al-Hujaj al-Bahira fi Ifham al-Taifa al-Kafira al-Fajira
- Author died
- 918 AH
- Editions
- Maktabat al-Imām al-Bukhārī
al-Hujaj al-Bahira fi Ifham al-Taifa al-Kafira al-Fajira (The Radiant Proofs in Silencing the Disbelieving and Wicked Sect) is a polemical theological treatise written by the philosopher and jurist Jalal al-Din al-Dawani (d. 918 AH / 1512 CE; other sources report 907, 908, or 928 AH) . The work is dedicated to refuting the doctrines of the Shi'a (termed al-Rafida) and establishing the legitimacy of the Rashidun caliphates preceding Ali ibn Abi Talib .
Composition and Structure
In his prologue, al-Dawani states that he composed the treatise entirely extemporaneously from memory without consulting written books . He also offers an apology to Ali and the Prophet's household (Ahl al-Bayt) for any blunt arguments that might appear disrespectful, explaining that defending the truth against sectarian exaggerations necessitated such direct statements .
The treatise is organized into an introduction (muqaddima) followed by seven chapters (fusul) :
- Introduction: Devoted to proving the legitimacy of the caliphates of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan prior to Ali . The author adduces multiple Quranic verses—including interpretations of وَسَيُجَنَّبُهَا الْأَتْقَى (Surah al-Layl: 17), قُلْ لِلْمُخَلَّفِينَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ (Surah al-Fath: 16), and إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ (Surah al-Ma'idah: 55)—arguing that historical events, such as the Ridda wars and the early territorial expansions of Islam against the Byzantine and Sasanian empires, substantiate the rightful authority and virtue of the first three caliphs .
Publication
The work was edited and studied by Abd Allah Hajj Ali Munib and published in a single volume by Maktabat al-Imam al-Bukhari in 1420 AH / 2000 CE .
Answer updated