This book, Al-Mudawwana Al-Kubra, is considered one of the most esteemed books among Maliki jurists and a foundational text of their school of thought. It is the second primary source in Maliki jurisprudence after the Muwatta, and all subsequent works in the madhhab are based on it. It is relied upon for fatwas, rulings, and judiciary matters. Most Maliki scholars accept its contents, considering it the most authentic narration and the highest in rank in terms of its audition and transmission. It is prioritized over other works of the school, and one does not turn to others when it is available.

The Malikis later termed it Al-Mudawwana Al-Kubra (The Great Compendium), Al-Kitab (The Book), and Al-Umm (The Mother). When these names are found in Maliki books, they refer to Al-Mudawwana.

Al-Mudawwana consists of questions and answers on matters of fiqh directed to Imam Malik, totaling 6200 issues, arranged according to the chapters of jurisprudence. It includes Imam Malik's narrations from the Sahaba and Tabi'in, making it the most authentic book of branches (furu') in Maliki fiqh in terms of narration.

It was collected, refined, arranged, and appended with narrations by Abd al-Salam ibn Sa'id al-Tanukhi, known as Sahnun (160-240 AH), narrating from Abu Abdullah Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Qasim al-'Utaqi (132-191 AH), who narrated from Imam Malik ibn Anas (93-179 AH). It brings together the opinions of Imam Malik ibn Anas narrated from him and derived from his principles, as well as the opinions of some of his companions, along with some traditions and hadiths.

• Author: Imam Malik ibn Anas
• Investigator: Amer Al-Jazzar and Abdullah Al-Minshawi
• Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith - Cairo
• Year of Publication: 2005
• Number of Pages: 3264
• Number of Volumes: 6
• Binding Type: Technical Binding - Board Spine
• Paper Type: White
• Printing Colors: Two-tone
• ISBN: 977-300-107-5