Researcher Adel Ali Mohammed Mahdi was awarded a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies with Distinction for his thesis titled: Al-Jawhar Al-Aseel Al-Mukhtasar min Ma’alim Al-Tanzil by the Scholar Abdullah bin Abdulwali bin Mohammed Al-Ward (12th Century AH), from the Beginning of the Manuscript to the End of the Chapter on Prayer: A Critical Study and Investigation , which was submitted to the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
·Dr. Al-Junaid Al-Tayeb Ameen Al-Noor – Sa’ada University – External Examiner and Member.
·Prof. Refaat Hussein Mohammed Abourah – Sana’a University – Main Supervisor and Committee Member.
·Dr. Halimah Abdullah Nasser Jahhaf – Sana’a University – Internal Examiner and Chair.
The study aimed to introduce the author, the scholar Abdullah bin Abdulwali bin Mohammed Al-Ward, his historical era, and his methodology. It also sought to produce a sound scholarly edition of the manuscript in accordance with established principles of textual editing.
The research yielded founded that Al-Jawhar Al-Aseel Al-Mukhtasar min Ma’alim Al-Tanzil is distinguished by its rich scholarly content. It highlights the author’s interpretive preferences without lengthy discussions of exegetical differences and opinions. The work also represents an important example of the moderate Zaydi school of Qur’anic exegesis.
Based on the findings, the study recommended:
- Searching for manuscripts of Yemen’s Islamic heritage in Qur’anic exegesis and other religious disciplines, and critically editing and publishing them to serve Islamic studies.
- Giving greater attention to Al-Jawhar Al-Aseel through further study and by highlighting the author’s views on matters of creed, jurisprudence, education, and ethics.
- Developing various programs to introduce Yemeni scholars in general and the author in particular
The thesis defense was attended by faculty members, researchers, students, and interested participants as well as the researcher's colleagues and family members.
