Books by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani: Where to Start

Al-Hafiz Ahmad ibn Ali ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (773–852 AH) was born in Cairo and lost both parents while still a child. He memorised the Qur'an young, studied hadith under al-Hafiz Zayn al-Din al-Iraqi and other scholars of his time, travelled to the Hijaz, Yemen and Syria to hear narrations, and served for many years as chief judge in Egypt. His commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari has been relied on by students of hadith ever since.

In some matters of Allah's attributes, Ibn Hajar followed interpretations that differ from the way of the Salaf, and the scholars of the Sunnah, among them Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz, pointed this out while benefiting from his hadith works. That is why we carry his collection of hadith evidences together with the explanation of Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymin. If you have searched for books by Ibn Hajar and felt unsure where to begin, this guide groups the titles we carry at The Islamic Book Cafe and gives you a reading order.

Bulugh al-Maram: The Hadith Behind the Rulings

Bulugh al-Maram: Attainment of the Objective According to Evidence of the Ordinances gathers the hadith the scholars of fiqh rely on, arranged by the chapters of fiqh: purification, prayer, funerals, zakah, fasting, Hajj, transactions, inheritance, marriage, divorce, oaths, food, clothing and the judiciary. After each narration Ibn Hajar names its source and often notes its strength, so the reader learns where a ruling comes from and how sound its evidence is.

Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymin's Explanation of the Book of Marriage

Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymin explained the Book of Marriage from Bulugh al-Maram hadith by hadith, drawing out the rulings and the positions of the scholars on each. We carry it in three parts. Part 1 covers the qualities to seek in a spouse, the conditions of a valid contract, the mahr and the guardian. Part 2 covers compatibility, the marriages that are prohibited, and the rulings for women who have been married before. Part 3 covers the rights of husband and wife, the Prophet's own example in his marriages, peace and blessings be upon him, and how disputes between spouses are settled.

Biographies of the Women of the First Generation

The Illustrious Women of Islam From The First Generation collects biographies from the works of Imam ad-Dhahabi and Ibn Hajar: the wives and daughters of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and the women among the Companions who taught the women of this ummah after them.

Where to Start with Ibn Hajar's Books

Start with Bulugh al-Maram and read it a chapter at a time, beginning with purification and prayer, the acts you perform every day. If you are married or preparing for marriage, work through Shaykh Ibn al-Uthaymin's three parts on the Book of Marriage in order. Keep The Illustrious Women of Islam for family reading.

Many students read the shorter Umdat al-Ahkam before Bulugh al-Maram; see our guide to books by Abdul-Ghani al-Maqdisi. For more on hadith, see books by Shaykh al-Albani, books by Imam an-Nawawi and books by Ibn al-Uthaymeen, along with our guides to the best hadith books and the best fiqh books.

Browse the full Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani book collection any time, and to plan the rest of your library, see our complete guide to the best Islamic books by topic. If you are unsure which book suits your level, reach out on live chat. We are always glad to help you choose.

Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon.