Sharh al-Durr al-Nadid fi Ikhlas Kalimat al-Tawhid
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- Sharh al-Durr al-Nadid fi Ikhlas Kalimat al-Tawhid
Sharh al-Durr al-Nadid fi Ikhlas Kalimat al-Tawhid (Explanation of the Arranged Pearls on Sincerity in the Word of Monotheism) is a contemporary Islamic creedal commentary delivered and authored by Muhammad Hasan Abd al-Ghaffar, explaining the theological treatise al-Durr al-Nadid fi Ikhlas Kalimat al-Tawhid by the Yemeni jurist and scholar Muhammad ibn Ali al-Shawkani (1172–1250 AH / 1759–1834 CE) .
Background and the Base Text
The base treatise, al-Durr al-Nadid fi Ikhlas Kalimat al-Tawhid, was composed by al-Shawkani in response to inquiries submitted by Judge Muhammad ibn Ahmad Mashham concerning issues of supplication, seeking means (tawassul) through prophets and righteous figures, and grave-related practices . In it, al-Shawkani addressed practical and creedal forms of polytheism (shirk), the impermissibility of appealing to the dead, and the necessity of acting upon the requirements of the declaration of faith rather than merely uttering it verbally .
In his commentary, Abd al-Ghaffar begins with an introductory biography highlighting al-Shawkani's scholarship as an interpreter of the Quran, jurist, and hadith scholar, recording his birth in Dhu al-Qi'dah 1172 AH in Yemen and his early memorization of the Quran and foundational texts .
Scope and Core Themes
The work analyzes the theological principles outlined in al-Shawkani’s text, focusing on the core tenets of Islamic monotheism (tawhid) and the distinction between lawful and unlawful devotional practices:
- Seeking Deliverance (Istighathah): The commentary discusses istighathah (calling for relief from hardship) as an act of worship demonstrating complete submission to God, practiced by the prophets and the righteous, while noting the distinction regarding what is permissible to request of a living creature within their physical capacity .
- Seeking Means (Tawassul): It outlines the legitimate forms of tawassul, defining correct etiquette as approaching God through His divine essence, names, attributes, and through the righteous deeds of the supplicant (such as the report of the people trapped in the cave) .
- Seeking Blessing (Tabarruk): It examines tabarruk, asserting that true blessing originates exclusively from God, while clarifying the boundaries between legislated forms and illicit practices that infringe upon pure monotheism .
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