A Review of Nayl Al-Awtaar by Imam Ash-Shawkani
By Abul Layth
The following is my personal review of Nayl Al-Awtaar.
One of my favorite resources regarding the deen of Allah ta’alaa is نيل الاوطار شرح منتقى الاخبار من سيد الاخيار
Translation of the Title: “The obtainment of the objective. The explanation of ‘The Chosen Reports from the Master of Good’ ”
Other Names: Generally it is referenced as “Nayl”, “Nayl Al Awtar” etc.
Authors: The author of this fantastic masterpiece is Sheikhul Islaam, Al-’Allaamah, Ar-Rabbani, Imaamul A’immah, Mufti Al Ummah, Qaadhi Al Qudhaah, Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Abdullah Ash-Shawkaani then As-Sana’ni. He was born in the year 1172 After Hijrah in the month of Thul Qa’dah in the city of Shawkaan, Yemen.
Imaam Muhammad Ash-Shawkaani’s book “Nayl Al Awtaar” is an explanation of an earlier book produced by Sheikh ul Islaam Al Mujtahid Abu Barakaat Shaykh Al Hanaabilah Majd Ad-Deen ‘Abdis Salaam ibn Abdillah ibn Abi Al Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Al Khadar ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Abdillah Al Harraaniy, known as: Ibn Taymiyyah Al-Kabeer. He is not to be confused by his grandson who wrote ‘Aqeedat Al Waasitiyyah. He was born in the year 509 After Hijrah. He was known for his incredible fiqh, piety, and honesty.
Sheikh Majd Ad-Deen Abdis Salaam ibn Taymiyyah Al Kabeer wrote Muntaqaa Al Akhbaar for the purpose of gathering the Ahadeeth (narrations) used by the madh-hab (guild) of the Hanaabilah for their opinions. Often, however, he utilized ahadeeth not used by his madh-hab and make brief comments regarding their authenticty or inauthenticity. He makes effort in noting where the hadeeth may be found so that the student may research further.
As for Sheikh Muhammad Ash-Shawkaani’s commentary of Muntaqaa Al-Akhbaar then it can be summed up with one word: comprehensive. It covers all aspects of Islaam. Throughout the book one can see the incredible understanding of deen Imaam Ash-Shawkaani had. In almost all issues he will quote the opinions of all of the A’immah of this Ummah, including some Shi’aa opinions. He does not restrict himself to the four madha-hab. He is not afraid of delving into ‘controversial’ issues. He almost always quotes the thaahiri stances, as well as many of the Zaydi stances. He explains the meanings of words by using classical shi’r (poetry) and dictionaries of old. In fact you see that he uses Al-Qaamoos in defining all of the words that may be labeled as vague or metaphorical. He delves into the sciences of hadeeth such as jarh wa ta’adeel (criticism and praise) of the men in the chains. Many times he will state the “Raajih” or correct opinion according to his personal ijtihaad. Other times, he refrains from forming a conclusion and prefers to take the path of caution (such as his commentary regarding the chapter of nasheeds and entertainment etc.). Every time I pick up any volume I never cease to benefit. I must admit that on occassions Imaam Ash-Shawkaani can be harsh with certain opinions calling them “baatil” (ridiculous or null). However, this is hardly something that stops the “Fiqh Buff”. In fact, these harsh statements are what drove me to do even more research than what he presented.
Overall the book is a must for a true student of knowledge or anyone researching topics of Islaam. The book’s overall comprehensiveness, arguments, and comparative studies are beneficial for the honest researcher. The arabic used is easier for the non-arab and is easy to find and reference in dictionaries. On a scale from 1-5, I give it a very biased 4.9. The only criticism I have is when he says that he will mention an issue later and so the student starts searching only to find the issue mentioned some 2-3 volumes down in reading. Other than that, I believe Imaam Ash-Shawkaani was deserving of all the praise and criticism he received from his contemporaries.
May Allah bless both of these Imaams for their great efforts in preserving Islaam and continuing the revival of Islaam. Aameen.
6 Responses to “A Review of Nayl Al-Awtaar by Imam Ash-Shawkani”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- Seeking Ilm » Blog Archive » Dogs are Pure in the Maliki Madhhab (School) - [...] Ash-Shawkaani (rahimahullah) states in his masterpiece “Nayl Al-Awtaar Sharh Muntaqaa Al-Akhbaar” the following below the following narration of the ...
- Imam ash-Shawkani « Bayt ul-Hikma – House of Wisdom - [...] 2.) by the brothers from the SeekingIlm blog: http://seekingilm.com/archives/52 [...]
Salam, well as a maaliki, i don’t see a problem with the conclusion that he reaches on the issue of dogs being essentially pure in Maliki fiqh. Despite their many methodological differences, the dhaari and maaliki schools agree on this particular point. As to to why, that is a subject in its’elf
I do not recommend nailul authar for syafii followers. In fact syaukani has been known for his strong proposition on Ibnu taymiyya school of thoughts.
Give us an example within Nayl Al Awtaar of Imam Ash-Shawkaani propogating the irregular views of the later Ibn Taymiyyah?
As for a Shafi’i not reading his works, then the Shafi’i will many times find more support for the posistion of the madh-hab in Nayl Al Awtaar than with the common Shafi’i manual.
Has this book Nayl Al Awtaar translated into english.
Excellent book and very impartial in it’s conclusions. The Imam has proven that the Ahlus Sunnah / Salafi methodology is one of justice and fairness and biased towards the truth, wherever it comes from!
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله
I am rarely open Nayl al-awtar, but the comment made by sayyidi Abul Layth drew my attention towards that illustrious kitab. I might consider to put it into my reference’s list.
wassalam