The Sacred Islamic Law (English Hardback)

The Sacred Islamic Law is the English translation of a comprehensive manual on theology and jurisprudence (the latter based on the Hanafi school of law)- “Qanün-i Shariat” - which deals with all the five fundamental pillars of Islam.

One of the most widely-read manuals on Hanafi fiqh in the Indian subcontinent is Qanun-i Shariat-it is widely available and is frequently taught in Islamic seminaries across the globe.

The author, Shams al-Ulama’ Shaykh Shams al-Din Ahmad al-Ja’fari al-Ridawi al-Jaunpuri, has drawn from his teacher’s encyclopaedic work on Hanafi jurisprudence, Bahär-i Shariat-which spans over twenty chapters, the latter three of which were written by the latter’s students.

Qänün-i Shariat is quite broad in its range of subjects and the most salient issues pertaining to the two sciences of ‘aqidah (kalam) and fiqh are presented clearly. “Qanün-i Shariat” is not only lucid in its presentation and relevant to this lofty aim, but also reliable in its content. Its author is recognised as a leading jurist of the late Hanafi school.

Notwithstanding many previously published English translations of this work, we found that the translations had several passages from the original missing as well as needing much improvement in general.

In this new work, we have added:

1. Full referencing of Verses and Ahādith, laws of jurispurdence and other citations in the original Urdu work?
2. Footnotes to elaborate and clarify issues.*
3. Shar i terminology at the beginning to aid the reader.
4. An index for ease of reference.

In rendering the work into the English language, utmost effort was made to stay close to the text while avoiding strict literalism. At times, some sentences were paraphrased, for the sake of clarity and fluidity.

Despite the most rigorous attention to detail, errors and mistakes are almost inevitable in translating such a profound work. As such, readers are encouraged to forgive any oversights on our part and bring these to our attention, thus helping us avoid such lapses in future editions. We will be immensely grateful for any feedback.

The Messenger of Alläh * said, “Whosoever fails to thank the people has failed to thank Allah.” [Abù Dawüd, Sunan] In compliance with the Prophetic command, and out of love and appreciation, I would like to express my deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to all of my teachers for their knowledge and wisdom, my parents for their generous support, encouragement and guidance, my family for their time and effort, and to all those who assisted in the proofing of this work.

May Alläh reward all of them without measure and unite them under the Banner of Praise on the Final Day. Amin! May Alläh, Most Exalted, grant acceptance to this work and make it a means of our salvation in this world and the next, amin.

May Alläh send His choicest salutations, blessings, and peace upon the master of the entire creation; the Paragon of Mercy; the Chosen One; our Liege-lord Muhammad; and upon his family, Companions, and those who follow them in excellence until the Day of Rising.

– Muhammad Kalim al-Qadiri
Al-Thya Foundation, UK