A critical examination of Imâm Al-Shâfi'î in the context of Ibn Al-Labbâd Al-Qayrawânî's work Kitâb Al-Radd 'Alâ Al-Shâfi'î

The only surviving work written as a critique of Imâm al-Shâfiʿî's views in its entirety is Kitâb al-Radd ʿalâ al-Shâfiʿî by Ibn al-Labbâd al-Qayrawânî. This study, which aims to examine that work, is structured in two main parts. The first part explores the concept of raddiyya (refutation) and provides an overview of the motivations behind scholars writing such works. It also includes a discussion of Imâm al-Shâfiʿî's scholarly profile and outlines the stages through which his refutation of Imâm Mâlik developed. Moreover, it analyzes the responses of Mâlikî scholars who, in defense of Mâlik, authored refutations against al-Shâfiʿî—focusing on their biographies, scholarly contributions, and intellectual approaches. The second part provides a detailed examination of the content of Kitâb al-Radd ʿalâ al-Shâfiʿî. Since al-Shâfiʿî's evidences regarding the discussed issues are not explicitly cited in the work, efforts have been made to reconstruct and identify these proofs. The key themes of the debate are outlined, beginning with an analysis of Imâm Mâlik's views and evidences, followed by an exploration of al-Shâfiʿî's corresponding positions. Each section concludes with a brief critical evaluation. Key words: Fiqh, Mâlikî School, Shâfiʿî School, Refutation.