The Treasure of Families & Women: Imam Birgivi’s Treatise on the Advanced Fiqh of Menstruation
Advanced Fiqh of Menstruation Explained!
A translation and explanation of Imam Birgivi’s treatise “The Treasure of Families & Women” (Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilīn wa al-Nisā’) on the fiqh of menstruation, lochia, and abnormal bleeding. A modern-day advanced guide for scholars, teachers, and students of knowledge of the Hanafi madhhab.
What Makes This Translation Different?
- Based on four classical commentaries on Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilīn.
- Arabic text included.
- Citations and extra notes from scholars.
- Easy-to-follow charts and diagrams.
- Summary blurbs that simplify concepts.
- A Problem-Solving Navigator that ties the principles together with structured flowcharts, providing much-needed guidance for answering women’s questions.
Which Manuscripts Were Used?
- Dhukhr al-Mutaʾahhilīn wa al-Nisā’ fī Taʿrīf al-Aṭhār wa al-Dimā’ from the Daiber Collection of the Institute of Oriental Culture at the University of Tokyo, Japan. The main manuscript used was MS. 1 [1013], fols. 137r-143v. It was compared against MS. 142 [2378], fols. 153v-162v. at the same institute.
- In MS. 1 [1013] fol. 143v., it is noted that Imam Birgivi finished Dhukhr al-Mutaʾahhilīn wa al-Nisā’ in 979 AH / 1572 CE. Imam Birgivi died in 981 AH / 1573 CE.
Which Commentaries Were Used?
- Manhāl al-Wāridīn min Biḥār al-Fayḍ ʿala Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilīn fī Masā’il al-Ḥayḍ by Imām Muḥammad Amīn ibn ʿĀbidīn (al-Shāmī).
- Sharḥ Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilīn by Imām Muḥammad ibn Walī ibn Rasūl al-Qiyrashahrī al-Izmīrī.
- Zād al-Mutazawwijīn fī Sharḥ Dhukhr al-Muta’ahhilīn by Imām ʿAbdul Qādir ibn Yūsuf ibn Sinān.
- Dhakā’ir al-Ākhira by Imām Isḥāq ibn Ḥasan al-Zinjānī.
- Other major works like Radd al-Muḥtār, Al-Muḥīṭ al-Burhānī, Al-Baḥr al-Rā’iq, and much more!
Note: A bibliography is included at the end of the book, which lists the libraries and sources of these books.
Why Is There A Need For A Translation?
Some students and teachers are unfamiliar with how to read and understand the advanced Arabic texts on the fiqh of menstruation. To make it easier, the original text has been translated just as Imam Birgivi laid it out. Moreover, each line is explained in a simple writing style, along with detailed examples, clear diagrams, straightfoward flowcharts, and scholarly citations with notes. Insha’Allah, this translation will clarify obscure issues and help more students to master the fiqh of menstruation and be better equipped to answer women’s questions.
Book Reviews From Scholars
“I have come across some good, beneficial, and innovative works that elucidate this subject, among which is this work compiled by the distinguished teacher, Ustadha Naielah Ackbarali, under the diligent supervision and care of her husband, Ustadh Anas Sillwood…I have recognized the value of this work through the numerous questions they presented to me. Through their questions, I have noticed three aspects that befit every student of fiqh to pay attention to:
1.) Referring to comprehensive works rather than relying solely upon shortened and condensed texts.
2.) Being meticulous in understanding the statements of the jurists and seeking clarification when some meanings are obscure.
3.) Being measured in understanding the issues and not settling for what is popularly heard from teachers without verification.
I have known these two teachers for a long time, initially during their stay in Damascus and then through continuous follow-up with their academic pursuits after their travels. I extend my praise and appreciation to these two teachers for their work, hoping that Allāh Most High will fulfill the needs of those eager to understand the issues related to the fiqh of menstruation through this work. I pray to Allāh Most High to grant them complete sincerity and to crown this work with acceptance, making it beneficial in this world and rewarded by Him on the Day of Judgement.“
~ Shaykh Hassan al-Hindy, Leading Scholar & Imam in Damascus, Syria
“Ustadha Naielah is to be greatly commended for her remarkable explanatory rendering of Imam Muhammad b. Pir ‘Ali al-Birgivi’s (d. 981/1573) nuanced and detailed manual on the laws of menstruation according to the Hanafi school into plain and lucid English, yet without omitting any of the legal precision. In this textbook-styled primer, her masterful hand guides the student line by line through the intricacies of this forgotten knowledge with the accompaniment of helpful diagrams, plentiful examples, and extensive commentary culminating in her innovative problem-solving navigator. A valiant effort, an excellent service to students and teachers alike, and undoubtedly a significant contribution to a growing list of Hanafi legal texts in the English language.”
~ Shaykh Tabraze Azam, Executive Director, Irshad Centre for Hanafi Studies
“Ustadha Naielah’s amazing work brings hope to sisters, their families, students, and our communities at large. It is a true treasure, brought to life with a meticulous translation and illuminated with detailed explanations. This book is a valuable tool, and a must-have for every student, teacher, and household.”
~ Shaykha Saleha Islam Bukhari, Scholar, Chaplain & Counsellor
View the First Chapter for FREE!
Access Shaykh Hassan al-Hindy’s forward, the translator’s preface, the full table of contents, Imam Birgivi’s preface, and part of the first chapter translated below.
(Text in the previewer may look distorted on mobiles.)
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