Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama (المغني لابن قدامة): An encyclopedia of Hanbali and comparative fiqh, written as a commentary on Mukhtasar al-Khiraqi, setting out the views of the schools and their evidence on each issue. Researchers and judges consult it to understand where the jurists differ and why.
Reviewed by: Ahmed Hasan AlShehriAttorney at USUS Law FirmLast updated:
About the book
| Book | Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama (المغني لابن قدامة) |
|---|---|
| Author | Muwaffaq al-Din Ibn Qudama al-Maqdisi (541–620H) |
| Free copy | Shamela's copy is the al-Turki and al-Helou edition (Dar Alam al-Kutub, Riyadh), in fifteen volumes |
Read it free
The book can be read free of charge on al-Maktaba al-Shamila, with a table of contents and full-text search. The text is in Arabic.
Read the book on al-Maktaba al-Shamila
Printed editions are available from bookshops for those who prefer a paper copy.
Chapters of legal interest
- Transactions and contracts
- Marriage, maintenance and custody
- Inheritance and wills
- Crimes, retaliation and blood money
- Judgeship, testimony and claims
Why it matters today
Many questions before the Saudi courts, especially in family law, inheritance and crimes, go back to Islamic jurisprudence, and the Hanbali school is the one generally applied. Modern laws such as the Personal Status Law have codified many of these rules, so the classical works help in understanding where a rule comes from and why.
Related guides
This page introduces the book as part of the Usus Law Firm library. It is not a substitute for asking qualified scholars on religious questions, or a lawyer on a case.
Legal review: the Usus Law Firm team
A select team of lawyers and legal advisers licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice, working from Riyadh and Tabuk, with experience before the general, commercial, labor, criminal, personal status and administrative courts. Every article is reviewed before publication and updated when laws or regulations change.
Last reviewed: 23 October 2026
This article is general legal information and is not a substitute for advice on your specific case. Court proceedings in Saudi Arabia are in Arabic; the official Arabic text of each law prevails.
Request a quick consultation
Leave your name and mobile number, and a lawyer from our Riyadh or Tabuk office will call you during working hours. We advise in English.