Al-Ahkam as-Sultaniyyah written in the fith Century Hijri is perhaps the single most comprehensive account of the workings of Islamic governance and equally a highly influential theoretical outline of the nature of that governance. Woven throughout it are accounts of the first community of Islam and the judgements of the early scholars of the salaf which are the book’s lifeblood and its light.

Covering all the various aspects of the deen of Islam which are the concern and responsibility of the Khalifah, his amirs, his wazirs (ministers) and deputies. The rights and duties of these persons are expounded in detail.

The Author: Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Muhammad Ibn Habib al-Mawardi was born at Basrah. He learned Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) from the jurist Abu al-Wahid al-Simari. He then went to Baghdad for advanced studies under Sheikh Abd al-Hamid and Abdallah al-Baqi. His proficiency in jurisprudence Ethics, Political science and literature proved useful in securing a respectable career for him. After his initial appointment as Qadi (Judge), he was gradually promoted to higher offices, till he became the Chief Justice at Baghdad. The Abbasid Caliph al-Qaim bi Amr Allah appointed him as his roving ambassador and sent him to a number of countries as the head of special missions. In this capacity he played a key role in establishing harmonious relations between the declining Abbasid Caliphate and the rising powers of Buwahids and Seljukes. He was favoured with rich gifts and tributes by most Sultans of the time. He was still in Baghdad when it was taken over by Buwahids. Al-Mawardi died in 450 AH (1058 AD)

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