This course provides a clear and practical introduction to the core principles of the Shafi‘i School through studying al-Yaqut al-Nafis, a concise yet deep manual written by the prominent Yemeni scholar, Shaykh Aḥmad ibn ʿUmar al-Shatiri.
Designed for learners of all levels, this course examines the essential rules, maxims, and principles that guide the application of Shafi‘i Fiqh, providing a reliable framework for understanding both traditional rulings and modern issues. The author's commentary, based primarily on his teacher, the renowned Shaykh ʿAbd Allah ibn ʿUmar al- Shatiri, clarifies complex points and presents the living tradition of sacred law in an easy-to-understand, learner-friendly manner.
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
Al-Yaqut al-Nafis in the Madhhab of Ibn Idris, According to the Jurisprudence of the Noble Shafiʿi School
This noble book, al-Yaqut al-Nafis, is a valuable and comprehensive work that compiles the essential foundations, principles, and legal maxims shaping the framework of Islamic jurisprudence in the Shafii school. It explains the conditions that prohibit or permit, clarifying their meanings and how they apply in real life. What makes this book stand out is its clarity; it is concise without being too brief, eloquent without being hard to understand, and thorough in its explanations. It leaves no critical point unaddressed for the student of knowledge. The author’s student, al-Allamah Salim bin Said Bakyir Baghithan al-Tarimi, annotated the text. The book is rich in legal maxims (qawaid), making it easier for students to memorize and understand the principles that determine rulings on various legal issues (masa’il).
From the initial steps of his journey until he achieves advanced understanding, the student of sacred knowledge must memorize and internalize foundational principles. These principles help him grasp the main topics of fiqh and their related subtopics. With them, the student becomes prepared to explore deeper issues, answer new questions, and handle emerging legal matters with insight and confidence.
Yet, we have observed that many students struggle. Because their study resources are so diverse, they often spend a lot of time searching, sometimes pulling from long marginal notes, other times relying only on teachers' words, without ever finding a single, well-organized reference that consolidates all the necessary foundations in one place.
In response to this need, the noble scholar, the caller to Allah, our Shaykh and teacher, Abd Allah ibn Umar al-Shatiri (may Allah protect him and preserve his light), who has dedicated his life to teaching and guiding students, recognized the challenges students faced. He commissioned his student, Ahmad ibn Umar al-Shatiri, to write a book that would gather these essential rules and principles in an organized and accessible way. The aim was to make the path easier for students and prevent unnecessary hardship.
And so, our Shaykh Ahmad ibn Umar al-Shatiri (may Allah be pleased with him) took on this task and authored al-Yaqut al-Nafis. He fulfilled his teacher’s vision and enriched the work with valuable commentary, detailed notes, and clarifying remarks. These additions became essential reading for students and scholars, teachers, judges, muftis, and legal professionals, who found in this book what they often look for in many others.
You’ll find al-Yaqut and its commentary elegant in language, comprehensive in scope, and smooth in flow. They serve the beginner, support the intermediate, and strengthen the advanced student.
May Allah reward its author and everyone involved in its writing, printing, and distribution among Muslims with the best rewards.
Fadl ibn Muhammad ibn Awad Bafadl al-Tarimi
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Beginner and Intermediate Students of Knowledge
Those who wish to build a reliable foundation in Shafi‘i Fiqh, starting with clear principles before diving into more detailed rulings. -
Advanced Students and Researchers
Learners who have already studied parts of fiqh and now want to consolidate their understanding of the essential usul (principles) and qawa‘id (maxims) of the Shafi‘i school in a structured way. -
Legal Professionals
Those who engage in issuing rulings or advising on Islamic law, as this text provides a concise yet comprehensive consolidation of the principles that underlie Shafi‘i jurisprudence. -
General Learners and Professionals
Muslims from all walks of life who want to understand the reasoning behind rulings, apply fiqh to modern issues, and strengthen their practice of religion with insight and clarity.
This work is traditionally studied after Safinat al-Naja (Ship of Salvation). It covers a broader range of topics but does not go into intricate details. Instead, it serves as a foundational manual that equips the student with the essentials of fiqh.
- Grasp the key legal principles that structure Shafiʿi jurispruden.
- Learn how to approach fiqh systematically, guided by sound methodology.
- Build the skills needed to connect foundational knowledge with real-life scenarios.
- Benefit from a text that has served scholars, judges, and students across generations.
- Grasp precise definitions, conditions, and applications of the complete range of Fiqh topics.
This course, based on Imam ‘Alawiy al-Saqqaf's celebrated text, "Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya," offers an essential guide for serious students of Islamic knowledge. Students will explore the profound importance of acquiring knowledge, the etiquette required of both the scholar and the learner, and the crucial role of scholars in guiding and preserving Islamic teachings.
