This course is a detailed study of one of the most significant works addressing the ikhtilāf of the mujtahidūn and the adillah upon which their ijtihād was founded.
Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār of Imām Abū Jaʿfar al-Ṭaḥāwī (d. 321 AH) is a unique contribution to the ḥadīth corpus, demonstrating how the fuqahāʾ and mujtahidūn approached the authentication, interpretation, and practical application of aḥādīth. It is rich with discussions on ṭuruq al-ḥadīth, rijāl, the principles of nāsikh and mansūkh, and the diverse legal perspectives of the classical jurists.
This masterpiece drew the admiration of luminaries such as Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, Ibn al-ʿArabī al-Mālikī, al-Dhahabī and others. Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah stated: “Ṭaḥāwī’s two books, Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār and Sharḥ Mushkil al-Āthār, are among the greatest works in their field.” Al-Kattānī likewise remarked: “Among the most beneficial works regarding ikhtilāf al-fuqahāʾ is Sharḥ Maʿānī al-Āthār of Ṭaḥāwī.”
Through this course, students will gain insight into the methodology of the mujtahidūn in dealing with apparently conflicting aḥādīth, their principles of reconciliation, and their critical engagement with isnād, matn, and fiqh al-ḥadīth.
Taught by: Shaykh Ibrahim ibn Muhammad
Day & time: Every Friday, 9am – 10am (UK)
Duration: Weekly long-term course
Start date: 12th September 2025
Course will be taught online via Zoom
Fee: £15 / monthly – all registered students will be sent details on setting up monthly payment to confirm their registration to the course.
