About the text: This book, “Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya”, is an abridgment by the original author, Shaykh ‘Alawi Ibn Ahmad Al-Saqqaf Al-Shafi‘i Al-Makki. “Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya” is an essential text for any serious student of knowledge. It encompasses the significance of knowledge, its various types, and the benefits it brings to a Muslim.
The book covers the etiquette of both the scholar and the learner, the importance of acquiring books, and the necessity of adhering to scholars in pursuing knowledge. It emphasizes the need to follow a specific School of Thought in jurisprudence, explaining the four Schools and the rulings on Taqlid (following) and Ijtihad (independent reasoning). The text categorizes jurisprudents, discusses the School of Thought for laypeople, and elaborates on Taqlid in matters of belief.
It outlines the ranks and differences among scholars, highlights the most essential Shafi‘i books, and traces the history of the Shafi‘i School from Imam Shafi‘i to the present. The book acknowledges the contributions of Imam Rafi‘i and Imam Nawawi in refining the School and explains the key texts relied upon within it.
It includes terminology and expressions used by Shafi‘i jurists, formulas of hadith among Muhaddithun, and rulings on reading unverified stories and using incomprehensible symbols in incantations. The author concludes with poems beneficial to seekers of knowledge and essential issues, maintaining a balance between brevity and completeness to avoid excessive detail or harmful omission.
About the Author: Biography of the Author ‘Alawi al-Saqqaf (1255 - 1335 AH)
He is ‘Alawi ibn Ahmad ibn ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Saqqaf al-Shafi‘i al-Makki, a leading scholar in Mecca and a notable figure among its scholars. He was born in Mecca and entrusted with its scholarly leadership in 1298 AH. He emigrated with his family to "Lahij" in 1316 AH, upon the invitation of the Prince (al-Fadl ibn Ali). He resided there until 1327 AH, and then returned to Mecca, where he continued to teach until his death.
His works include:
"Tarshih al-Mustafidin" (annotation on Shafi‘i jurisprudence)
"Fath al-‘Alam bi-Ahkam al-Salam" (jurisprudence)
"Al-Qawl al-Jami‘ al-Matin fi Ba‘d al-Muhimm min Huquq Ikhwanina al-Muslimin" (rights of Muslim brothers)
"Al-Fawa’id al-Makkiyya" (treatise on jurisprudence)
"Al-Qawl al-Jami‘ al-Naji fi Ahkam Salat al-Tasbih" (jurisprudence of Tasbih prayer)
Who is this course for: Serious Students of Islamic Knowledge:
Individuals who are committed to deepening their understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and spirituality. The course material, derived from Imam ‘Alawi al-Saqqaf's renowned text, "Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya," offers an in-depth study suitable for those dedicated to advancing their knowledge.
Followers of the Shafi‘i School of Thought:
The course is particularly beneficial for those who adhere to or are interested in the Shafi‘i School. It provides detailed insights into the history, foundational texts, and significant scholars of the Shafi‘i tradition, making it ideal for followers and students of this school.
Students Intending to Study the Minhaj of Imam Nawawi
Those who plan to delve into the Minhaj al-Talibin by Imam Nawawi will find this course particularly useful. It lays a solid foundation in the Shafi'i jurisprudence and provides essential background knowledge that will aid in understanding and appreciating the comprehensive legal manual authored by Imam Nawawi.