A CLASSIC FETWA BOOK IN THE EMPIRE OF BABUR: AL-FATAWA ALHINDIYYA

Abstract

One of most famous fatwa books written in the Indian subcontinent during the Babur's period (1526-1858) is al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya. It was written by a commission by the order of the ruler during the reign of Emperor Abu-Muzaffar Muhammed Muhyiddin Awrangzeb (1658-1707). al-Fatava al-Hindiyya was prepared in six volumes. The completed sections of this work were personally discussed on a weekly basis by Emperor Awrangzeb himself. This book differs from other studies on fatwa literature in the two aspects mentioned. al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya is a voluminous book written to serve as source of law in the Babur judicial system facilitate the work of Hanafi jurists and ensure uniform of application in the Indian territories. In the context of the fatwa-sect relationship, this research will attempt to answer the question of whether this book was prepared with the aim of legislating or to base the official sect practice. In addition, it is aimed to examine Fet & acirc;v & acirc;-i Hind & icirc;yye by taking into consideration its writing process, content and systematics, sources and effects after its completion. The study will provide data to discuss the existence of the Indo- Hanafi tradition. From its onwards al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya has been widely accepted and as a source in other major centers where Hanafi mazhab prevailed. Providing information about literature developed around al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya is also one main objective of this study.