Sh. Jamil Zeno explains it in his book:
The Pillars of Islam and Iman and what every muslim must know about his religion (Darussalam publication)
[Note: The literal translation of Fi sama is in heavens, the scholars explained it according to the arabic language to have the meaning of above as it is not possible for Allah to be surrounded by His creation, and sometimes the word fi is used in the meaning of ala (on) as stated in the verse:“I will surely crucify you (fi) on the trunks of palm trees” (20:17)
The other interpretation is based on the variant meaning of the word Sama in arabic refers to that which is elevated. It is used to refer to the ceiling of a house, to the sky, to the heavens and to elevation and transcendence. So the phrase could be translated: ‘ in Transcendence’]
Question:
(As salaam ‘alaykum wa rahamatullah,
I was hoping someone could tell me the key differences between At-Tamheed and Al-Istidhkaar (Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr’s Shurooh of Al-Muwatta). I’ve read Mashhoor Hassan’s answer to this, but am looking for something more detailed. )
Answer:
Waalykum Assalam warhamtullahi wabarakaatuh.
Both books are elaborations (shurooh) on the Muwatta’ of Imam Malik.
- At Tamheed was organized with respect to the Shuyookh of Imam Malik RA.
- Istidhkaar was organized in the same way of the Muwatta’. Specifically the narration of Yahyaa alLaythee.
- AtTamheed has more emphasis on the science of Hadeeth and the differences between the various narrations of the Muwatta’.
Both books are considered by many to be the greatest books ever written in the field of Hadeeth.
Wallahu A’lam.
Answered by Sh. Haitham Hamdan
