New Project: Shafi’i Fiqh Series
By Abul Layth on May 8, 2008 in Miscellaneous | 512 article views
I have been thinking for the last few months that I should start a Shafi’i fiqh series on Salah. Why? Well, after all this is “Seeking Ilm” and I have noticed that as of late we have many Shafi’i subscribers/readers. In fact our site is linked on about 5 different pro-shafi’i websites. Also, I feel like I need to solidify myself better in the madh-hab and what better than way than to study. These points encourage me to do more for the western-shafi’is. I have written several research articles on Salah in Shafi’i fiqh. All of them thus far include the following:
- Saying the Basmalah aloud in the Salah
- The Obligation of Reciting Fatihah behind the Imam in Salah
- Placing the Knees on the ground before the Hands in Salah
- Rafa’ Yadayn (raising the hands in the Salah) - a 40+ page article that I never published
- Many other articles on Taharah etc.
I started on a couple more within the past but left them as I was sidetracked with debates. This series of research articles will not be small. Generally when I research fiqh issues, I delve into them rather deeply. An example is the article on the obligation of reciting Al-Fatihah that includes 21 pages of proofs. Originally I had more than that but I felt like I was including to much. Basically, if I start this project, I will be re-editing the material I have already researched, adding more proofs and statements from the Imams of the school.
Before I start this project though I need to set goals. So here they are:
1) To thoroughly support the opinion of the school with proofs and statements of the scholars.
2) To rely heavily upon the big shots of the school such as Nawawi, Rafi’i, Ghazzali, the Subkis, Suyuti etc.
3) To discuss the differing views within the school, without attempting to fill any void for the reader.
4) To reference and research each topic to the best of my ability.
5) To defend the Shafi’i opinions and respond to the criticism from other madha-hab by using statements from the early and late scholars.
So, I want to get some input and advice from the readers. I also want to see if there are any shafi’is who would like to assist in this project. It would be a great way to increase your knowledge or just polish up on your studies. I will need someone to help me in editing and looking over the articles.
Also, do you think we should start with Taharah, then go into Salah, or should we just stick to Sifat As-Salah? I really do need suggestions, so feel free to comment please.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan,
Abul Layth
On May 8, 2008, Umm Layth said:
I think we should start from the beginning with Taharah. I’m in. I’ve always loved these classes because they encourage me to better my salah. Plus, as you know, I’m a Shafi’i. : D
On May 8, 2008, Hussain20 said:
As Salam Alikum
Could you also mention the mu`tamid opinion on the beard. Many people out their deny it outright or want evidence for the Shafi opinion. I know nawawi (rahimullah) mentions it in his majmu briefly but having evidence for the opinion would be superb.
On May 9, 2008, Dawud Israel said:
Kinda lost here…if they are coming from Shafi websites–doesn’t that mean they already know this stuff? Wouldn’t it be MORE beneficial to discuss the more particular matters of Fiqh?
Example: Is cannibalism permitted in times of dire need for food? (Malikis say yes) But now we have more info in the 21st century regarding how it causes what is similar to Mad-Cow disease in humans based on research of cannibal tribes–Is it then permitted in light of that fact?
In other words, the cutting edge!
On May 9, 2008, Abul Layth said:
@Umm Layth, that makes the series even longer. But if I can get some help with the editing etc. I think I will include a briefer segment for it.
@Dawud, I don’t want to talk about cannibalism! I need something pertinent to my daily life and the lives of others. I don’t intend on being stranded. I intend on making Salah properly. To do so the fiqh of Salah must be known.
Wa’alaykum Salaam @Hussain: There is a wonderful piece by G.F. Haddad on the beard in the shafi’i school. I may bring about the arabic and edit it a bit and post that insha’allah.
On May 9, 2008, Mustafa said:
as salaamu alaykum,
this is a wonderful idea. May Allah make it of benefit for yourself and others. Ameen
On May 9, 2008, Abu Usaama said:
assalamalaykum
im a shafii who is ignorant of the dalail of shafii fiqh so i think this is cool inshallah i hope to learn more.
On May 9, 2008, Abul Layth said:
http://seekingilm.com/archives/321
The proof may be that there is not an authentic hadith that mentions punishment. So it is taken to be suggestive.
On May 10, 2008, al-Kakazai said:
Salam
It might be better for you to translate a basic fiqh matn and translate briefly from the commentaries, you may wish to add one or two dalils along the way, this is more beneficial than lengthy articles on one fiqh issue, which will then be counter rebutted by other madhabs etc etc.
Or perhaps you might consider looking into Hanafi fiqh, afterall it is the biggest madhab in the West and perhaps the world and material would be of use to many more people in the English speaking world, something they could actually use in their daily lives.
Wasalam
On May 10, 2008, Abul Layth said:
lol@kakazai. I liked the “come to the Hanafi persuasion” da’wah. It was interesting how you just ’slipped’ that right in there. I prefer the research. Other madha-hab’s responses are not my concern. I believe all madha-hab are upon haqq based upon their own principles. I do not ascribe, nor promote, the foundational principles of the Hanafi madh-hab.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan
On May 11, 2008, Ibn Adam said:
Assalamu alaykum,
I originally found this site when looking for Shafi’i proofs. A series on fiqh of salat would be excellent.
I would really like to know the proofs for the qunut of fajr. One morning a well-intentioned brother showed me the evidences against it from Fiqh al-Sunnah, and since then I’ve never said it out loud in congregation to avoid argument.
JazakumAllah khayr
On May 13, 2008, Abul Layth said:
Well brother Ibn Adam, I have finished the research for you:
http://seekingilm.com/archives/324
On May 13, 2008, fazel said:
ibn adam,
Fiqhus sunnah by syed sabiq is not recommended for Shafii’s reference.
On May 16, 2008, Umm Muhammad said:
Bismillaah.Peace be upon Prophet Muhammad.
As-Salaamu ‘alaykum all.
A request/suggestion:
I’d appreciate if you could research the technicalities behind the whole “not supporting filth with your person” issue during salah. Alot of sisters pick up their children when they pray, but I refrain from doing so because of the almost constant najasah (my kid’s under 2 yrs).
On May 16, 2008, Aaminah said:
Asalaamu alaikum.
I think this is really beneficial, inshaAllah. It’s really easy to get Hanafi fiqh information in English, but a little more difficult to get Shafi’i other than SunniPath (which is great, I’m just saying it’s really the only on-line resource I am familiar with).
I may be able to help you with editing. We can discuss that through Umm Layth, if you are still in need, inshaAllah.