[GtmFeqJJ]

Al-Fiqh al-Manhaji is in three volumes in the newer editions published by Dar al-Qalam (mine is the 10th edition, 2008) whereas the earlier editions (first published in 1978) are in eight short volumes. I have seen a new version published in one volume.

The book is broken down in the typical manner of Shafi'i books. Sidi Silat's point about detail does hold true, though the book was written for Arab intermediate school students (aged around 14) and the general public, who do not need the detail. It covers the essential masa'il whilst mentioning evidences, wisdom, reasoning, etc. I believe it has been translated into Malay and that probably explains its popularity with the masses in Malaysia.

Here is the 4th edition from 1992:

http://www.waqfeya.com/book.php?bid=5490

Do note that Mustafa al-Bagha's commentary on Umdat al-Salik mentions the evidences for the masa'il and that Umdat al-Salik is more detailed than al-Fiqh al-Manhaji:

http://www.furat.com/?Prog=book&Page=bookinfo&id=8153

http://archive.org/details/tanwer