Ḥanbalism in Egypt before the Mamlûks

Abstract

The article "Ḥanbalism in Egypt before the Mamlūks" by Gary Leiser examines the presence and development of the Ḥanbalī school of thought in Egypt prior to the Mamlūk era. Despite the general perception that Ḥanbalīs were either absent or insignificant in Egypt before the Ayyūbid dynasty's end in 1249, Leiser argues that they were indeed present, though in small numbers and with limited influence. The study traces the early arrivals of Ḥanbalī scholars shortly after the death of Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal in 855 and their subsequent activities, primarily in the realm of ḥadīth transmission and teaching. It highlights key figures and their contributions, the challenges faced due to political and religious opposition, and the gradual establishment of Ḥanbalī institutions. The article provides a nuanced understanding of the Ḥanbalī school's evolution in Egypt, contrasting the limited early impact with the later, more substantial presence, culminating in the establishment of the first Ḥanbalī madrasa in 1243.