al-Risālah by Ibn Abī Zayd al-Qayrawānī is a foundational text in Maliki jurisprudence, seamlessly blending creed and worship. Revered as the “little Mālik,” Ibn Abī Zayd distilled the essence of the school into this concise manual, making it indispensable for students of both theology and law.
Key Features:
- Introduction to Sunni ʿaqīdah: belief in Allah, His attributes, prophets, and divine decree
- Core rulings on ṭahārah (purification), ṣalāh (prayer), ṣawm (fasting), zakāh (almsgiving), and ḥajj (pilgrimage)
- Clear structure ideal for memorization and commentary
- Bridges the gap between creed and practice, preparing students for deeper fiqh studies
This volume marks a turning point in the curriculum, where students begin to see how belief and law intertwine in the Maliki tradition.