Ahkam al-Qur'an (Jalal)

This exegesis has attracted considerable attention in contemporary scholarly circles due to its subject, scope, and research methodology. Its notable features include:^[1]

• Scholarly discussions and research methodology. The work incorporates major classical discussions from earlier Arabic works on Ahkam al-Qur'an, presenting them with their evidences and counter-evidences (mā lahu wa mā ‘alayhi). The author systematically presents the opinions of various classical jurists under relevant verses; provides supporting arguments for each view; and explains the scholarly reasoning behind preferring one opinion over another.
• Simple and accessible language. A key objective of the work was to fulfill a public need. As stated by the author in the introduction, most existing works on Ahkam al-Qur'an are in Arabic and contain complex discussions that are not easily understood by everyone. Therefore, this book presents Qur'anic rulings in clear and simple Urdu for broader accessibility.
• Methodology of compilation. The author brings together juristic conclusions derived by leading scholars and exegetes.^[3] His approach includes: systematic extraction of rulings from primary classical sources; organization of these rulings in a coherent structure.
• Accuracy in transmission. The author emphasizes academic integrity in نقل (transmission), carefully compiling opinions from various sources while striving to maintain authenticity and reliability.
• Comprehensiveness. This work is not merely a translation but serves as an encyclopedic compilation of Islamic legal rulings, beneficial for both scholars and general readers.

[Verse:]

"And who is more unjust than one who prevents the name of Allah from being mentioned in His mosques and strives toward their destruction? It is not for them to enter them except in fear. For them in this world is disgrace, and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment."

[Lexical notes:]

The phrase “that His name be mentioned therein” includes all forms of remembrance of Allah, such as prayer, recitation of the Holy Quran, sending blessings, religious instruction, sermons, and gatherings of remembrance.

“Striving for their destruction” refers both to physical demolition and to rendering mosques inactive by preventing worship and religious functions.

[Legal rulings:]

1. Any piece of land where prostration is performed is linguistically called a mosque; in Islamic law, it refers to land permanently dedicated for worship.
2. Once designated as a mosque, the land is no longer private property and is open for worship by all Muslims.
3. Buying, selling, leasing, gifting, or otherwise transacting mosque property is not permissible.
4. The courtyard of a mosque is considered part of the mosque and shares its rulings.
5. Causing the ruin of a mosque is a grave sin, while constructing and maintaining mosques is a highly rewarded act.
6. Establishing at least one mosque in every town and locality is emphasized.
7. Land designated as a mosque remains so permanently, regardless of structural elements.^[2]

During the author's lifetime, six volumes of the work were published, while the seventh volume was later published under the supervision of Zia al-Qur'an Publications. The complete set consists of approximately 3,572 pages and over 300 chapters.

Volume details are as follows:

• Volume 1. Begun in May 1998 and completed in October 2000. It contains over 500 pages and derives approximately 1,200 rulings from selected verses of Surah al-Baqarah.
• Volume 2. 576 pages, covering rulings from Surah Al Imran and Surah An-Nisa.
• Volume 3. Published in 2003, covering Surah Al-Ma'idah, Surah Al-An'am, Surah Al-A'raf, and Surah Al-Anfal.
• Volume 4. Covers rulings from Surah At-Tawbah to Surah Hud.
• Volume 5. Covers Surah Yusuf to Surah Al-Kahf.
• Volume 6. Published in 2007, covering up to Surah An-Nur.
• Volume 7. A later publication covering the remaining surahs.