Fath al-Karim al-Mannan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran
- Author died
- 1380 AH
- Editions
- Fath al-Karim al-Mannan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran
Fath al-Karim al-Mannan fi Adab Hamalat al-Quran (The Bestowal of the Generous Benefactor Regarding the Etiquette of the Bearers of the Quran) is a treatise on the ethical conduct, manners, and legal rulings pertaining to the recitation, teaching, study, handling, and listening of the Quran, authored by the Egyptian scholar and Head of the Egyptian Reciters (Shaykh al-Maqari' al-Misriyya) Ali al-Dabba' (d. 1380 AH / 1961 CE).
Overview and Sources
The author, whose full lineage is given in the text as Ali al-Dabba' ibn Muhammad ibn Hasan ibn Ibrahim (and also recorded in biographical dictionaries under the surname al-Sabbagh), composed the work as a concise guide outlining the proper decorum for readers, scribes, teachers, students, and attendees of Quranic recitation gatherings. In his introduction, al-Dabba' notes that he summarized and compiled the material from several authoritative classical works, specifically naming al-Tibyan (by al-Nawawi), al-Itqan (by al-Suyuti), al-Lata'if, al-Ithaf, al-Nihaya, and Tuhfat al-Nazirin.
Contents and Structure
The book is organized into thematic sections addressing various groups and legal aspects related to the Quran:
- Etiquette of the Reciter (Adab al-Qari'): Emphasizes sincerity (ikhlas) solely for the sake of God without seeking worldly gain, praise, or livelihood through recitation. It outlines personal hygiene and preparation—such as using the tooth-stick (siwak), ritual purification, applying perfume, and wearing fine clothes—as well as sitting facing the qibla in tranquility and reverence. It details the rulings of seeking refuge (isti'adha), the basmala, reciting aloud versus quietly, maintaining the canonical order of suras, and reflecting (tadabbur) on the verses with humility and weeping. It also surveys legal opinions across the legal schools regarding the prostrations of recitation (sujud al-tilawa) and the merits of completing the Quran (khatm).
- Etiquette of Touching, Carrying, and Writing the Mushaf (Adab Mass al-Mushaf wa Hamlihi wa Kitabatihi): Details the prohibition of touching or carrying the mushaf without ritual purity, rulings concerning children and non-Muslims, and amulets written for blessing. It addresses the requirement to write according to the Uthmanic orthography (al-rasm al-'Uthmani) and the veneration of the physical copy, such as perfuming it, placing it on an elevated surface above other books, and keeping it safe from degradation.
- Etiquette and Conditions of the Teacher (Adab al-Mu'allim wa Shartuhu): Outlines the qualifications of a Quran instructor—stipulating that the teacher be a trustworthy, upright, and meticulous Muslim who only transmits what was received through verified oral transmission. It details the teacher's pedagogical conduct, including patience, treating students with paternal care, avoiding arrogance, managing the study circle equitably, and the impermissibility of withholding recitation authorization (ijaza) in exchange for material compensation.
- Etiquette of the Student (Adab al-Muta'allim): Discusses the student's inner sincerity, diligence, seeking out qualified and pious masters, purifying the heart, showing deep reverence and humility before the instructor, adhering to the decorum of the assembly, and respecting the turns of fellow learners.
- Etiquette of the Public and Listeners (Adab al-Nas wa al-Sami'in): Covers the collective obligation of venerating the Quran as the uncreated speech of God, listening attentively in silence during its recitation pursuant to وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنصِتُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ("And when the Quran is recited, give ear to it and pay heed, that ye may obtain mercy"), honoring the carriers of the Quran, and avoiding unwarranted disputation or interpreting the text without knowledge.
Publication
The book was published in Cairo by Mustafa al-Babi al-Halabi and Sons (1st edition, 1379 AH / 1960 CE).
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