Al-Muhaqqiq Journal

The investigation into divine existence and the endeavor to prove it constitute the backbone of all religions. It is the fundamental pillar that no theologian can dispense with in their theological discussions, as it is considered a core principle of religion across various theological sects.
Al-Miqdad al-Suyuri sought to establish proofs for the existence of God through multiple methods. While his arguments did not deviate from those of his predecessors, he attempted to incorporate new proofs derived from the intellectual contributions of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi and Abu al-Qasim al-Qashi. In addition to well-known arguments—such as the argument of the Necessary and Possible Being and the theological proofs based on the temporality of the world through the occurrence of accidents and bodies—he employed these methods to reason about and affirm the existence of God.

This study examines and clarifies the phrase Ala Ray “according to an opinion” as it appears in Qawaid al-Ahkam by al-Allama al-Hilli. I have traced its occurrences through the explanations and commentary provided by Sheikh Muhammad Hasan al-Muzaffar in his work al-Durar al-Faraid fi Sharh Kitab al-Qawaid. Readers will observe the varied meanings of this phrase as interpreted by al-Allama in light of al-Muzaffar’s commentary. Additionally, I have included remarks on points requiring further analysis.

Nasir al-Din Ali ibn Muhammad al-Kashani, known as Nasir al-Din al-Hilli (d. 755 AH), was one of the theologians and philosophers of the city of Hilla during the 7th and 8th centuries AH. Most of his works consist of glosses and commentaries on logical, theological, and philosophical texts by scholars such as Khawaja Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, Allama al-Hilli, Qadi al-Baydawi, Shams al-Din al-Isfahani, and Qutb al-Din al-Razi.
This study aims to provide a general overview of his life and introduce his works, particularly focusing on the newly discovered manuscripts attributed to him.

Hilla is a city with a history spanning nearly a thousand years, having witnessed various rulers and inhabitants over the centuries. In its early centuries, it was home to devout Shia believers. During the first century after its establishment, a significant event occurred: Imam al-Asr (may Allah hasten his reappearance) was seen in the city. In commemoration of this blessed sighting, a memorial structure was built at the location of his sacred footprint. Over the centuries, this site became a center for spiritual connection and supplication with the Imam. The initial encounter was followed by subsequent meetings in which other fortunate individuals were honored with the Imam’s presence and attained their desires.
This study examines historical sources and compares various narratives related to the incident. After providing a brief historical overview of Hilla, the article reviews the original account leading to the construction of the maqam and other stories of those who were blessed with a vision of Imam al-Hujjah (may Allah hasten his reappearance) at this site. Additionally, from a historical perspective, it explores the development of the maqam, the historical accounts of those who have visited it, and the scholarly works written or transcribed there.

The hypothesis of this study suggests that certain intellectual milestones shape human thought, focusing on specific foundations that serve as both a starting point and an essence in behavioral, psychological, social, religious, and cultural dimensions.
Among these intellectual milestones is the poetic expression directed toward a particular truth and perspective. This tendency can be observed throughout the history of Arabic poetry, from its earliest origins through its development and evolution to the present day. Poetry, as an intellectual construct, embodies the meanings and values of the environment and culture in which it emerges.
One of the prominent poetic themes reflecting this intellectual and spiritual engagement is the portrayal of Lady Fatima al-Zahra (AS), the foremost religious and cultural symbol representing faith and doctrine. Her presence is clearly affirmed in the Quran, poetry, and prose alike. The Quran contains blessed verses revealed in her honor and that of her father, husband, and sons. Similarly, the purified Prophetic Sunnah has recorded numerous authenticated narrations regarding her status. Additionally, the exemplary conduct of her family—both in their outward actions and their deeper significance—placed her at the forefront of upholding and solidifying the principles of religion.
Thus, poetry rightfully embraced this theme, presenting it through various perspectives, drawing from the Quranic and Sunnah-based narratives that highlight her esteemed position.

Many manuscript margins and colophons contain valuable historical and scholarly insights. Despite their significance, these details often receive little attention from researchers. Such annotations frequently include rare historical information about the Imami school and its academic traditions, with some sections authored by renowned scholars of the sect or transcribed from their original writings. This highlights the necessity of studying and preserving this historical and intellectual heritage.
This study introduces a manuscript of Sharai al-Islam by al-Muhaqqiq al-Hilli, dated 827 AH, copied by a scholar from the Ataiq region in the city of al-Hilla—Muhammad ibn ʿAli ibn Ahmad ibn Abi al-Hasan al-Ataiqi—who was a student of Ibn Fahd al-Hilli. At the beginning of the manuscript, he recorded important notes on the history of al-Hilla and its scholars. Additionally, he transcribed two pages from a historical work authored in al-Hilla by one of al-Muhaqqiq al- Hilli’s students, titled Arais al-Majalis. These pages provide a brief account of the lives of al-Muhaqqiq and Ibn Nema al- Hilli, along with other historical insights related to al-Hilla.

This didactic poem (urjuza) is one of the several poetic compositions included in the manuscript Fara’id al-Fawa’id by Sayyid Hadi Kamal al-Din al-Hilli (d. 1406 AH). As it is the longest and the first among them, and since the other compositions do not align with its specialized focus, I sought to publish it as an independent, verified text.
I began by briefly discussing the life of its author, followed by an analysis of his methodological approach in the urjūza. I then proceeded to verify the text, which is characterized by simple language, diverse subjects, and skillful application of grammatical rules. This type of composition aims to simplify grammar, condense fundamental rules, and highlight unique linguistic issues. I dedicated significant effort to ensuring the accuracy of the poem’s verses, documenting various grammatical points, and providing the necessary scholarly references required in the process of textual verification.
This study is of particular academic value as it presents Arabic grammar in a poetic format, making it accessible and structured for learners and scholars alike.