CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A BOOK OF COMMENTARY (SHARH)
by Albany Buipe Broadly books, as they relate to students of knowledge, can be categorised as follows: 1. Kutub al-Ta'sil . These are fundamental books recommended for beginners and selected by one's teacher or often environment. E.g. Ajjrumiyyah, al-Arba'unah al-Nawawiyyah, Salasah al-Usul, Kitab al-Tawhid, al-Durar al-Bahiyyah, al-Akhdari, Taqrib al-Lum'ah, al-Usul min 'Ilm al-Usul etc. The best approach to learn these books is to memorise them and follow an explanation in front of a qualified and well-versed scholar. 2. Shuruh . These are commentaries made on the previous category but, of course, commentaries can be made on all kinds of books. Perhaps, we can list notes and scholarly observations here as well; they are called al-Hawashi (or sing. Hashiyah). Hashiyah often are brief comments that a scholar passes on aspects of a book. 3. Kutub al-Bahth , or Mutala'ah . These are books for advanced students and scholars for the purposes of research and advan