al-Sunnah lil-Marwazi
- Author died
- 294 AH
- Editions
- Mu’assasat al-Kutub al-Thaqāfiyyah
al-Sunnah (كتاب السنة) is a third-century AH hadith and creed treatise by the jurist and traditionist Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi (202–294 AH / 817–906 CE), dedicated to affirming the necessity of adhering to the prophetic Sunnah, rejecting religious innovations (bid'ah), and following the consensus of early generations .
Overview and Subject Matter
The work belongs to the early genre of theological and traditionist treatises titled al-Sunnah, written by classical scholars of Ahl al-Hadith to compile transmitted proof-texts on orthodox Islamic doctrine and methodology . The book focuses on urging strict compliance with the Sunnah, censuring theological disputes and newly invented matters in religion, and documenting the beliefs established by early scholarly authorities .
Method and Contents
Al-Marwazi structures the book around transmitted reports with their chains of narration (isnad), drawing directly upon prophetic hadiths as well as statements from the Companions and early figures . Among the prominent subjects addressed in the text are:
- Prophetic warnings concerning future tribulations and divisions within the Muslim community .
- Narrations transmitted through figures such as Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Ubadah ibn al-Samit, and Abdullah ibn Umar concerning the warning against imitating the misguided paths of previous religious communities, such as the Children of Israel .
Publication
The book has been edited and published in contemporary printings, including an edition with authentication and commentary by Salim ibn Ahmad al-Salafi, published by Mu'assasat al-Kutub al-Thaqafiyyah in 1408 AH / 1988 CE .
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