Amani al-Ahbar fi Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar (Arabic: أماني الأحبار في شرح معاني الآثار) is a 4-volume Arabic commentary on Sharh Ma'ani al-Athar, authored by Yusuf Kandhlawi. Due to the author's passing, he was unable to complete this commentary. He did manage to finish commenting on the final section of the chapters related to Witr. The first volume was finalized in 1959, followed by the second volume in 1962. After a hiatus caused by his teaching responsibilities, he later returned to the project, but it remained incomplete. The first two volumes were published in 1962, and the third and fourth volumes, in manuscript form, were brought to light by Zakariyya Kandhlawi in 1974.[1]
The first volume starts with a detailed introduction discussing Al-Tahawi's biography, merits, and position. It covers various aspects such as resolving discrepancies, verifying narrators, explaining hadith texts, and examining Al-Tahawi's adaptations from other hadith books. The commentary authenticates hadiths, discusses their chains, and affirms Al-Tahawi's perspectives using the Kashf method. It addresses issues supported by Abu Hanifa and other Imams and compares the viewpoints of past and contemporary scholars. The commentary uses clear language, making complex concepts understandable. It analyzes narrator names in 'Asma al-Rijal,' scholars' evaluations, and expressions from other hadith books. Unfamiliar terms within the hadith text are clarified using these expressions. The commentary also points out additional words used by Al-Tahawi in his narrations. It discusses "Mastahabt" (recommended) narrations, presenting scholars' arguments. It verifies hadith compilation, their derivatives, and supporting evidence, referencing other hadith books. The author cites opinions of past and contemporary scholars while explaining hadiths. Opening paragraphs of each chapter provide an overview of differences and arguments among opposing factions.[2][3][4]
Bayyināt wrote that a study of this book reveals the reader's ability to fully grasp Yusuf Kandhlawi's scholarly expertise, extensive research, and profound insight.[5] The Arab News acknowledges this book as one of two significant contributions by Kandhlawi.[6] Expressing his viewpoint, Muhammad Latif Khan, a PhD scholar from the National University of Modern Languages, remarked, "In my assessment, this book emerges as an outstanding and enduring masterpiece in the realm of hadith scholarship, reflecting the approach of the predecessors."[7]Taqi Usmani added that it undoubtedly constitutes a significant scholarly work.[8]