The course delves into the importance of adhering to a specific School of Thought in Islamic jurisprudence, focusing on the Shafi‘i tradition. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the four major Schools of Thought, the concepts of Taqlid (following) and Ijtihad (independent reasoning), and the categorization of jurisprudents.
Additionally, the course addresses the practical aspects of Taqlid in matters of belief and the implications for laypeople. Moreover, the course covers the essential Shafi‘i texts and the key terminologies and expressions used by Shafi‘i jurists, offering practical guidance on their application.
It also includes discussions on the formulas of hadith among Muhaddithun, the rulings on reading unverified stories, and the use of symbols in incantations. Through live-recorded lectures, interactive quizzes, and interactive discussions, students will be equipped with a robust understanding of the Shafi‘i tradition, fostering both intellectual growth and spiritual enrichment.
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
This book, “Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya”, is an abridgment by the original author, Shaykh ‘Alawi Ibn Ahmad Al-Saqqaf Al-Shafi‘i Al-Makki. “Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya” is an essential text for any serious student of knowledge. It encompasses the significance of knowledge, its various types, and the benefits it brings to a Muslim.
The book covers the etiquette of both the scholar and the learner, the importance of acquiring books, and the necessity of adhering to scholars in pursuing knowledge. It emphasizes the need to follow a specific School of Thought in jurisprudence, explaining the four Schools and the rulings on Taqlid (following) and Ijtihad (independent reasoning). The text categorizes jurisprudents, discusses the School of Thought for laypeople, and elaborates on Taqlid in matters of belief.
It outlines the ranks and differences among scholars, highlights the most essential Shafi‘i books, and traces the history of the Shafi‘i School from Imam Shafi‘i to the present. The book acknowledges the contributions of Imam Rafi‘i and Imam Nawawi in refining the School and explains the key texts relied upon within it.
It includes terminology and expressions used by Shafi‘i jurists, formulas of hadith among Muhaddithun, and rulings on reading unverified stories and using incomprehensible symbols in incantations. The author concludes with poems beneficial to seekers of knowledge and essential issues, maintaining a balance between brevity and completeness to avoid excessive detail or harmful omission.
Serious Students of Islamic Knowledge:
Individuals who are committed to deepening their understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and spirituality. The course material, derived from Imam ‘Alawi al-Saqqaf's renowned text, "Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya," offers an in-depth study suitable for those dedicated to advancing their knowledge.
Followers of the Shafi‘i School of Thought:
The course is particularly beneficial for those who adhere to or are interested in the Shafi‘i School. It provides detailed insights into the history, foundational texts, and significant scholars of the Shafi‘i tradition, making it ideal for followers and students of this school.
Students Intending to Study the Minhaj of Imam Nawawi
Those who plan to delve into the Minhaj al-Talibin by Imam Nawawi will find this course particularly useful. It lays a solid foundation in the Shafi'i jurisprudence and provides essential background knowledge that will aid in understanding and appreciating the comprehensive legal manual authored by Imam Nawawi.
- Comprehensive Understanding of Islamic Jurisprudence:
Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the foundational principles and practices of Islamic jurisprudence, particularly within the Shafi'i School. They will learn about the importance of following a specific School, the concepts of Taqlid and Ijtihad, and the historical development of the Shafi'i tradition. - Mastery of Scholarly Etiquette and Ethics:
Participants will learn the essential etiquette and ethical standards expected of scholars and learners in Islam. This includes proper manners in seeking and imparting knowledge, the significance of humility and respect, and scholars’ responsibilities towards their students and community. - Familiarity with Key Shafi'i Texts and Terminology:
The course will familiarize students with the most important texts and terminologies used in Shafi’i jurisprudence. They will explore key works by renowned scholars like Imam Nawawi and Imam Rafi’i, and understand the specialized vocabulary and expressions employed by Shafi’i jurists. - Enhanced Spiritual and Intellectual Growth:
Through the study of Imam ‘Alawi al-Saqqaf's "Mukhtasar Al-Fawa’id Al-Makkiyya," students will experience both spiritual and intellectual enrichment. They will engage with the spiritual dimensions of seeking knowledge, understanding the balance between scholarly pursuits and personal spiritual development. - Preparation for Advanced Studies in Islamic Sciences:
The course will prepare students for further advanced studies in Islamic sciences, particularly those intending to study the Minhaj al-Talibin by Imam Nawawi. By providing a solid foundation in Shafi'i jurisprudence and related subjects, the course equips students with the necessary background to excel in higher levels of Islamic scholarship.
