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Ship of Salvation : Hadrami's Primer on the Principles and Jurisprudence of the Shafi‘i School.

This course is designed to introduce students to the principles and practices of Shafi‘i fiqh, using the widely recognized text Safinat al-Naja by Shaykh Samir Salim ibn al-Hadrami. The course suits beginners interested in learning about Islamic law and the Shafi‘i school of thought.

Over several weeks, students will explore the fundamental principles of Shafi‘i fiqh, focusing primarily on the five pillars of Islam: the testimony of faith (shahada), prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj. Through close readings of Safinat al-Naja, students will gain an understanding of the key concepts, terminology, and legal rulings related to each of these pillars, as well as other vital topics such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

The course will be delivered through pre-recorded lectures, online discussion forums, and interactive quizzes and assignments. Students can also engage in live online discussions with the course instructor and other students.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a solid understanding of the basic principles of Shafi‘i fiqh. This course will be an excellent foundation for further study in Islamic law and related fields.

While no prior knowledge of Islamic law is required to enroll in this course, students should have a basic understanding of Islam and its core beliefs and practices. Additionally, students should be comfortable with reading and engaging with scholarly texts, as the course will involve close readings of Safinat al-Naja and other primary sources.

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About the text:

The title Safinat al-Naja translates to "The Ship of Salvation," authored by the Hadrami scholar Shaykh Salim ibn Abdullah. The book is divided into several sections covering various topics related to Islamic law, including purification, prayer, fasting, zakat, and a basic overview of hajj. The text is written in Arabic and has been translated into several languages.

This concise treatise aims to act as a tool for laymen and beginners to gain clarity in their worship.
About the Author:

The author’s name is Salim ibn Abdillah ibn Sa’d ibn Abdillah ibn Sumayr Al Hadrami Al Shafi‘i (1270AH). He was born in Yemen and died in Indonesia.

He was an erudite Jurist, teacher, judge, politician, and an expert in military matters. He was born in the village of Dhi Asbah, one of the villages of the Hadramout Valley. He was raised and taught by his father, the scholar, and teacher Shaykh ‘Abdullah ibn Sa‘d ibn Sumayr.

He read the Noble Quran, mastered the arts of its recitation, and then occupied himself with teaching its reading. He was therefore called “Mu‘allim,” a technical honorific used in Hadramout to honour the master teachers of the Quran. This honorific title was likely derived from the Prophetic narration “the best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” [Bukhari]

He learned and mastered the various disciplines and sciences in Islam, and taught them to others. He was renowned for his piety and always being in the state of the remembrance of God and the recitation of the Noble Quran. He is reported to have completed the recitation of the Quran during Tawaf. He passed away to the Mercy of His Lord in Indonesia.
Who is this course for:

  • This course is primarily designed for beginners who are interested in learning about Shafi‘i fiqh and the principles of Islamic law. It is suitable for anyone who is interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of the five pillars of Islam and other important topics related to Islamic law and tradition.
  • The course is especially beneficial for individuals who are new to the study of Islamic law and are looking for an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the subject. It is also appropriate for individuals who are interested in pursuing further studies in Islamic law and related fields, such as Islamic studies, Arabic language, or Middle Eastern studies.
Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of Shafi‘i fiqh, including the five pillars of Islam and other important topics.
  • Develop critical reading and analytical skills necessary for interpreting Islamic legal texts, including Safinat al-Naja and other primary sources.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of Islamic law and its evolution over time.
  • Learn how to apply the principles of Shafi‘i fiqh to real-world situations and scenarios and understand the relevance of Islamic law in contemporary contexts.
  • Develop the ability to engage in thoughtful and respectful discussions on topics related to Islamic law, tradition, and culture.
  • Acquire a strong foundation for further study and exploration of Islamic law and related fields, including Islamic studies and the Arabic language.
Self enrolment (Student)