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Ibrahim bin Amir al-Ruhayli

Mahd al-Isaba fi Tahrir Aqidat Ahl al-Sunna wa Mukhalifihim fi al-Sahaba

Author died
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Editions
Dār al-Imām Muslim lil-Nashr wa-al-Tawzī‘

Mahd al-Isaba fi Tahrir Aqidat Ahl al-Sunna wa Mukhalifihim fi al-Sahaba (Pure Accuracy in Verifying the Creed of Ahl al-Sunna and Their Opponents Regarding the Companions) is a concise theological treatise by Ibrahim bin Amir al-Ruhayli examining the orthodox Sunni doctrine concerning the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad alongside the deviations of various sectarian groups .

Purpose and Scope

The author composed the work as an abridged guide outlining what Muslims are obligated to believe regarding the Prophet's Companions according to the consensus of Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama'a . The book also details the principal doctrinal deviations concerning the Companions, categorizing them into forms of excess (ghuluw) and forms of dereliction or hostility (jafa'), so that correct belief may be adopted and misguided positions recognized and avoided .

Structure and Contents

The treatise is organized into an introduction, two main chapters, and a conclusion :

  • Introduction (al-Muqaddima): Discusses the religious standing of the Companions in Islam and the unanimous agreement among Ahl al-Sunna on the obligation to love and support all of them .
  • Chapter One (al-Fasl al-Awwal): Covers the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama'a regarding the Companions across three sections:
    1. The love of Ahl al-Sunna for all the Companions: Establishing loyalty and affection toward them .
    2. Following the texts in ordering the ranks and virtues of the Companions: Adhering to textual evidence in ranking them in virtue, giving precedence to Abu Bakr, followed by Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi Talib, the remaining members of the consultative council (ahl al-shura), the rest of the Ten Promised Paradise, the veterans of Badr from the Emigrants (Muhajirun) and Helpers (Ansar), and those who spent and fought before the conquest of Mecca .
    3. The obligation of refraining from delving into the disputes among the Companions: Upholding the principle of withholding judgment and avoiding contention over historical conflicts that arose between them .
  • Chapter Two (al-Fasl al-Thani): Examines the doctrines of opposing heterodox groups across three sections:
    1. The creed of the Shi'a regarding the Companions .
    2. The creed of the Nawasib regarding the Companions .
    3. The comprehensive scope of animosity (nasb): Arguing that when understood as genuine harm to the Prophet's household (Ahl al-Bayt), it encompasses the Kharijites as well as many claimants of devotion to the family of the Prophet .
  • Conclusion (al-Khatima): Summarizes the main findings of the study, emphasizing the middle path (wasatiyya) of Ahl al-Sunna between the extremes of exaggeration and disparagement .

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