Ibn Abi'l-Hadid

‘Izz al-Dīn ‘Abu Hamīd ‘Abd al-Hamīd bin Hībat-Allah ibn Abi al-Hadīd al Mutazilī al-Mada'ini, also known as Ibn abi'l-Hadid, was a Mutazili Shafi'i scholar and writer during the Middle Ages. He studied under Abu'l-Khayr Musaddiq ibn Shabib al-Wasiti and is best 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 Shias 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 did not approve of the Rashidun Caliphate and did not follow 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

Comments on the Peak of Eloquence ; a commentary on the Nahj al-Balagha, a collection of traditions attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib. A 20-volume edition was published by Muhammad Abu l-Fadl Ibrahim between 1959 and 1964.