Al-Istidhkar (Sharh al-Muwatta) - Hafidh Ibn Abdil-Barr

The book "Al-Istidhkar al-Jami' li Madhahib Fuqaha' al-Amsar wa 'Ulama' al-Aqtar" was authored by al-Hafiz Ibn 'Abd al-Barr (463H). This book is considered one of the most important commentaries on Hadith books, and it is a commentary on the book "Al-Muwatta" by Imam Malik. Ibn 'Abd al-Barr arranged the book according to the chapters of al-Muwatta, omitting the repetition of supporting evidence and chains of narration, and he relied on the narration of Yahya ibn Yahya in his commentary.

Al-Istidhkar is characterized by its comprehensiveness in explaining the hadiths of al-Muwatta, as it deals with both connected and disconnected chains of narration, and explains the sayings of the Companions and their followers (Tabi'un). The author also clarifies the opinion of Imam Malik and what was built upon it from the sayings of the people of Medina, in addition to mentioning the opinions of jurists from other regions. 

Al-Istidhkar is considered one of the most important books in explaining al-Muwatta, and scholars such as al-Dhahabi and Ibn Kathir have praised it. Although Ibn 'Abd al-Barr also authored the book "Al-Tamhid" in explaining al-Muwatta, al-Istidhkar differs from it in several aspects, including its comprehensiveness in explaining everything mentioned in al-Muwatta, including disconnected narrations and traditions, and its detailed explanation of jurisprudential issues in a more understandable manner.