Statement of meanings

In explanation of the introduction of Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani

Author's name: Saleh bin Fawzan Al-Fawzan

Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani was born in Kairouan, Tunisia, in 310 AH (922 AD). He was a prominent figure in the Maliki school of jurisprudence. He was nicknamed "Malik the Younger" and was the leading Maliki scholar of his time. His most famous work is "Al-Risalah." He died in 386 AH (996 AD), at the age of 76.

His jurisprudence

He studied jurisprudence with the jurists of Kairouan, and relied on Abu Bakr ibn al-Labad, and learned from: Muhammad ibn Masrur al-Hajjam, and al-Assal, and he performed Hajj and heard from Abu Saeed ibn al-A'rabi, Muhammad ibn al-Fath, al-Hasan ibn Nasr al-Soussi, and Daras ibn Ismail. He heard from: the jurist Abd al-Rahim ibn al-Ajouz al-Sabti, the jurist Abdullah ibn Ghalib al-Sabti, Abdullah ibn al-Walid ibn Saad al-Ansari, and Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Khawlani.

Ibn Abi Zayd al-Qayrawani is considered one of the most prominent Maliki jurists, and his scholarly standing is attested to by scholars. He was the imam of the Malikis of his time, a compiler of the Maliki school of thought and an explainer of its opinions. He had extensive knowledge and a great memory and narrations. His books bear witness to that. He was eloquent, articulate, and knowledgeable in what he said. He summarized the school of thought, and his writings filled the land. Al-Hajjawi said in his book Al-Fikr Al-Sami: “He is considered to be of the highest rank among authors, and in my opinion, he is the most deserving of the hadith ‘Allah sends to this nation at the beginning of every century someone who will renew its religious affairs’ to apply to him.”

His belief

Imam Al-Dhahabi said in Al-Seer: “He - may God have mercy on him - followed the path of the Salaf in the principles. He did not understand the words, nor did he interpret them. So we ask God for success.”