Hilli, Jamal al-Din Hasan ibn Yusuf ibn Ali ibn al-Mutahhar al-
Jamal al-Din Hasan ibn Yusuf ibn Ali ibn al-Mutahhar al-Hilli (d. 1325) - A distinguished scholar and jurist in the Imami Shii tradition, renowned for his extensive contributions to grammar, logic, hadith, jurisprudence, and theology.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جمال الدين حسن بن يوسف بن علي بن المطهر الحلي
- Turkish: Hilli, Cemaleddin Hasan bin Yusuf bin Ali bin el-Mutehher el-Hilli
Life and Work
Jamal al-Din al-Hilli hailed from the city of al-Hilla in modern-day Iraq, a significant center of learning during his period. As a polymath, he engaged in diverse fields of Islamic knowledge but is most celebrated for his works on jurisprudence (fiqh) and theology (kalam).
Contributions to Islamic Thought
- Grammatical and Logical Works: While al-Hilli’s contributions covered grammar and logic, these areas served as foundational tools for his primary focus on jurisprudence and theology.
- Hadith Studies: His works in hadith were part of his broader scholarly pursuits, providing essential context and support for his jurisprudential and theological claims.
- Jurisprudence and Theology: Al-Hilli’s most significant impact lies in the integration and development of ijtihad in Shii jurisprudence. He systematically articulated and defended the role of ijtihad, enabling subsequent Shii jurists to either build upon or react against his frameworks.
Major Works
Some of al-Hilli’s key texts which remain influential today include:
- “Muntaha al-Matlab”: A comprehensive work on Shii jurisprudence.
- “Idhah al-Fawaid”: Detailed explorations of legal principles.
- “Nahj al-Haqq wa Kashf al-Sidq”: An important theological text.
Importance of Ijtihad
Al-Hilli’s elaboration on ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) revolutionized Shii jurisprudence. He underscored the dynamic nature of legal interpretations and allowed for adaptive jurisprudential developments in response to emergent societal changes. Later Shii scholarship has either developed further on his principles or critically reacted to them.
Recommendations for Further Reading
- “The Theology of al-Hilli” by John Cooper - An academic study focusing on al-Hilli’s theological ideas.
- “Islamic Jurisprudence: An Introduction” by John Esposito - Provides broader context including al-Hilli’s contributions.
- “The Dynamics of Islamic Law” by Ahmed Akgunduz - A comprehensive look at the development of Islamic jurisprudence, including ijtihad.
Conclusion
Jamal al-Din al-Hilli remains a monumental figure in Islamic intellectual history, particularly within the Shii tradition. His integration and advocacy for ijtihad set the stage for the continued evolution of Shii jurisprudence and theology.
Takeaways
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Al-Hilli’s ability to navigate various fields of study highlights his extensive scholarship.
- Ijtihad: Through his thorough articulation of ijtihad, al-Hilli facilitated the dynamic interpretive practices central to Shii jurisprudence.
- Enduring Legacy: His thoughts and works continue to be essential references in both historical and contemporary Islamic studies.
