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The book you're asking about is "شرح المنظومة الحائية في عقيدة أهل السنة والجماعة - ابن جبرين" (Sharḥ al-Manẓūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah fī ʿAqīdat Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah - Ibn Jibrīn).
Understanding the Title: "Commentary on Al-Manzūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah on the Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah - by Ibn Jibreen"
This title identifies a specific commentary on a well-known classical poetic treatise outlining the fundamental tenets of Sunni Islamic creed.
شرح (Sharḥ): "Commentary" or "Explanation." This signifies that the book's purpose is to elaborate on, clarify, and expound upon the meanings of the original poetic text.
المنظومة الحائية (al-Manẓūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah): "The Hāʾiyyah Poem." This refers to a famous poetic treatise on Islamic creed. It is named "al-Hāʾiyyah" because its verses typically end with the Arabic letter
hāʾ(هاء).Author of Al-Manzūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah: The original author of this widely acclaimed creedal poem is Imam Abu Bakr Abdullah bin Abi Dawud al-Sijistani (الإمام أبو بكر عبد الله بن أبي داود السجستاني) (d. 316 AH / 929 CE). He was the son of Imam Abu Dawud, the author of Sunan Abi Dawud. His Hāʾiyyah is a concise summary of the core beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, known for its clear and straightforward presentation of creedal matters.
في عقيدة أهل السنة والجماعة (fī ʿAqīdat Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah): "On the Creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah." This specifies the subject matter of the poem and the commentary: the orthodox Sunni creed, which emphasizes adherence to the Quran, Sunnah, and the understanding of the early righteous predecessors (
Salaf).ابن جبرين (Ibn Jibrīn): This refers to the commentator, Sheikh Abdullah ibn Abd al-Rahman ibn Jibreen (الشيخ عبد الله بن عبد الرحمن بن جبرين) (d. 1430 AH / 2009 CE). He was a highly revered contemporary Saudi scholar, jurist, and member of the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia. He was known for his extensive knowledge, piety, and numerous fatwas and commentaries, often reflecting the Salafi methodology.
Therefore, "Sharḥ al-Manẓūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah fī ʿAqīdat Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah - Ibn Jibrīn" is a commentary by Sheikh Abdullah ibn Jibreen on Imam Ibn Abi Dawud al-Sijistani's poetic treatise (Al-Manzūmah al-Ḥāʾiyyah) that outlines the fundamental tenets of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah creed.
Expected Content of the Commentary:
Sheikh Ibn Jibreen's commentary would meticulously explain each verse of Al-Hāʾiyyah, providing detailed explanations for the creedal points contained within. It would typically cover:
Explanation of the Poetic Verses:
Clarifying the linguistic meanings of words and phrases in Al-Hāʾiyyah, which are often concise and profound.
Expounding on the literary structure and rhetorical beauty of the poem.
Core Creedal Topics (
Aqidah) as presented in Al-Hāʾiyyah:Tawhid (Monotheism): Emphasizing the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship (
Rububiyyah), Names and Attributes (Asma wa Sifat), and right to be worshipped (Uluhiyyah).Allah's Names and Attributes: Affirming Allah's attributes as described in the Quran and Sunnah, without
ta'weel(allegorical interpretation),ta'til(negation),tashbih(resemblance to creation), ortakyeef(describing how). This is a prominent feature of the Sunni creed and would be thoroughly discussed.Belief in Angels, Books, Messengers, Day of Judgment, and Divine Decree (
Qadar): Detailing these fundamental articles of faith.The Quran: Affirming it as the uncreated Word of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: His status, the importance of his Sunnah, and the prohibition of innovation in religion (
Bid'ah).The Companions (Sahaba): Affirming their virtues, respecting them, and refraining from slandering them.
The People of the Prophet's Household (
Ahl al-Bayt): Acknowledging their status.The Virtue of the Prophet's Wives (
Ummāt al-Muʾminin).The Signs of the Hour: Brief mention of major and minor signs.
The Hereafter: Descriptions of the grave, resurrection, reckoning,
Sirat(bridge over Hellfire), and the ultimate destinations (Jannah and Jahannam).
Evidences from Quran and Sunnah:
For each creedal point mentioned in the poem, Sheikh Ibn Jibreen would provide extensive supporting evidence from the Holy Quran and authentic Prophetic Hadith.
He would explain these proofs and their relevance to the creedal position.
Refutation of Deviant Views:
Al-Hāʾiyyah was composed to distinguish the Ahl al-Sunnah creed from various deviant sects of its time (e.g., Jahmiyyah, Mu'tazilah, Khawarij, Murji'ah, Shi'a, Qadariyyah, Jabriyyah). Sheikh Ibn Jibreen's commentary would elaborate on these refutations, clarifying the falsehoods and emphasizing the correct Sunni position.
He would also likely address more contemporary manifestations of similar deviations.
Methodological Insights:
Reinforcing the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah in approaching creedal matters, which involves relying solely on textual evidence from the Quran and Sunnah, and avoiding philosophical speculation (
kalam) in defining divine attributes.
Significance of the Book:
Classical Text, Contemporary Explanation: Offers a clear, detailed, and accessible explanation of a foundational classical text on Sunni creed by a highly respected contemporary scholar.
Orthodox Creed: Provides a solid grounding in the authentic beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.
Emphasis on Proofs: Strongly emphasizes supporting creedal points with direct evidence from the primary Islamic sources.
Clarity and Precision: Sheikh Ibn Jibreen's commentary is known for its clarity and his ability to simplify complex theological issues.
Educational Tool: Ideal for students of Islamic creed, particularly those seeking to understand the nuances of the Salafi methodology in
Aqidah.Combating Deviation: Equips readers with the knowledge to recognize and refute various theological deviations.
This book is highly recommended for students of Islamic studies, anyone seeking to solidify their understanding of the Sunni creed, and those who appreciate the scholarly approach of Sheikh Ibn Jibreen.
