Nasikh al-Hadith wa-Mansukhuhu (Ibn Shahin) ناسخ الحديث ومنسوخه

Nasikh al-Hadith wa-Mansukhuhu (ناسخ الحديث ومنسوخه) by Imam Ibn Shahin (d. 385 AH) is one of the earliest and most important surviving works on the science of abrogating and abrogated hadith. Organized according to the chapters of fiqh, it examines seemingly conflicting narrations, and identifies the last hadith on the subject. 

This carefully verified Dar Ibn Hazm edition features manuscript-based editing, hadith verification, comprehensive indexes, and scholarly annotations, making it an invaluable reference for students of Hadith, Usul al-Fiqh, and Islamic legal theory.

The Author: Ibn Shahin (d. 385 AH)

Imam Abu Hafs Ibn Shahin was a monumental Iraqi scholar, Hadith master (hafidh), and historian from Baghdad. He was exceptionally prolific, having authored over 300 works. He lived during the golden age of Hadith codification, studying under major students of the classical compilers. Scholars like Imam al-Dhahabi praised his memory and vast collection of narrations, noting his reliability and dedication to preserving the Sunnah.

The Science of Nasikh wa al-Mansukh in Hadith

The concept of abrogation (naskh) refers to a chronological progression in Islamic legislation where a later ruling or command from the Prophet ﷺ replaces or modifies a previous one. This can occur due to gradual legislation (such as the gradual prohibition of alcohol or changes in fasting rules), or a transition from early strictness to later facilitation.

Understanding this science is vital for jurists (fuqaha) and Hadith scholars, so we can avoid performing an action based on an abrogated (mansukh) hadith. As the companion Abu al-Darda’ and others noted, a person cannot truly understand jurisprudence until they can distinguish the abrogating texts of the Sunnah from the abrogated ones.

Who Is This Book For?

This work is intended for advanced students and scholars rather than the general reader or beginner. It is especially suited for students of Hadith, Usul al-Fiqh, and Islamic jurisprudence who wish to understand how classical scholars reconciled seemingly contradictory prophetic narrations. Researchers, muftis, teachers, and specialists in Islamic legal theory will find it an indispensable reference on the science of abrogating and abrogated hadith (Nasikh wa al-Mansukh).