Exonerating the Distinguished Jurists: Ibn Taymiyya's Raf' Al-Malam 'an Al-A'Imma Al-A'Lam in Translation

Ibn Taymiyya discusses why a mujtahid might depart from directly acting upon textual evidences in his work Raf al-Malam an al-A imma al-A lam. He calls for tolerance and understanding of the conclusions arrived at by eminent Muslim scholars, asserting that even if a scholar erred, there would most certainly be a methodological reason behind such a departure rather than an intentional contradiction of the relevant textual evidences. He also asserts that liability for the punishment depends on the existence of certain conditions and the non-existence of impediments, and that reaching certainty in this regard is almost impossible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

In his profound work, "Raf al-Malam an al-A imma al-A lam Ibn Taymiyya delves into the intricate argument regarding the potential departure of a mujtahid from relying solely on textual evidence. This forms the foundation of his insightful exploration into the underlying causes of disagreements among Muslim scholars, leading to diverse legal opinions and divergent arguments in support of those opinions. Ibn Taymiyya, in this remarkable work, advocates for tolerance and understanding towards the conclusions reached by esteemed Muslim scholars. He emphasizes that even if a scholar were to err in their judgment, it should not be assumed that they intentionally disregarded textual evidence. Rather, there could be various reasons for what others perceive as a deviation from textual evidence. Thus, according to Ibn Taymiyya, these scholars should not be held accountable or subjected to punishment but rather revered as scholars who exercised their right of ijtihad. Even if such a scholar were to be perceived as having erred, there would undoubtedly be a methodological rationale behind their departure, rather than an intentional contradiction of the relevant textual evidence. Furthermore, Ibn Taymiyya asserts that the determination of liability for punishment hinges on the fulfillment of specific conditions and the absence of impediments. However, he acknowledges that achieving certainty in this regard is an almost impossible task, as it involves a highly complex and intricate process.

In this remarkable work, it becomes evident that Ibn Taymiyya drew upon a diverse range of traditions of learning, including jurisprudence, Hadith, and philosophy, which honed his expertise. As a result, he produced a remarkable work that has remained relevant throughout the centuries, spanning approximately eight centuries since its authorship. The Arabic text of "Raf al-Ma" is a testament to Ibn Taymiyya's profound knowledge and intellectual prowess, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, Ibn Taymiyya's "Raf al-Malam an al-A imma al-A lam" is a seminal work that delves into the complexities of Islamic jurisprudence. Through his profound analysis and advocacy for tolerance and understanding, Ibn Taymiyya has left an indelible mark on the field of Islamic scholarship. His work continues to inspire and guide scholars and practitioners alike, as they seek to navigate the intricate waters of Islamic legal reasoning and interpretation.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800501713