Islamic Studies

Compassing the Student of Fiqh: al-'Allama Muhammad al-Hasan Walad al-Didu al-Shanqiti

by Suhaib Webb
July 9, 2008
2 min read

Asalamu alaykum,

I was blessed to talk with Sh. al-Shanqiti and asked him the following:

What are the books that the more advanced student of the Maliki school should study? I’ve been studying Sharh al-Saghir and the Hashyiah of al-Dusuqi.

“Such a student should move to the books such as al-Ma’una of al-Qadi ‘Abdu al-Wahab and his Ishraf as well. Reason being that the books of Khalil, Dardir and so forth have very little proofs. Where as the books, such as those mentioend above, provide the poofs for the school.”

Regarding Usol: Is it better to study the Maraqi or Kawaqib al-Sati of al-Suyuti [ra]?

“The Muraqi is good, but it only contains the Maliki contentions. The book of Suyuti is vaster as it encompasses the positions of all the scholars.”

Thus it would be better for us in the West since we are dealing with many schools?

“Yes?”

We are studying the Manhaj of al-Badawi in al-Azhar.

“Did you read it all, or only parts?”

Only parts of it.

“It is a good book and the explanation of Isnawi is good. However, get to the book of al-Subki Jam’ al-Jawam’i.”

What books do you recommend in hadith for the student of law/How to read the al-Muntaqa of Madjdin Ibn Taymiyyah?

al-Muntaqa is a noble book. However, the student should read it and cross reference it with the hadith found in Bulugh al-Maram, trusting Ibn Hajar’s opinions.. Secondly, consult Nay al-Autar of al-Shawkani but look out for the opions that might not agree with the orthodox sunni schools. With that being said, it is an excellent book.

Those books, ;Umdat al-Ahkam, Bulugh al-Maram and the Muntaqa are noble works, but they are not enough. You must come to the Mashayikh and read the major works of hadith like al-Muwatta.”

Fiqh al-Aqaliyaat?

“It is a collection of ijtihadat. There are some noble hearted people who are bringing, at times, the rukhas into play where they are not needed. But, their efforts are admirable.”

May Allah bless us to learn from the scholars

suhaib

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About the author

Suhaib Webb

Suhaib Webb is a contemporary American-Muslim educator, activist, and lecturer. His work bridges classical and contemporary Islamic thought, addressing issues of cultural, social and political relevance to Muslims in the West. After converting to Islam in 1992, Webb left his career in the music industry to pursue his passion in education. He earned a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma and received intensive private training in the Islamic Sciences under a renowned Muslim Scholar of Senegalese descent. Webb was hired as the Imam at the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, where he gave khutbas (sermons), taught religious classes, and provided counselling to families and young people; he also served as an Imam and resident scholar in communities across the U.S.

From 2004-2010, Suhaib Webb studied at the world’s preeminent Islamic institution of learning, Al-Azhar University, in the College of Shari`ah. During this time, after several years of studying the Arabic Language and the Islamic legal tradition, he also served as the head of the English Translation Department at Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah.

Outside of his studies at Al-Azhar, Suhaib Webb completed the memorization of the Quran in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. He has been granted numerous traditional teaching licenses (ijazat), adhering to centuries-old Islamic scholarly practice of ensuring the highest standards of scholarship. Webb was named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center in 2010.

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