The Approach of Al-Abi in Refuting the Imamiyyah (Shia) Through His Commentary on Sahih Muslim Entitled “Ikmal Ikmal al-Mu‘allim”

Abstract

The study examines the methodology of the Maliki Imam Al-Ubayy (d. 828 AH) in refuting the doctrines of the Imami Shi'a through his commentary on Sahih Muslim, "Ikmal Ikmal al-Mu'allim." Al-Ubayy employed a precise critical method to challenge Shi'ite claims regarding the Caliphate and Imamate. He argued that the "Hadith al-Manzilah" confirms only a special virtue and temporary succession for Ali, not a general right to rule. Furthermore, he refuted the claims of a divine testament (wasīyah) for Ali, validating the succession of Abu Bakr based on the consensus and choice (Ijmā' wa Ikhtiyār) of the Companions. Al-Ubayy emphasized that the Shi'ite practice of excommunicating the Companions leads to the destruction of the foundational transmission of the Sharia and nullifies Islam itself.