Hanbali Madhhab: An Introduction (Al-Madkhal) | Ibn Badran al-Dimashqi | Dar al-Arqam | Hardcover

About An Introduction to the Hanbali Madhhab

An Introduction to the Hanbali Madhhab is the English translation of al-Madkhal ila Madhhab al-Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal by ‘Abd al-Qadir Ibn Badran al-Dimashqi (d. 1346 AH / 1927 CE), translated by Amr Abu Ayyub and published in hardcover by Dar al-Arqam. It is one of the best-known gateways into the Hanbali madhhab, the school of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (rahimahullah).

Ibn Badran wrote al-Madkhal as an introduction for students: a single book that explains the foundations of the school, its terms and its literature, so that a student can approach the larger works with understanding.

What the Book Covers

• The life and standing of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and his approach to the Qur’an and Sunnah
• How the Hanbali madhhab was transmitted and developed by his students and later scholars
• Principles of usul al-fiqh as understood within the school
• Key technical terms used in Hanbali books
• Major works of the school and how they relate to each other
• Guidance on the order in which a student should study the books

Why Study the Hanbali Madhhab?

The four schools of fiqh are a great treasure of the Ummah. The Hanbali madhhab is known for its close attention to hadith and the statements of the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum). Understanding how its scholars reasoned helps any student of knowledge appreciate the depth of Islamic law, whichever school they follow.

About the Author and Translator

Ibn Badran was a Damascene scholar of the late Ottoman period who wrote in fiqh, usul and history. His Madkhal became a standard reference for students of the school. The translator, Amr Abu Ayyub, presents the work in clear English, opening this important text to readers who cannot yet study it in Arabic.

Who Should Read It

• Students of knowledge studying fiqh and usul al-fiqh
• Those following the Hanbali madhhab who want to understand their school
• Teachers and researchers comparing the madhahib
• Readers interested in the history of Islamic law

A Reference for Your Library

This is a work for serious study, best read slowly and, where possible, with a teacher. Its durable hardbound edition makes it a lasting addition to any library of fiqh. If you are beginning your study of the Hanbali madhhab, there are few better starting points.

Key Takeaways

A few of the lessons readers take away from this book:

• The madhahib are a structured treasure of Islamic scholarship
• Imam Ahmad’s school stays close to hadith and athar
• Understanding usul helps a student understand rulings
• A student should study the books of the school in the right order

Edition Details

The copy we stock is described below. Please check these details before ordering, so you receive the edition you want.

• Author: ‘Abd al-Qadir Ibn Badran al-Dimashqi; translated by Amr Abu Ayyub
• Publisher: Dar al-Arqam
• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English

Whether you are buying An Introduction to the Hanbali Madhhab for your own reading or as a gift for someone you love, you will receive a new copy. We dispatch orders the same day from our store in Srinagar and deliver across India, with Srinagar orders usually arriving within a day.

Hanbali Madhhab at a Glance

This book is a concise, scholarly gateway into the Hanbali madhhab: its founder, principles, terms and literature. Students who want a structured start in the Hanbali madhhab will find it an essential reference for years of study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book in English or Arabic?

This is an English translation by Amr Abu Ayyub of Ibn Badran’s al-Madkhal. Check the title page of the copy for whether Arabic text is included, as Dar al-Arqam has published editions with and without it.

Is it suitable for beginners in fiqh?

It is an introductory work, but it is academic in style. Beginners will benefit most by reading it with a teacher or alongside a basic text of Hanbali fiqh.

Do I need to follow the Hanbali madhhab to benefit?

No. Students of any school will benefit from understanding how the Hanbali scholars reasoned, and the sections on usul al-fiqh are useful to every student.

What is the binding?

This Dar al-Arqam edition is hardcover.

Browse more titles in our Creed & Fiqh collection, and follow Lafz Bookstore on Instagram for new arrivals and book recommendations.