Introduction:
Imam al-Shafi’i continues his discussion of the standing of the Book and the Sunnah and the importance of the sending of the Prophet ﷺ, and he emphasises that the Noble Qur’an is a remembrance and an honor for the Prophet ﷺ and for his people.
The honor of Quraysh and the Arabs:
Imam al-Shafi’i explains that the honor of Quraysh and of the Arabs is due only to the Prophet ﷺ and the Noble Qur’an. He cites the statement of Mujahid in explaining the saying of Allah the Exalted: “And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you [all] are going to be questioned” (al-Zukhruf 43:44), where he said: “It is said: Whom is the man from? And it is said: From the Arabs. Then it is said: From which of the Arabs? They say: From Quraysh.” Al-Shafi’i stresses that this meaning is clear in the verse itself and needs no explanation.
Warning first given to a particular group, then made general:
Imam al-Shafi’i points out that Allah first singled out the Prophet’s people and closest kindred ﷺ for the warning, and then extended it to all creation after them, relying on the saying of Allah the Exalted: “And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred” (al-Shu’ara’ 26:214). He mentions a hadith in the two Sahih collections confirming this meaning, in which the Prophet ﷺ commanded his closest kindred to save themselves from the Fire.
The raising of the mention of the Prophet ﷺ:
Imam al-Shafi’i cites the statement of Mujahid in explaining the saying of Allah the Exalted: “And raised high for you your repute” (al-Sharh 94:4), where he said: “I am not mentioned except that you are mentioned with Me.” Al-Shafi’i explains that this mention occurs at the declaration of faith in Allah and in the call to prayer, when the Qur’an is recited, and when acting in obedience and refraining from disobedience. In all these situations the Prophet ﷺ is remembered in the souls of the believers.
Sending blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ:
Imam al-Shafi’i explains the virtue of sending blessings (salah) upon the Prophet ﷺ and that it purifies the soul, and he urges doing so abundantly. He supplicates for himself and for whoever reads his epistle that Allah purify them by it with the best purification He has granted anyone of his nation through sending blessings upon him. He also points to the importance of sending greetings of peace upon him ﷺ, as is found in the tashahhud.
The blessing of Islam:
Imam al-Shafi’i stresses that the blessing of Islam is the greatest of blessings, and that every blessing, outward or inward, in religion or worldly life, and every harm warded off, comes about only because of the Prophet ﷺ. He is the leader to its good, the guide to its right course, and the one who drives people away from destruction and from the sources of evil.
The Noble Qur’an:
Imam al-Shafi’i describes the Qur’an as a mighty Book which falsehood cannot approach from before it or from behind it, a revelation from One who is Wise and Praiseworthy. He explains that Allah made clear in it what He made lawful and what He made unlawful, and what He decreed for the people of disobedience to Him in contrast to what He decreed for the people of obedience to Him.
Taking lessons from the reports of earlier nations:
Imam al-Shafi’i points to the importance of taking lessons from the reports of earlier nations, and that Allah admonished the Muslim nation by these reports so that they would take heed and draw lessons in their own future. He explains that the Qur’an contains commands and prohibitions, the lawful and the unlawful, the resurrection and recompense, and the reports of those who preceded us so that we may take admonition from them.
Summary:
In this section Imam al-Shafi’i focuses on the virtue of the Prophet ﷺ and the Noble Qur’an, the importance of holding fast to them, taking lessons from the reports of earlier nations, and preparing for the Day of Resurrection. He explains that everything Allah revealed in His Book is mercy and proof: knowledge for whoever knows it, and ignorance for whoever is ignorant of it.
All parts of Summary of the Explanation of al-Shafi'i's al-Risala by Dr. Yasir Burhami