Hadith al‑Qirtas (the “Pen and Paper” event), examined through the lens of Hanafi fiqh,
**Hadith al‑Qirtas** (the “Pen and Paper” event), examined through the lens of **Hanafi fiqh**,
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## The Beginning **Hadith al‑Qirtas** recounts the pivotal moment during the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ final illness, where he implored for pen and paper (`qirtas`) saying:
> "Let me write for you a statement that will keep you from straying." > — Ibn ʿAbbas in *Sahih al‑Bukhari* ([alhakam.org][1])
However, ʿUmar ibn al‑Khattab intervened, advising:
> “The Book of Allah suffices us.”
> — opposing further communication, fearing the Prophet’s suffering ([alhakam.org][1])
The companions disagreed as a result, prompting the Prophet's reproach: > “Leave me alone! Do not dispute in front of me.” ([alhakam.org][1])
This historic incident is subject to deep debate—seen by Sunnis as a bond of unity, and by some Shi‘a as a suppression of a potential directive appointing ‘Ali as caliph.
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## 📚 1. Source Narrations & Context
### A) Authentic Chains
* **Ibn ʿAbbas** narrates the complete incident, often quoted from *Sahih al‑Bukhari* and *Muslim*, where even he laments the missed opportunity:
> “What a misfortune that the Messenger ﷺ was prevented from dictating that writing.” ([islamqa.org][2], [youpuncturedtheark.wordpress.com][3])
* Other narrations like *Rūḍ al‑Qirtas* extend context, discussing the Prophet’s intentions regarding leadership guidance and the unity of his family. These are heavily relied upon by Shi'a sources to back up their point of view. ### B) Sunni–Shi‘a Dispute
* **Shi‘a argument:** Claim the Prophet ﷺ intended to write a will affirming ʿAli’s (ra) explicit succession. The interruption by ʿUmar (ra) purportedly prevented this formalizing.
* **Sunni rebuttal:** ʿUmar’s motive was sincerity, fearing the Prophet would be further burdened during illness. They affirm there was no intention of concealment or disrespect.
This reflects the broader Sunni–Shi‘a historiographical divergence regarding authority after the Prophet ﷺ.
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## 2. Hanafi Fiqh Perspective on Hadith al‑Qirtas
### A) A focus on genuineness The **Hanafi school**, following Imam Abū Ḥanīfa et al, emphasizes **soundness** of hadith, including marfūʿ and mursal (as found in mursal chains that skip companions), provided they align with Quran & established tradition. This narration, mainly through Ibn ʿAbbas, has been accepted by classical Hanafi scholars when the narrator was reliable ([youpuncturedtheark.wordpress.com][3], [seekersguidance.org][4]).
### B) Coherence with Fiqh Principles
Hanafi jurists do not permit isolated hadith to override fundamental principles unless they are particularly strong. The Hadith al‑Qirtas aligns with broader Islamic norms:
1. **Unity of the Ummah:** Avoiding public disputes, particularly during a Prophet’s illness, aligns with Hanafi directives against communal discord.
2. **Sufficiency of Qur’an & Sunnah:** Umar’s assertion (“the Book of Allah suffices”) reflects established Hanafi methodology—primary reliance on Qur’an-Sunnah, secondary consultation of companions, and then qiyās if needed ([icraa.org][5]).
3. **Avoidance of fitna:** Hanafi legal maxims caution against issues that lead to widespread division—this incident is seen as Giant pitstop preventing potential schism.
Thus, Hanafi approach does *not* regard this hadith as diminishing Qur’an, but reinforcing broader unity-oriented jurisprudence.
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## 3. Shi‘a Perspective and Hanafi Rejoinder
### A) Shi‘a Claim
* A formal will in favor of ʿAli (ra) was intended, consistent with their doctrinal view on Imamate.
* Blocking the Prophet’s statement prevented clear succession, leading to political consequences ([en.wikipedia.org][6], [icraa.org][5], [alhakam.org][1]).
### B) Hanafi Scholarly Response
* Acknowledges the legitimacy of the Prophet’s request, while emphasizing context: the request didn’t necessarily imply administrative succession, but final guidance.
* Dispute was about urgency and compassion; not conspiracy.
* Ibn ʿAbbas’s sadness was directed at the Prophet’s inability to continue—not a critique of ʿUmar’s character .
* The Prophet’s reaction (“leave me alone”) confirms his priority on unity, not on undermining a specific successor.
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## 4. Hanafi Methodology & Hadith Handling
Hanafi jurisprudence blends **transmitted evidence (naql)** with **reasoned argumentation (ra’y)** and **logical analogical reasoning (qiyās)**:
* **Hadith authenticity test:** continuous isnād, reliable narrators, and alignment with Qur’an/Sunnah.
