PhD Degree Awarded to Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Zaid in Islamic Studies

Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Zaid was awarded a PhD degree for his dissertation titled “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf Al-Multaqat min Maghasat Al-Kashshaf (Part III) from the beginning of Surah Saba’ to the end of Surah Al-Shura – Authored by the Scholar Abdullah bin Al-Hadi bin Al-Imam Yahya bin Hamzah (d. 850 Hijri): A Study and Investigation,” which was submitted to the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Sana’a University. The PhD dissertation defense was held on Thursday, Dhu al-Hijjah 2, 1446 Hijri, corresponding to May 29, 2025.

The 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	Prof. Huda Ali Yahya Al-Emad	Internal Examiner	Sana’a University	Chair
2	Assoc. Prof. Mohammed Yahya Al-Makhethi	Main Supervisor	Sana’a University	Member
3	Prof. Sa’eed Mohammed Abdul Salam Al-Haddad	External Examiner	Taiz University	Member

This dissertation aimed to introduce Imam Abdullah bin Al-Hadi, bring the manuscript of “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf” to light, and enrich the Islamic library with this valuable interpretive work. It highlights the significant scientific, intellectual, and jurisprudential insights of scholars and imams from the Ahl al-Bayt and the imams of the four Sunni schools of thought.

The dissertation reached several key findings, including:

The extensive knowledge of Imam Abdullah bin Al-Hadi (may Allah have mercy on him) was evident, showcasing his profound expertise across various sciences, his mastery and precision in interpretation, and his deep critical thinking. His family’s rich legacy in knowledge and scholarship significantly influenced his passion for seeking and acquiring knowledge.
The dissertation successfully resolved ambiguity surrounding the death date of Al-Allamah Abdullah bin Al-Hadi, author of “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf.” He passed away after 850 Hijri, correcting the common misconception among biographers that his death occurred in 793
Imam Abdullah bin Al-Hadi’s era was identified as one of the most flourishing periods in Yemen’s scientific history. Despite political instability, Imams and Rasulids actively supported the scientific movement during that time.
The clear influence of Al-Zamakhshari’s “Al-Kashshaf” on subsequent interpretive works across the Islamic world, especially in Yemen, was highlighted. “Al-Kashshaf” stands out for revealing the secrets of the Holy Quran’s eloquence, demonstrating its miraculous aspects, and clarifying profound meanings derived from verbal structures in an exquisite literary and artistic style.
Ibn Al-Hadi nearly transformed “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf” into a comprehensive jurisprudential encyclopedia of various Islamic schools, or even a comparative jurisprudence text. This is due to the abundance of doctrines and opinions of the Ahl al-Bayt imams on jurisprudential rulings, as well as the views and differences of other jurisprudential schools. His approach is characterized by a lack of bias, refraining from criticizing opponents, and using refined language and eloquent expression, underscoring his vast legal understanding, abundant knowledge, and profound piety.
The book “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf” is regarded as one of the finest works that have dealt with Al-Kashshaf(a renowned Quranic exegesis by Al-Zamakhshari) in terms of simplification, facilitation, and making it more accessible to readers. It extracts and polishes its gems, presenting them within reach of its audience—without compromising its content or altering its stylistic approach in highlighting the eloquence of the Quran and the aspects of its inimitability (i’jaz).

The dissertation concluded with several key recommendations, including:

The need to verify valuable unverified manuscripts containing numerous scientific treasures.
Printing of verified manuscripts that have not yet been published, including “Al-Jawhar Ash-Shaffaf Al-Multaqat min Maghasat Al-Kashshaf” after completing the study and verification of its remaining parts. This work is considered one of the most important and accessible commentaries on “Al-Kashshaf” for those engaged in the science of interpretation.
Re-printing of heritage books in various sciences that were previously printed without proper scientific investigation, after thorough academic investigation.