Irshad Uli al-Basair wa al-Albab li-Nayl al-Fiqh bi-Aqrab al-Turuq wa Aysar al-Asbab
- Author died
- 1376 AH
- Editions
- Aḍwāʾ al-Salaf
Irshad Uli al-Basair wa al-Albab li-Nayl al-Fiqh bi-Aqrab al-Turuq wa Aysar al-Asbab ("Guiding Those of Insight and Intellect to Attain Jurisprudence Through the Closest Paths and Easiest Means") is a legal treatise authored by the Hanbali scholar Abd al-Rahman al-Sadi (1307–1376 AH / 1889–1956 CE) to provide an accessible synthesis of Islamic jurisprudence .
Structure and Method
The work is organized primarily in a question-and-answer pedagogical format, presenting comprehensive questions followed by detailed explanatory answers . It spans the traditional chapters of jurisprudence, beginning with the book of ritual purity (al-taharah) and concluding with the book of acknowledgement (al-iqrar) .
In his introduction, al-Sadi states that he structured the book around fundamental legal principles (usul), regulatory maxims (dawabit), and systematic classifications (taqsimat) designed to bring together disparate legal questions, group similar cases (al-nazair), and clarify legal distinctions (al-fawariq) . The text demonstrates the underlying legal rationales (ta'lilat) and wisdoms (hikam) behind rulings, highlighting the foundational rules from which specific subsidiary rulings are derived .
Legal Approach
While the treatise accurately articulates the positions of the Hanbali school (tahrir al-madhhab), al-Sadi evaluates differing views and explicitly states what he deems to be the preponderant and sound opinion (al-qawl al-sahih) based on scriptural evidence and legal reasoning . Across various chapters, the author distinguishes between the standard school position and his preferred legal conclusions, such as maintaining that water altered by pure substances or used in ritual purification retains its purifying status unless supported by clear contrary proof .
Answer updated