Nuniyyat al-Qahtani
- Author died
- 378 AH
- Editions
- Dar al-Dhikra
Nuniyyat al-Qahtani (al-Qasida al-Nuniyya) is a classical Arabic didactic poem composed by the Andalusian Maliki jurist and hadith scholar Abu Abd Allah al-Qahtani (d. 378 AH / 988 CE), covering Sunni creed, ethical conduct, religious duties, and polemics .
Authorship and Historical Background
The work is attributed to Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Salih ibn al-Samh al-Ma'afiri al-Qahtani al-Andalusi al-Maliki . Originating from al-Andalus, he traveled extensively in pursuit of knowledge across the Islamic world, transmitting hadith in the Maghrib, the Levant from figures such as Khaythama ibn Sulayman al-Atraboulsi, Baghdad from Ismail ibn Muhammad al-Saffar, as well as Hijaz, Khurasan, and Transoxiana . He arrived in Samarkand before 350 AH, where he transmitted a biographical history of Andalusian scholars (Tarikh li-Ahl al-Andalus), and was described by Abu Sa'id al-Idrisi as one of the most virtuous and reliable scholars of his era . He later moved to Bukhara, where he died in the 370s AH, with the year 378 AH recorded by Ibn al-Faradi .
Contents and Structure
The poem is structured as an extended ode rhyming in the letter nun (qasida nuniyya), opening with a personal supplication imploring God for forgiveness, guidance, and spiritual steadfastness through the sanctity of the Quran .
The text addresses several interrelated core themes:
- Theology and Creed: It affirms the absolute oneness of God, divine attributes, belief in divine decree (qadar) as an indispensable pillar of faith, and adherence to both the Quran and the Sunnah .
- Companions of the Prophet: The poem emphasizes veneration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and all his Companions, advising believers to refrain from delving divisively into the historical conflicts among the Companions and warning against uncritical acceptance of historical accounts .
- Polemics and Sectarian Critique: It contains pointed critiques against various theological opponents and heterodox groups, specifically condemning the doctrines of the Rafidah for defaming the Companions .
- Ethics and Legal Observances: The poet urges moderation, fulfillment of the five daily prayers, prompt payment of zakat, and adherence to sincere counsel and moral conduct .
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