Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh (من لا يستحضره الفقيه)
Definition and Significance
Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh (من لا يستحضره الفقيه), which translates to “For Whom the Jurisprudent Does Not Have Ready” in English, is an essential collection of Shi’ah Islamic traditions (hadith). Compiled by the distinguished Islamic scholar Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq (Saiyid Rāzī, A.H. 381-406; 923-991 CE), this work forms one of the four preeminent Shia hadith collections, commonly referred to as “Al-Kutub Al-Arba’a” (The Four Books).
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: من لا يستحضره الفقيه
- Transliteration: Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh
- Turkish: Fakihin Hazırlayamadığı
The title comprises several Arabic terms:
- من (Man) - Who
- لا (Lā) - Does Not
- يستحضره (Yastaḥẓirahu) - Have Ready/Present
- الفقيه (ʾl-Faqīh) - The Jurisprudent
Author
Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq, born Ibn Bābawayh, is one of the most prominent figures in Shi’ah Islam. He was born in Qom, one of Iran’s main centers of Shia scholarship, and his contributions to hadith literature have profoundly impacted Islamic juristic and theological scholarship.
Historical Context and Compilation
The book was written during the early 10th century CE, a period of rich scholarly activity and the formulation of many key Islamic texts, laws, and traditions. “Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh” serves as both a jurisprudential reference and a compendium of prophetic traditions, specifically geared towards providing scholars and laypeople access to important aspects of Islamic law and theology.
Content and Structure
The book contains approximately 9,044 hadiths encompassing various aspects of Islamic law, theology, ethical guidance, and rituals. The traditions compiled reflect not only ritual and worship practices but also socioeconomic, political, and familial issues.
Significance in Shi’ah Islam
This work significantly influences the shaping of Shi’ah doctrines and daily practices. It stands as a testament to the intricate intertwining of scriptural, theological, and legal elements in the application of Islamic principles.
Recommendations for Further Studies
- “Islamic Jurisprudence in the Classical Era” by Norman Calder
- “Iranian Islam: The Concept of Din in the Muslim Scholarly Tradition” by Willem Floor
- “Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World” by Jonathan A.C. Brown
- “The Four Books of Shi’a: The Pulsk of Shia Scholarship” by Sayyid Abbas Rizvi
Takeaways
- Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh plays a crucial role in encapsulating Shi’ah Islamic traditions and practices.
- The compilation by Al-Shaykh Al-Saduq is pivotal for contemporary and classical Islamic jurisprudence, especially within the Shi’ah community.
- Understanding this text provides insights into the complexities of Islamic law and the historical dynamics of Islamic scholarship.
Conclusion
“Man-Lā-Yastaḥẓirahu ʾl-Faqīh” remains a cornerstone of Shi’ah hadith literature and Islamic jurisprudence. Its comprehensive nature and the diligence of its compiler have earned it a revered status within Islamic scholarship. Students and scholars alike continue to rely on this essential text to understand Shi’ah perspectives on Islamic law, ethics, and theology.
