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| Author | Al-Bayhaqi |
|---|---|
| Original title | السنن الوسطى |
| Language | Arabic |
| Subject | Shafi'i jurisprudence |
| Genre | Hadith collection |
| Published | Dar al-Kotob al-'Ilmiyya |
Publication date | 2010 |
| Publication place | Lebanon |
| Pages | 4000 |
| ISBN | 2745114522 |
Al-Sunan al-Wusta, (Arabic:السنن الوسطى), orMarifat al-Sunan wa-al-Athar (Arabic:معرفة السنن والآثار) is ahadith work compiled byImam al-Bayhaqi (384 AH – 458 AH).[1] It is multi-volume book which provides a compilation of textual evidences forShafi'i jurisprudence.[2]
This work is regarded as one of the most significant contributions to the Shafi'i school. It systematically compiles the hadith evidence underpinning the madhhab, citing them from the Sahih and Sunan collections, while elucidating their chains of transmission (isnad), the rationale behind any weak reports, and the justification foral-Shafi'i reliance upon them when such reports were not fully authentic. The author also engages with and refutes opposing views, such as those ofal-Tahawi from theHanafi school.[3]
Following the methodology of al-Bayhaqi, the book presents the positions of thetabi'un (the successors of theCompanions) and subsequent scholars, includingAbu Thawr,al-Hasan, andAhmad. It is organized according to the arrangement ofal-Muzani. At times, it cites earlier statements of al-Shafi'i, and it incorporates commentary onhadith authentication, biographical notes on scholars, and references to authoritative sources, such asal-Umm.[3]
Ibn al-Subki said: "No Shafi'i jurist can do without it," while his father,Taqi al-Din al-Subki said: "He meant by the title: Al-Shafi'i's Knowledge of the Sunnahs and Reports (Athar)."[2]
A dream ofal-Shafi'i carrying sections of this book in his hand occurred to one of the right-acting men when al-Bayhaqi was writing Ma'rifat as-Sunan wal-Athar. He was stating, "I have read them," or, alternatively, "I have written seven sections of the Book of the jurist Ahmad (al-Bayhaqi)."[4]
