The Approach and Methodology of Allamah Kasani in Badaye al-Sanaye

Abstract

Jurisprudence Alauddin Ibn Masood ibn Ahmad Hanafi was a distinguished jurist (فقیہ) and expert in the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (اصولی) of the sixth century Hijri. Among his notable works, Bada’i al-Sana’i fi Tartib al-Shara’i holds a prominent place. This book is particularly significant for its unique arrangement, lucid writing style, simplicity and comprehensibility, comprehnsive exploration of jurisprudential subsidiary issues, abundant principles and maxims of Islamic jurisprudence (قواعد و اصول فقہیہ), and its remarkable preferencing of juristic opinions and reconciliation (ترجیح و تطبیق) between conflicting views.

In this article, the methodology(منہج) and approach of Bada’i al-Sana’i have been discussed, (with a focus on its distinctive features. The methodology of the author has been examined under two categories: general methodology and specific methodolog.

Under the general methodology, aspects commonly found in jurisprudential works have been addressed, such as the method of deriving evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, unanimous consensus (اجماع) and analogical reasoning (قیاس), as well as discussions on the authenticity of hadith chains (سند حدیث).

In the specific methodology, the unique characteristics and distinctions of Bada’i al-Sana’i compared to the broader jurisprudential tradition have been highlighted. The article discusses the author’s approach to narration/listing of juridical issues, his methodology in reconciliation and preferencing (تطبیق و ترجیح), and provides explanations and clarifications of specific terminologies used within the book.