Al-Rawd al-Murbi’: A Detailed Commentary on Zad al-Mustaqni
by Imam Mansur ibn Yunus al-Buhuti (d. 1051 AH)
Part 1
Introduction and Objectives of the Lecture
- Purpose and format of the study sessions.
- Explanation of the chosen text, Zad Al-Mustaqni’ [زاد المستقنع] and its commentary Al-Rawd Al-Murbi’ [الروض المربع].
Significance of Fiqh in the Hanbali Madhhab
- Brief history of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (رحمه الله) and his methodology.
- Unique features of the Hanbali Madhhab: multiple riwayat [روايات] (narrations) and the concept of mu’tamad [المعتمد] (established opinions).
- Explanation of the compilation process and the contributions of later scholars.
Overview of Key Texts
- The relationship between Zad Al-Mustaqni’ [زاد المستقنع] and Al-Rawd Al-Murbi’ [الروض المربع].
- Discussion of other key works in the Hanbali Madhhab, including the contributions of Imam Al-Buhuti [البهوتي] and Imam Al-Hijjawi [الحجاوي].
- Explanation of madna [متن] (concise text) and sharh [شرح] (explanation) as terms and their practical application in Islamic scholarship.
Methodology and Structure of the Book
- Features of Al-Rawd Al-Murbi’ [الروض المربع] as a sharh masji [شرح مزجي] (blended explanation).
- Format of study: reading and explanation, word-by-word analysis, and emphasis on memorization of madna [متن].
Etiquette of Seeking Knowledge
- Importance of sincerity (ikhlas [إخلاص]) and intention in seeking knowledge.
- Studying fiqh as an act of worship (ibadah [عبادة]).
- Seeking blessings (barakah [بركة]) through engagement with scholarly texts.
Introduction to the Author and Text
- Biography of Imam Al-Buhuti [منصور البهوتي]: life, works, and impact.
- Brief overview of the foundational text Mukhtasar Al-Muqni’ [مختصر المقنع].
- Significance of referencing earlier works and building upon them.
Structure and Features of the Study
- Explanation of the introduction (muqaddimah [مقدمة]) of Zad Al-Mustaqni’ [زاد المستقنع].
- Importance of beginning with Bismillah [بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ] and Alhamdulillah [الحمد لله].
- Differences between Hamd [حمد] (praise) and Shukr [شكر] (gratitude).
Core Definitions and Terminologies
- Linguistic and technical meanings of Fiqh [فقه].
- Explanation of key Islamic terms: Hamd [حمد], Shukr [شكر], and Rahmah [رحمة].
- Understanding the relationship between Tashrih [تشريع] (legislation) and Ahkam [أحكام] (rulings).
The Centrality of the Prophet ﷺ
- Praise of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in scholarly introductions.
- The significance of Salah wa Salam [صلاة وسلام] upon him.
- The unique status of the Prophet ﷺ as Sayyid al-Mursaleen [سيد المرسلين] and Al-Mustafa [المصطفى].
Transitioning to the Core Subject
- Significance of Amma Ba’d [أما بعد] as a transition in Islamic writing.
- Preparing for the detailed study of the Zad Al-Mustaqni’ [زاد المستقنع].
Practical Implementation and Memorization
- Importance of memorization for foundational texts.
- Explanation of the approach to madna [متن] memorization and what to prioritize.
- Guidance for using available editions and publications.
Conclusion and Further Study Plans
- Review of the key points in the introduction.
- Outline of upcoming sessions, focusing on Kitab Al-Tahara [كتاب الطهارة].
- Encouragement for consistency and engagement in the study of fiqh.