The Collection of Sciences and Wisdom

Description

The Collection of Sciences and Wisdom is a book of Hadith, its full title being The Collection of Sciences and Wisdom in Explaining Fifty Hadiths from the Comprehensive Sayings. It was authored by the scholar Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (736 AH – 795 AH). The book is considered an explanation of the Forty Hadiths of al-Nawawi, and it is the best of the explanations in terms of its comprehensive discussion of the Hadiths, both in terms of their chains of transmission and their texts. Yahya ibn Sharaf al-Nawawi collected forty-two Hadiths, organized them, explained them, and named them The Forty Hadiths of al-Nawawi. Then Ibn Rajab came and added eight more to these forty and named it The Collection of Sciences and Wisdom in Explaining Fifty Hadiths from the Comprehensive Sayings. The book is comprehensive, as Ibn Rajab included in it many sciences that are easy for the layperson to understand and indispensable for the student. Among these sciences is the discussion of the Hadiths in terms of their authenticity and weakness, and their source from the major books – especially since its author is a memorizer of Hadith. He also addressed matters of creed and rulings, excelling in his explanations and providing valuable insights. In short, the book is a comprehensive collection of knowledge and wisdom.