Liqa al-Bab al-Maftuh
- Author died
- 1421 AH
- Editions
- Liqa al-Bab al-Maftuh
Liqa al-Bab al-Maftuh (The Open-Door Meeting) is a multi-volume transcript of the regular open-assembly lectures, exegeses, and legal answers delivered by the Saudi Hanbali scholar Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (d. 1421 AH / 2001 CE).
Format and Setting
The assemblies were conducted as open weekly gatherings held on Thursdays, bringing together scholars, students of knowledge, and members of the public. The meetings were periodically paused during scheduled interruptions, such as summer vacations and examination periods, and subsequently resumed.
Each session followed a two-part structure:
- An opening discourse delivered by Ibn Uthaymin, typically dedicated to Quranic exegesis (tafsir) or an address on foundational religious topics, ethical reminders, or seasonal legal matters.
- An unscripted question-and-answer period where attendees presented inquiries on varied legal, doctrinal, and practical subjects for immediate response.
Content and Topics
The opening portions of the gatherings frequently covered systematic Quranic commentary, with extensive focus given to the Mufassal section of the Quran—from Surah Qaf through the end of the Mus-haf—as well as other chapters such as Surat al-Fatihah, Surat al-Hadid, and Surat al-Mujadalah. Other opening addresses examined the virtue of pursuing knowledge, sincere devotion (ikhlas), piety (taqwa), the prohibition of backbiting scholars and authorities, and specific obligations surrounding events such as the pilgrimage (Hajj) and communal prayers during heavy rain.
The subsequent question-and-answer sections addressed a wide range of fields, including:
- Creed and Methodology: Inquiries regarding the excuse of ignorance (al-udhr bi-l-jahl), specific takfir (takfir al-mu'ayyan), relations with rulers according to Ahl al-Sunnah, and critiques of theological factions like the Murji'ah.
- Jurisprudence of Worship: Rites and prohibitions of Hajj and Umrah, prayer concessions for travelers, and purification rules.
- Transactions and Contemporary Issues: Rulings on commercial shares, trade competitions, prize offerings, sales contracts, positive laws, and jihad.
Extent
The transcribed record of the assemblies contains 236 numbered gatherings. The 236th session was held on Thursday, 14 Safar 1421 AH, marking the final recorded assembly in the series before an announced adjournment for student examinations.
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