Master’s Degree Awarded to Ms. Balqis Dhaifallah Rassam in Comparative Fiqh
Ms. Balqis Dhaifallah Rassam was awarded a Master’s degree with a grade of (Excellent) and an average of (95%) for her thesis titled “Takmil Sharh Al-Azhar Al-Muntaza’ min Al-Ghaith Al-Midrar Al-Mufattah li-Kamā’im Al-Azhār” Authored by the esteemed scholar Judge Ahmed bin Yahya Habis (d. 1061 Hijri) From the beginning of the Book of Agency to the end of the manuscript: A Study and Investigation”, which was submitted to the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University. The defense was held on Wednesday, Dhul-Hijjah 1, 1446 Hijri, corresponding to May 28, 2025.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
| # | Committee Members | Designation | University | Position |
| 1 | Assoc. Prof. Ibrahim Abdullah Jabir | External examiner | Hodeidah University | Chair |
| 2 | Dr. Hasan Ali Abduljabbar Al-Sururi | Internal Examiner | Sana’a University | Member |
| 3 | Dr. Halima Abdullah Jahhaf | Main supervisor | Sana’a University | Member |
The thesis aimed to highlight the importance of “Takmil Sharh Al-Azhar Al-Muntaza’ min Al-Ghaith Al-Midrar Al-Mufattah li-Kamā’im Al-Azhār” as a crucial Zaydi jurisprudential encyclopedia. It encompasses the doctrines of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and the sayings of their imams, in addition to the views of scholars from various other jurisprudential schools of thought.
Among the key findings, the researcher concluded that Ibn Habis (may Allah have mercy on him) was a prominent figure among the Zaydi scholars, whose works and writings significantly contributed to serving the religion and clarifying its rulings.
The thesis put forth several important recommendations, including:
- Urging universities and the Ministry of Endowments to prioritize the revival of manuscripts, particularly essential Zaydi texts that are currently unavailable to researchers and students.
- Emphasizing that the revival of heritage should extend beyond mere text verification and the documentation of variations. It should also involve exploring the methodologies within these texts for their practical application in contemporary academic and daily life, and raising awareness among future generations about their importance. The thesis asserts that the revival of heritage is crucial for the advancement of the Ummah.
The thesis was examined and recommended by the Viva-Voce Committee for acceptance and approval. The defense was attended by a number of academics, researchers, students, and interested individuals, in addition to the candidate’s colleagues and family members.
