al-Taliq ala Sharh al-Sunnah lil-Barbahari - Nasir al-Aql
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- al-Taliq ala Sharh al-Sunnah lil-Barbahari - Nasir al-Aql
Al-Ta‘liq ‘ala Sharh al-Sunnah lil-Barbahari (Commentary on Sharh al-Sunnah by al-Barbahari) is an Islamic theological commentary by the contemporary Saudi scholar and professor of creed Nasir ibn Abd al-Karim al-Aql, expounding upon the classical Hanbali creed treatise Sharh al-Sunnah by Abu Muhammad al-Hasan ibn Ali ibn Khalaf al-Barbahari (d. 329 AH / 941 CE) .
Base Text and Structure
The original text commented upon, Sharh al-Sunnah, is characterized by al-Aql as one of the earliest concise and comprehensive summaries of the creed of early Muslim scholarship (the salaf) . It articulates the obligation of adhering strictly to the prophetic tradition and the consensus of the early community (al-jama‘ah), abandoning theological innovations (bida‘), and avoiding dialectical theological debates and disputes . It encompasses core theological doctrines, including faith in the resurrection, the bridge (al-sirat), the scales (al-mizan), prophetic intercession, angels, prophets, Paradise, and Hellfire .
In delivering his commentary, al-Aql used the printed edition edited by Khalid ibn Qasim al-Raddadi, while noting the earlier edition by Muhammad Sa‘id al-Qahtani and acknowledging the quality of both . The commentary follows the editor’s sequential numbering of al-Barbahari's paragraphs, beginning with the introductory discussion on the core definition of the Sunnah .
Content and Method
Al-Aql evaluates al-Barbahari as a steadfast defender of traditional doctrine whose creedal positions represent mainstream early Sunni consensus, while also noting that certain expressions or individual stances of al-Barbahari fall within the scope of permissible scholarly interpretation (ijtihad) or rhetorical emphasis rather than indisputable dogmatic consensus .
Key topics addressed throughout the commentary include:
- Definition of Islam and the Sunnah: Al-Aql elaborates on al-Barbahari’s opening maxim that Islam is the Sunnah and the Sunnah is Islam, highlighting that early authorities defined legal terms concisely without excessive theoretical subdivision .
- Theological Polemics and the Jahmiyyah: The commentary explains historical polemics against deviant sects, specifically the Jahmiyyah, addressing topics such as the uncreated nature of the Quran and the rulings regarding those who hesitate or assert that their pronunciation of the Quran is created .
- Etiquette of Theological Engagement: Al-Aql comments on al-Barbahari’s instructions regarding debate, emphasizing the prohibition of contentious disputation while distinguishing between guiding an earnest seeker of truth and engaging an obstinate opponent .
- Adherence to Early Authorities: The work underscores al-Barbahari’s closing admonitions that true adherence to the Sunnah requires following the early generations in all fundamental aspects of faith and practice, both inwardly and outwardly .
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