al-Kawakib al-Durriyya ala al-Manzuma al-Bayquniyya
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- al-Kawakib al-Durriyya ala al-Manzuma al-Bayquniyya
al-Kawakib al-Durriyya ala al-Manzuma al-Bayquniyya (The Brilliant Stars upon the Bayquniyya Poem) is a commentary by Sulayman bin Khalid al-Harbi on al-Bayquni's didactic poem on hadith terminology (mustalah al-hadith), compiled from lectures delivered in 1429 AH (2008 CE).
Background and Composition
The commentary originated as an educational course organized by the Da'wah and Guidance Office in the al-Zulfi Governorate in 1429 AH. The lessons were dictated across eleven sessions at the Ibn al-Qayyim Mosque. Abd al-Aziz al-Mas'ud transcribed and prepared the lectures for publication with al-Harbi's authorization, and suggested titling the work al-Kawakib al-Durriyya ala al-Manzuma al-Bayquniyya.
Content and Method
The work is designed as an accessible primer and stepping stone for students beginning their study of hadith terminology. Al-Mas'ud notes that the commentary is characterized by analytical precision (tahrir al-masa'il), combining the methodology of the early hadith specialists (al-mutaqaddimun) with the refined definitions of later scholars (al-muta'akhkhirun).
In the commentary, al-Harbi explains the definitions and categories outlined in al-Bayquni's 34-verse poem in the rajaz meter, which covers core classifications of hadith narration, transmission chains, and defects. Al-Harbi also addresses biographical questions surrounding the original author, challenging the view held by some earlier commentators that al-Bayquni deliberately concealed his identity to avoid renown. Al-Harbi points out that al-Bayquni explicitly named himself and his work in the closing lines of the poem, and that the scarcity of biographical details about him was merely a matter of historical preservation rather than intentional concealment.
Answer updated