The Muwatta’ of Imam Malek as a Model of Scientific Relations between the East and Al-Andalus

Abstract

In this research paper, the researcher discusses the Muwatta’ of Imam Malek, its importance in Al-Andalus, how it reached Al-Andalus, how it spread, and its influence in the Intellectual life there. The first section sheds light on Imam Malek; his name, his lineage, his birth, his upbringing, and his scholars and students. In the second section, the researcher discusses the Muwatta’ of Imam Malek mentioning information about its name, years of publication, Imam Malek’s scientific integrity and accuracy, and the number of Ahadeeth it contains. The researcher also discusses whether this book is a book of Fiqh or Hadeeth and cites what other scholars said about the Muwatta’. The researcher discusses in the third section how the Muwatta’ reached Al-Andalus and who contributed to its introduction mentioning information about the time it reached there. The researcher also explores which narrations of the Muwatta’ entered Al-Andalus and focuses on the narration of Layth Bin Yahya Al-Laythi, which became the basis of the Al-Andalus Scholars’ publications and diaogues in relation to the Muwatta’. The fourth section explores the role of the Muwatta’ and its influence in the intellectual life in Al-Andalus. It also reviews the most famous scholars who studied the Muwtta’ and used it in their, debates, and publications. It also focuses on their efforts in memorizing and citing it in their Fatawa and their ifforts in spreading it outside Al-Andalus. The conclusion presents the major findings of this research paper.