This is a Level Three course based on the text Reliance of the Traveller and Tools of the Worshipper. This course covers the chapters on Contract Law and Commercial Law taught by Shaykh Muhammad Carr. The entire text is co-taught with Shaykh Irshaad Sedick who covers the chapters on Worship in the course:
Reliance of the Traveller: Intermediate Worship Course
This course aims to adequately prepare students to study the Minhaj Al-Talibin of Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him). It is, therefore, essential for students to have completed the study of elementary-level primers before enrolling in this course.
‘Reliance’ means ‘that which is depended upon,’ since the author meant that this text should be a reliable resource work for whoever goes by it because it aims to present the most dependable (rajih) positions of the Shafi`i School and omit the weak ones. This course, therefore, aims to comprehensively explain the corpus of dependable views that make up the “Official Shafi`i School” before venturing into the detailed elaboration thereof and alternative views in the School, in the Minhaj of Imam Nawawi. Students who complete this level will, if Allah wills, be thoroughly prepared for the higher levels of Sacred Law from the Shafi`i School.
By covering this text (and the earlier introductory texts) thoroughly, students should have a solid understanding of the Shafi`i School’s Fiqh framework. Having an internalized framework to refer to facilitates a contextual understanding of more advanced and atomistic matters of Sacred Law.
- Teacher: Shaykh Muhammad Carr
‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik (Reliance of the Traveller and Tools of the Worshipper) is an indispensable text, especially for Shafi`i students of Sacred Law because it comprehensively summarizes the main views in the Shafi`i School. The author (may Allah have mercy on him) thoroughly covers the entire spectrum of Fiqh in systematic order. He provides a balance of detail so that the text, though not elementary enough to be called beginner-level, is neither too loaded nor too challenging to be categorized as advanced.
Al-Misri based his work on the earlier Shafi`i works of Imam Nawawi and Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Shirazi, following the format of Shirazi’s Muhadhdhab (The Rarefaction) and the conclusions of Nawawi’s Minhaj at-Talibin (The Seeker’s Road).
In the words of the author, this text “is a summary of the School of Imam Shafi`i (may Allah have mercy on him) in which I have confined myself to the most reliable positions (rajih) of the School, according to Imam Rafi’i and Imam Nawawi, or according to just one of them. I may mention a difference of opinion herein, this being when their recensions contend, giving Nawawi’s position first and then, as opposed to it, that of Rafi’i.” Based on the above, this text is ideal for the intermediate student of the Seekers Islamic Studies Curriculum.
The commentaries on this text are:
1. Fayd Al-Ilah Al-Malik fi Hall Alfaz ‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by ‘Umar Barakat (d. after 1307/1890)
2. Anwar Al-Masalik Sharh ‘‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by Muhammad Al-Zuhri Al-Ghamrawi
The most reliable and comprehensive Sharh of the course text is:
3. Fath Al-Wahhab Al-Malik fi Hall Alfaz ‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by Taha Ibn ‘Abd Al-Hamid Ibn Muhammad Hamadi
- This course is for intermediate students (approximately eighteen years and older).
- Students of Sacred Knowledge who desire to dive deeper into Sacred Law and Muslims who are serious about knowing the details of Sacred Law to practice it thoroughly and correctly are ideally suited for this course.
- This is a level Three course in Shafi`i fiqh which adequately prepares a student to study the Minhaj al-Talibin of Imam Nawawi. It is therefore essential for students to have completed the study of the following courses or equivalent: Al-Risala Al-Jami’a (Habashi’s Encompassing Epistle Explained), Al-Mukhtasar (Ba Fadl’s The Short Abridgement), Matn Abi Shuja’ with experience reading from Ibn Qasim’s commentary with its Hashiya by Imam Bajuri. Recommended Text: Safina al-Naja, Al-Muqaddima Al-Hadramiyya with experience reading from one of its commentaries such as Bushra Al-Karim.
- It is particularly beneficial for teachers, parents, and young adults.
- It can also be taken by anyone with a keen interest in the details and precision of Law, especially Sacred Law (Fiqh), and how it works.
- Understand and be aware of the full spectrum A-Z of chapters, subjects, topics, and basic details of the most reliable views of the Shafi`i School.
- Understand the rational framework of Sacred Law according to the Shafi`i School.
- Analyze whether one’s practice is valid according to the specifications of the Shafi`i School.
- Understand and Apply some of the basic underlying principles (Qawa’id) of Shafi`i Fiqh.
- Memorize the basic historical typography of the Shafi`i School and understand where the most authoritative scholars and books fit therein.
- Memorize the basic framework and order of chapters, sub-chapters, and topics of Fiqh.
