah al-Nabawiyyah, a concise narrative of the Prophet’s biography that is accessible for students of knowledge.
- Mu’jam Fiqh Ibn Hazm al-Dhahiri, which organizes the issues of the Dhahiri school alphabetically.
- Al-Akhlaq wal-Siyar, filled with wisdom and life lessons essential for personal conduct, in which Ibn Hazm candidly stated, “I was arrogant.”
- Al-Nasikh wal-Mansukh (The Abrogator and the Abrogated).
- Al-Mahlaw al-Athar fi Sharh al-Majla bil Ikhtisar, discussing Sharia matters as mandated by the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
- Umm al-Khulafa (Mothers of the Caliphs).
- Hajjat al-Wida (Farewell Pilgrimage), a comprehensive study of the hadith and narrations regarding the Prophet’s farewell pilgrimage.
- Al-Risalah al-Bahirah fi al-Radd ‘ala Ahl al-Aqwal al-Fasida, a response to erroneous beliefs in theology and related fields including jurisprudence and hadith, housed in a library in England.
- Al-Talkhis li Wujuh al-Takhlis.
- Kitab al-Imla fi Sharh al-Muwatta in a thousand pages.
- Diwan Ibn Hazm, a collection of his poetry.
- Fada’il al-Andalus (The Virtues of Al-Andalus).
- Taqreeb li Hud al-Mantiq wa al-Madkhal ilayh bil Alfas al-Amiyyah wa al-Amthal al-Fiqhiyyah, a work on logic derived from the teachings of Aristotle.
- Jamharah Ansab al-Arab, one of the most comprehensive and detailed genealogical texts that references significant historical, literary, and tribal events.
- Al-Ihkam li Usul al-Ahkam, comprising eight volumes.
- Something on Prosody.
- Al-Risalah Bayyan al-Fasahah wal-Balagha, directed to Ibn Hafsun.
- Dawat al-Milal fi Abiyat al-Mathal, a poetic compendium of forty thousand verses.
- Nqṭ al-ʿArous, a treatise on the histories of the caliphs.
- Al-Usul wal-Furu, which provides a comprehensive explanation of Islamic beliefs.
Tawq al-Hamama
The most renowned work of Ibn Hazm is “Tawq al-Hamama fi al-Alfah wal-Alif,” where he delves into the oceans of love, a profound emotion innate to humanity. Through this work, he explores its origins, manifestations, positive and negative traits, associated afflictions, and recounts various love stories he experienced. The book concludes by emphasizing the virtue of chastity and the severity of sin.
“Tawq al-Hamama” was written in response to a query from a resident of Almería, asking about the nature of love, its characteristics, purposes, and realities. Ibn Hazm structured his response into thirty chapters, addressing its meanings, joys, and sorrows. This work has been translated into multiple languages and analyzes the human emotion of love through observation and psychological insight.