The Commentary of Issam al-Din al-Asfarayini (d. 951 AH) on Ibn al-Hajib's Shafiyyah, Chapter on Diminution From the Beginning of Panel 24/A to Panel 30/A, a Study and Verification

Abstract

This research aims to verify a portion of a valuable manuscript on Ibn al-Hajib's Shafiyyah, namely (Al-‘Issam's Commentary on Al-Shafiyyah). The investigation included the chapter on diminution, and the study began by mentioning a brief biography of Al-‘Issam Al-Isfarayini, his scientific status, and his most famous works, then a biography of Al-Issam’s commentary on Al-Shafiyyah, his approach of explanation, and his position on Ibn Al-Hajib and on Al-Jarbardi. Then the study addressed the verification of what is related to the chapter on diminution, and the production of the text as its author intended, God willing.

The study concluded with the following results:

1. Al-‘Issam (may God have mercy on him) paid clear and evident attention to his commentary on Al-Shafiyyah.
2. Al-‘Issam's commentary on Al-Shafiyyah was characterized by simplicity and clarity, as if he intended to make it easier for his students.
3. Al-'Issam was not merely a transmitter, but a scholar with his own opinions, as we often find him commenting on Ibn al-Hajib's statements, and sometimes correcting them by modifying the text.
4. Al-'Issam relied heavily in his commentary on al-Jarbardi's commentary on al-Shafiyyah, commenting on his views, and sometimes disagreeing with some of them.