Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah wa al-Wilayat al-Diniyyah wa Yalihi al-Istidlal 'ala Bara'at al-Imam al-Mawardi min Tuhmat al-I'tizal الأحكام السلطانية والولايات الدينية ويليه الإستدلال على براءة الإمام الماوردي من تهمة الإعتزال

Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah wa al-Wilayat al-Diniyyah (The Ordinances of Government and Religious Authority) by Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi (364-450 AH / 974-1058 CE) is one of the most important and enduring classical works on Islamic political thought, constitutional theory, public administration, and al-Siyasah al-Shar'iyyah. It remains a foundational reference for understanding the legal framework of governance in Sunni Islam.

The Author

Imam Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Habib al-Mawardi was a distinguished Shafi'i jurist, chief judge (Qadi al-Qudat), diplomat, and scholar who served during the Abbasid Caliphate. Renowned for his mastery of Islamic law and public administration, he authored major works across numerous disciplines, including the celebrated legal encyclopedia al-Hawi al-Kabir and the Qur'anic commentary al-Nukat wa al-Uyun.

The Book

Written during a period of political uncertainty, Al-Ahkam al-Sultaniyyah systematically codifies the principles of Islamic constitutional and administrative law based on the Qur'an, Sunnah, and Sunni jurisprudence. Al-Mawardi defines the structure, authority, and responsibilities of government while outlining the rights and obligations of both rulers and subjects. Among its principal discussions are the institution of the Caliphate (Imamah), the appointment and duties of governors, judges, military commanders, and public officials, the administration of justice, market regulation (Hisbah), public order, state finance, taxation, Bayt al-Mal, land administration, public utilities, and the legal treatment of rebellion, highway robbery, and national security. The work remains one of the earliest and most comprehensive manuals of Islamic public law ever written.

Exoneration of Imam al-Mawardi from the Accusation of Mu'tazilism

The second part of this edition includes an important scholarly study, Al-Istidlal Ala Bara'at al-Imam al-Mawardi min Tuhmat al-I'tizal (Proof of Imam al-Mawardi's Exoneration from the Accusation of Mu'tazilism), authored by the editor, Shaykh Muhammad Sayyid ibn Muhammad Habib al-Daghistani. Addressing allegations found in some later biographical works that Imam al-Mawardi inclined toward Mu'tazilite theology, the author conducts a careful examination of al-Mawardi's writings and the historical evidence, demonstrating that he remained firmly within the orthodox Sunni tradition, adhering to the Shafi'i school in jurisprudence and the creed of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah. This valuable study enhances the edition by defending the Imam's theological legacy through a detailed and well-documented analysis.

Who is This Book For?

Published by Dar al-Diya', this carefully edited edition features a reliable critical text supported by extensive scholarly annotations, legal cross-references, and valuable academic studies. Combining one of Islam's greatest works on governance with an important defense of its author's theological legacy, it is an indispensable resource for students and researchers of Islamic law, political theory, constitutional studies, and the intellectual history of Sunni Islam.