Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim

Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim (تكملة فتح الملهم بشرح صحيح الإمام مسلم) is a six-volume Arabic commentary on Sahih Muslim, authored by Taqi Usmani. It serves as a supplement to Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim, a work initially written by Shabbir Ahmad Usmani, who completed three volumes before his demise. Taqi Usmani commenced writing this scholarly work in 1976, inspired by his father, Shafi Usmani, to carry on and complete the unfinished endeavor. After an 18-year journey, he finalized the book in 1994, earning widespread recognition for its quality. The commentary covers essential topics, including fiqh, justice, politics, economics, social policy, morality, virtues, and other aspects of Islamic teachings. Taqi Usmani's work is particularly known for its analysis, incorporation of diverse languages, inclusion of biographies, fiqh methodologies, and relevant fiqh rulings, making it a reference for both students and scholars alike.

Background
The main reason behind composing the book Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim, as stated by Taqi Usmani in its introduction, was to fulfill his late father's request to complete the work. Shafi Usmani, the founder of Darul Uloom Karachi, had been deeply enthusiastic about this scholarly endeavor. However, due to the weight of his responsibilities and frequent travels, he couldn't find the time to bridge the gap in the commentary. Despite seeking assistance from several contemporary scholars, none could fulfill his longing. In the final year of his life, Shafi Usmani entrusted his son, Taqi Usmani, with the task of concluding the explanation under his guidance. Taqi Usmani was inspired by his father's legacy and brought completion to the work. Throughout this arduous undertaking, he remained dedicated and persevered, devoting eighteen years and nine months, from 25 Jumada al-Awwal 1396 AH to 26 Safar 1415 AH, to craft this book, as stated in its preface. The extended duration was primarily due to his numerous engagements, frequent travels, active involvement in various activities, and weighty responsibilities. Taqi Usmani's commitment to the project was evident in the daily two-hour sessions he set aside exclusively for writing Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim during this extended period. He penned the entire work by hand, as computers and other computerized devices were not available to him at that time. Taqi Usmani primarily carried out his writing in the esteemed library of Darul Uloom Karachi, surrounded by a treasure trove of religious books that served as sources and references for his scholarly exposition. On occasion, he continued his writing endeavors in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Content
The first volume of this work compiles insights and opinions from scholars, including Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda, Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, Yusuf al-Qaradawi, Muhammad al-Mukhtar al-Salami, and Wahbah al-Zuhayli. It also includes inspiring poetry composed by Khaled Hassan Hindawi, a researcher and poet associated with the International Islamic Literature Association. Taqi Usmani's statements are featured, elucidating the rationale behind linking this book to Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim and providing insights into his approach in authoring Takmilah Fath al-Mulhim bi-Sharh Sahih al-Imam Muslim. Throughout the first volume, the primary focus centers on explaining Hadiths from various aspects of Islamic jurisprudence. The topics covered encompass the book of breastfeeding, divorce, cursing, manumission, sales, irrigation, and agriculture. Moving to the second volume, the exploration of Hadiths progresses, encompassing subjects such as obligations, customs, wills, vows, oaths, division of property, combatants, retaliation, blood money, legal punishments, jurisdiction, lost and found items, and military expeditions. The third volume shifts attention to Hadiths related to jihad and expeditions, leadership, hunting, animal slaughter, and beverages. Moving to the fourth volume, a detailed explanation of Hadiths regarding foods, clothing, adornment, etiquette, greetings, medicine, animals, literature, poetry, dreams, and virtues is provided. The fifth volume offers an in-depth analysis of various aspects, including the virtues of companions, righteousness, maintaining family ties, manners, predestination, knowledge, remembrance, supplication, repentance, seeking forgiveness, asceticism, and interpretation. Lastly, the sixth volume concludes the exhaustive study with a thorough examination of the book of repentance, the qualities and rulings of hypocrites, resurrection, paradise, hell, pleasures and inhabitants of paradise, trials and signs of the Hour, asceticism, spiritual journeys, and interpretation. For ease of reference, the volume concludes with indexes of translated scholars in the continuation and a comprehensive subject index.

Style
Taqi Usmani begins each Hadith explanation with the phrase "His saying," leading into his insightful commentary. Throughout the text, he weaves together biographies of narrators, extracted benefits from the Hadith, related fiqh rulings, and observations. His methodology combines analytical, comparative, and topical explanations, providing depth and clarity to the discussions. His focus on fiqh methodology is complemented by the integration of the hadith methodology. In terms of size, the book strikes a balance, offering a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of the subject matter. It neither overwhelms readers with unnecessary details nor leaves them wanting for more. A feature of this book is its use of diverse languages and sources. Taqi Usmani incorporates Arabic, English, Urdu, and Persian languages, enriching the reader's understanding of Prophetic traditions from various linguistic and scientific perspectives. Taqi Usmani's knowledge of multiple languages, including English, and his familiarity with contemporary culture and exposure to various intellectual trends have earned praise, particularly from Yusuf al-Qaradawi.

Reception
Zinaida bint Muhammad Marzouki, a scholar from the International Islamic University Malaysia, described it as unique in the realm of commentaries. Abdullah Khan, a scholar from Hazara University, praised it as a great work. Yusuf al-Qaradawi has remarked, 'I have seen many commentaries on Sahih Muslim, new and old. In it, Taqi Usmani has gathered many rare and precious things. It is an encyclopedia.' The Grand Mufti of Tunisia has stated that 'Among the other commentaries of Sahih Muslim, this Takmila is characterized by the fact that this book breaks boundaries.'

Legacy
In 2017, Zill-e Huma made an academic contribution by completing her PhD thesis titled Takmila Fathul Mulhim - Manhaj Ka Tehleeli Jaeza in Urdu at the University of the Punjab. Following his research, Nasar Ahmad also made an impact with his own PhD thesis titled Muhammad Taqi Usmani ki Tadveen Takmila Fathul Mulhim ka Manhaj-o-Wasloob (Tahqiqi-o-Tajziati Mutalia) in Urdu at the University of Sargodha in 2019.