Ahmad ibn Isa
Tawdih al-Maqasid Sharh Nuniyyat Ibn al-Qayyim al-Kafiya al-Shafiya
- Author died
- 1327 AH
- Editions
- المكتب الإسلامي
Tawdih al-Maqasid wa-Tashih al-Qawa'id fi Sharh Qasidat al-Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (Clarification of objectives and correction of principles in explaining the ode of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim) is a theological commentary by the Hanbali scholar Ahmad ibn Isa (1253–1327 AH / 1837–1909 CE; another report gives 1329 AH / 1911 CE) on the doctrinal poem al-Kafiya al-Shafiya fi al-Intisar li-l-Firqa al-Najiyya (popularly known as al-Nuniyyah) by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (d. 751 AH / 1350 CE).
Background and Composition
In his introduction, Ahmad ibn Isa noted that since the era of Ibn al-Qayyim, al-Kafiya al-Shafiya had remained without a dedicated commentary to resolve its obscurities or serve as an illuminating guide. He undertook the writing of the commentary despite having numerous responsibilities and being away from his personal library. His stated objective was to clarify the poem's complex formulations, qualify its general statements, and elucidate its dense subject matter while avoiding undue prolixity.
Scope and Methodology
The primary focus of the commentary is arbitrating doctrinal disputes among various sects and establishing the affirmation of God's divine attributes (ithbat sifat al-Bari). The text engages in polemical refutations of dissenting groups, including the Jahmiyya, Mu'tazila, Rafidites, Haruriyya, Kullabiyya, Murji'a, Mujbira, and the monists (al-Wujudiyya), employing both transmitted textual proofs and rational arguments.
The work opens with an introductory section detailing the biography, teachers, scholarly standing, and trials of the poem's author, Ibn al-Qayyim, quoting extensive passages from Ibn Rajab and Ibn Kathir. Following the biographical preface, Ahmad ibn Isa proceeds to provide verse-by-verse commentary across the chapters of the poem.
Publication History
The work has been printed in several editions:
- An edition published by al-Maktab al-Islami in Damascus in 1382 AH (1962 CE).
- A two-volume edition edited by Zuhayr al-Shawish, published by al-Maktab al-Islami in Beirut and Damascus (third edition, 1406 AH / 1986 CE).
Answer updated