Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya
Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya (Arabic: فتاوى العالمگيرية, Turkish: Fetava-ül Hindiyye), also known as the Fatawa-e-Hindiya, is a monumental compilation of the authoritative doctrines of the Hanafi school of law. This exhaustive work was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir (r. 1658–1707) and was carried out by a prestigious team of religious scholars led by Shaykh Nizam Burhanpuri. The compilation is among the most comprehensive collections of Hanafi jurisprudence and continues to be extremely influential, particularly in South Asia.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: فتاوى العالمگيرية (Fatāwá al-‘Ālamgīriyyah)
- Turkish: Fetava-ül Hindiyye
The term “Fatawa” refers to “legal opinions” or “decrees,” and “Alamgiriyya” derives from the emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir’s name, indicating its patronage and origin.
Historical Context
The Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya was created during the Mughal Empire, a period marked by significant scholarly and judicial developments in the Indian subcontinent. Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir undertook the commissioning of this work as part of his ambition to consolidate Islamic law and governance across his vast empire.
Compilation
The team of scholars led by Shaykh Nizam Burhanpuri consisted of more than forty prominent jurists, theologians, and linguists. The process resulted in a detailed compilation of Hanafi legal rulings and interpretations, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including civil, criminal, and family law, as well as issues of worship and personal conduct.
Content and Influence
The Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya is structured to cover every imaginable aspect of Islamic life under the purview of Hanafi jurisprudence. Its influence extends beyond its judicial and legal boundaries, touching upon areas of everyday life and guiding the moral and ethical conduct of the society.
The Fatawa consists of multiple volumes, and it became a primary legal reference for judges, scholars, and common people alike. It played a pivotal role in the legal tradition of South Asian Muslims and shaped the region’s legal and cultural landscape.
Books for Further Studies
- “The History and Doctrine of Hanafi Fiqh” by Wael Hallaq
- “Studies in Islamic Law in Indian History” by Kumar Parimal
- “Aurangzeb: The Man and The Myth” by Audrey Truschke
Takeaways
- The Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya is one of the most extensive legal compendia of the Hanafi school of Islamic law.
- Its creation was a monumental scholarly endeavor commissioned by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.
- The work continues to influence legal, social, and religious life, especially in South Asia.
Conclusion
The Fatawa al-Alamgiriyya stands as a testament to the rich tradition of Islamic legal scholarship and its enduring legacy. The meticulously compiled doctrines continue to serve as a crucial reference for understanding Hanafi jurisprudence and its application in various aspects of life.