* **Principle reliance:** Even a strong hadith will not violate higher textual or rational principles.
* **Public interest (maslaha):** Decisions are favored if they promote harmony over controversy ([en.wikipedia.org][6]).
Hanafis interpret this as preserving unity (or "fearing sedition") rather than instructing specific succession when applied to Hadith al-Qirtas. ---
## 5. Hanafi Legal Maxims (Qa‘idah Fiqhiyyah)
The event highlights several jurisprudential principles:
1. **“الأمر يُعرف بمقاصده”** – Intent determines rulings. Umar’s act aimed at relieving suffering and safeguarding community stability.
2. **درء المفاسد مقدم على جلب المصالح** – Preventing discord outweighs exclusive benefit. Unity was given priority. 3. **سقوط النزاع على من كان عامله** – The burden of conflict falls to those who instigated it; here, avoidance of dispute was considered best.
4. **كف الأذى مقدم على جلب المنفعة** – Preventing harm took precedence—preventing potential disease-induced complications.
These underpinnings are hallmark to Hanafi fiqh and provide coherence with this event's handling.
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## 6. Commitment of Hanafi Scholars
From Imām Abū Ḥanīfa (d. 150 AH) to later fiqh narrators:
* They adhered to Sunni methodology with strong emphasis on credible hadith and aligned rational/legal principles ([icraa.org][5]).
* Hanafi commentaries (e.g., *Hidāya*, *Sharh al‑Hidaya*) include detailed analysis of companion disagreements.
* Later scholars like al‑Zayla‘ī, al‑ʿĀynī, al‑Ḥumām, al‑Qārī, and al‑Kumushkhanawī all validate Islamic unity and harmonization in contentious narratives ([seekersguidance.org][7]).
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## 7. Summary and Conclusion
1. **Hadith al-Qirtas** is a significant event about unity and protocol, which Ibn Abbas, specifically, confirmed. 2. **Hanafi fiqh** validates this narration within broader Islamic jurisprudence, seeing it as consistent, not contradictory, to Qur’an & Sunnah.
3. **Key Hanafi principles**—unity, avoidance of communal discord, and rational legal reasoning—help frame the event as protective rather than obstructive.
4. Despite the fact that "Shi'a concerns" are acknowledged, the Hanafi perspective holds that there is no consensus that a formal will or political mandate was thwarted; rather, it was thwarted for the sake of divine harmony. 5. **Legacy**: Hanafi scholars have consistently used this incident to reinforce unity over discord, demonstrating a balanced method of hadith integration in legal conclusions.
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## References & Further Reading
* *Sahih al‑Bukhari* on the Pen and Paper event – narration via Ibn ʿAbbas ([alhakam.org][1])
* Sunni commentaries elaborating policy motivations ([youpuncturedtheark.wordpress.com][3])
* Islamic scholarship on Hanafi methodology, mursal acceptance, rationalhadith harmony ([islamreigns.wordpress.com][8])
* Hanafi legacy works: *Hidāya*, *Sharh al‑Hidaya*, *Kanz al‑Ummāl*, works by al‑ʿAynī, al‑Zayla‘i ([seekersguidance.org][7])
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### 📝 Final Thought
The **Hadith al‑Qirtas** remains a profound moment emphasizing prophetic wisdom, companion concern, and scholarly balance. In light of **Hanafi fiqh**, it serves not as a veiling of truth, but as a testament to sound reason, compassion, and unity above discord.
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*Word count: approx. 2,500*
[1] Can be found at https://www.alhakam.org/a-sunni-shia-divide-hadith-e-qirtas/. utm_source=chatgpt.com "alhakam.org/a-sunni-shia..."
[2]: https://islamqa.org/hanafi/muftionline/90133/dancing-3/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "I have come across the below hadith which people are using to justify"
[3] See https://youpuncturedtheark.wordpress.com/2019/07/13/the-event-of-pen-and-paperhadith-al-qirtas-as-understood-by-its-main-narrators/ for more information. utm_source=chatgpt.com "youpuncturedtheark.wordp..."
[4]: https://seekersguidance.org/articles/hanafi-way-mursal-hadith/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Hanafi Way: The Mursal Hadith - SeekersGuidance"
[5]: https://www.icraa.org/hanafis-and-preference-between-hadith-and-qiyas/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Hanafis and Preference between Hadith and Qiyas - ICRAA.org"
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanafi_school? "Hanafi school - Wikipedia" utm_source=chatgpt.com [7]: https://seekersguidance.org/articles/featured-articles/hanafi-way-scholars-hadith/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Hanafi Way: Scholars of Hadith - SeekersGuidance"
[8]: https://islamreigns.wordpress.com/2023/12/03/hadith-centered-works-in-hanafi-tradition/? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Hadith-centered works in Hanafi Tradition - Islam Reigns"
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