Ibn Abi'l-Hadid


‘Izz al-Dīn ‘Abu Hamīd ‘Abd al-Hamīd bin Hībat-Allah ibn Abi al-Hadīd al Mutazilī al-Mada'ini was a Shafe'i Mutazili scholar of his era and a writer. Who studied under Abu'l-Khayr Musaddiq ibn Shabib al-Wasiti He is known for his commentary on the Nahj al-Balagha which he titled Sharh Nahj al-Balagha.

Birth

Ibn Abi'l-Hadid was born on Sunday, 1st Zulhijja, 586 AH/ 30 December 1190 AD in the city of al-Mada'in, now Salman Pak, Baghdad Governorate, Iraq.

Views

Regarding the fabrications of Hadiths, he said that "lies" had been introduced into the hadith collections of Shi'ites in order to favour their Imam, Ali, or due to their enmity with other religious groups. Regarding the early Caliphate, Al-Hadid explains Ali's position during the early Caliphates in his commentary in his Sharh Nahjul Balagha. According to him Ali approved of the Rashidun Caliphate and followed them in prayers. He further states that he follows the example of Ali and does not go beyond that, going as far as to curse Muaawiyah.

Works