A Coursebook on Ḥanbalī Fiqh

Adapted from Dalīl al-Ṭālib by Marʿī b. Yūsuf al-Karmī (d. 1033/1623)

Master Islamic Law with Clarity and Confidence—From One of the Most Reliable Ḥanbalī Sources

Are you seeking a reliable, engaging, and accessible entry point into the study of Islamic jurisprudence? A Coursebook on Ḥanbalī Fiqh is the first English-language workbook of its kind, specially crafted for students, teachers, and seekers of sacred knowledge navigating the foundational aspects of Islamic law.

Based on the time-honoured text Dalīl al-Ṭālib, this coursebook presents the core rulings of Ḥanbalī jurisprudence—covering purification, prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, and warfare—in a format tailored for both structured classes and independent study. Whether you're an instructor looking to streamline your curriculum or a student yearning to internalise legal rulings with confidence, this book is your indispensable companion.

“I recognised it is not always practical for a lot of people to be in a classroom setting with a teacher and go through an Islamic law manual or even parts of a manual. ... I decided to develop a workbook that can assist people to learn and engage with this important topic, whether it’s in a classroom setting or not.” —Dr Jewel Jalil

What Makes This Coursebook Unique?

• ✅ First of Its Kind in English: A full workbook based on a core Ḥanbalī legal manual, designed specifically for English-speaking audiences.

• ✅ Engagement-Driven Design: Includes MCQs, short-answer quizzes, scenario-based assessments, to support deep comprehension.

• ✅ Accessible Yet Rigorous: Translated and structured to ease memorisation, retention, and application of rulings without compromising on scholarly integrity.

• ✅ Glossed with Learning Tools: Terminology and review sections are built into each unit for clarity and reinforcement.

• ✅ Perfect for Self-Study and Classrooms: Clear layout, self-contained units, and end-of-unit answer keys empower learners and teachers alike.

Who Is It For?

• Students beginning their journey in Islamic law

• Teachers of Islamic jurisprudence looking for high-quality instructional material

• Anyone seeking structured, faith-grounded knowledge of Ḥanbalī fiqh

 

CONTENTS

Introduction & Acknowledgments – Overview of the purpose and background of the coursebook.

• Theoretical Foundations – Includes sections on:

  • The difference between substantive law (fiqh) and legal theory (uṣūl al-fiqh)

  • Historical development and spread of the Sunni legal schools

  • Unique features and methodology of the Ḥanbalī school

  • Categories of Islamic legal rulings (defining and declaratory laws)

  • Methodologies for studying Ḥanbalī law manuals

Core Coursebook Units (Practical Fiqh):

1. Purification – Rules on water, cleanliness, and states of ritual impurity.

2. Ritual Prayer I – Conditions, prerequisites, and descriptions of prayer.

3. Ritual Prayer II – Special cases like missed prayers, group prayer, and types of prayer.

4. Funeral – Rulings on bathing the deceased, burial, and funeral prayer.

5. Obligatory Charity (Zakat) – Conditions, categories, and distribution of zakat.

6. Fasting and Devotional Seclusion (Iʿtikāf) – Rules for Ramadan and voluntary fasts.

7. Pilgrimage (Ḥajj & ʿUmrah) – Rites, prohibitions, and stages of pilgrimage.

8. Warfare (Jihād) – Basic rulings related to armed struggle and ethics in war.

Part of the Beacon Islamic Studies Series
This book is part of a growing curriculum that sets the standard for Islamic education in English. Whether you're a student in a seminary, an educator in Islamic studies, or a seeker of knowledge, this edition brings one of Islam's most important jurisprudential texts to life—faithfully, accessibly, and beautifully.

About the Author

Dr Jewel Jalil is a specialist in Ḥanbalī law with decades of experience teaching and researching Islamic jurisprudence. He studied across England and Yemen, earned his MA from SOAS (University of London), and completed his PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter. His work is informed by both rigorous academic training and traditional learning.

---

Equip yourself—or your students—with the essential tools to study, practice, and live Islamic law with clarity.
Order your copy of A Coursebook on Ḥanbalī Fiqh today and begin your journey through the Ḥanbalī tradition with one of its most reliable guides.

ISBN: 978-1-916955-49-3 Paperback
Pages: 212pp
Size: A4

PUBLICATION DATE: 28/7/25