- Understand and memorize the most important views of the Shafi`i School.
This is a Level Three course based on the text Reliance of the Traveller and Tools of the Worshipper. This course covers the chapters on Worship taught by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick. The entire text is co-taught with Shaykh Muhammad Carr who covers the chapters on Contract Law and Commercial Law in the course:
Reliance of the Traveller: Intermediate Contract Law and Commercial Law course.
‘Reliance’ means ‘that which is depended upon,’ since the author meant that this text should be a reliable resource work for whoever goes by it because it aims to present the most dependable (rajih) positions of the Shafi`i School and omit the weak ones. This course, therefore, aims to comprehensively explain the corpus of dependable views that make up the “Official Shafi`i School” before venturing into the detailed elaboration thereof and alternative views in the School, in the Minhaj of Imam Nawawi. Students who complete this level will, if Allah wills, be thoroughly prepared for the higher levels of Sacred Law from the Shafi`i School.
By covering this text (and the earlier introductory texts) thoroughly, students should have a solid understanding of the Shafi`i School’s Fiqh framework. Having an internalized framework to refer to facilitates a contextual understanding of more advanced and atomistic matters of Sacred Law.
- Teacher: Mawlana Irshaad Sedick
‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik (Reliance of the Traveller and Tools of the Worshipper) is an indispensable text, especially for Shafi`i students of Sacred Law because it comprehensively summarizes the main views in the Shafi`i School. The author (may Allah have mercy on him) thoroughly covers the entire spectrum of Fiqh in systematic order. He provides a balance of detail so that the text, though not elementary enough to be called beginner-level, is neither too loaded nor too challenging to be categorized as advanced.
Al-Misri based his work on the earlier Shafi`i works of Imam Nawawi and Imam Abu Ishaq Al-Shirazi, following the format of Shirazi’s Muhadhdhab (The Rarefaction) and the conclusions of Nawawi’s Minhaj at-Talibin (The Seeker’s Road).
In the words of the author, this text “is a summary of the School of Imam Shafi`i (may Allah have mercy on him) in which I have confined myself to the most reliable positions (rajih) of the School, according to Imam Rafi’i and Imam Nawawi, or according to just one of them. I may mention a difference of opinion herein, this being when their recensions contend, giving Nawawi’s position first and then, as opposed to it, that of Rafi’i.” Based on the above, this text is ideal for the intermediate student of the Seekers Islamic Studies Curriculum.
The commentaries on this text are:
1. Fayd Al-Ilah Al-Malik fi Hall Alfaz ‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by ‘Umar Barakat (d. after 1307/1890)
2. Anwar Al-Masalik Sharh ‘‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by Muhammad Al-Zuhri Al-Ghamrawi
The most reliable and comprehensive Sharh of the course text is:
3. Fath Al-Wahhab Al-Malik fi Hall Alfaz ‘Umda Al-Salik wa ‘Uddat Al-Nasik by Taha Ibn ‘Abd Al-Hamid Ibn Muhammad Hamadi
- This course is for intermediate students (approximately eighteen years and older).
- Students of Sacred Knowledge who desire to dive deeper into Sacred Law and Muslims who are serious about knowing the details of Sacred Law to practice it thoroughly and correctly are ideally suited for this course.
- This is a level Three course in Shafi`i fiqh which adequately prepares a student to study the Minhaj al-Talibin of Imam Nawawi. It is therefore essential for students to have completed the study of the following courses or equivalent: Al-Risala Al-Jami’a (Habashi’s Encompassing Epistle Explained), Al-Mukhtasar (Ba Fadl’s The Short Abridgement), Matn Abi Shuja’ with experience reading from Ibn Qasim’s commentary with its Hashiya by Imam Bajuri. Recommended Text: Safina al-Naja, Al-Muqaddima Al-Hadramiyya with experience reading from one of its commentaries such as Bushra Al-Karim.
- It is particularly beneficial for teachers, parents, and young adults.
- It can also be taken by anyone with a keen interest in the details and precision of Law, especially Sacred Law (Fiqh), and how it works.
- Understand and be aware of the full spectrum A-Z of chapters, subjects, topics, and basic details of the most reliable views of the Shafi`i School.
- Understand the rational framework of Sacred Law according to the Shafi`i School.
- Analyze whether one’s practice is valid according to the specifications of the Shafi`i School.
- Understand and Apply some of the basic underlying principles (Qawa’id) of Shafi`i Fiqh.
- Memorize the basic historical typography of the Shafi`i School and understand where the most authoritative scholars and books fit therein.
- Memorize the basic framework and order of chapters, sub-chapters, and topics of Fiqh.
- Understand and memorize the most important views of the Shafi`i School.
