Sciences of Hadith according to Al-Bukhari: An Analytical Study

Abstract

This doctoral thesis critically examines Mu?ammad ibn Ism???l al-Bukh?r?’s al-J?mi? al-?a???, renowned as the most authentic collection of hadiths and a primary repository of Prophetic traditions. While the masterpiece has been the subject of extensive academic scrutiny, this research uniquely addresses its role as a direct source for the study of ?ul?m al-?ad?th (hadith criticism), particularly delving into issues related to ?ilm al-riw?yah and its practical applications. The overarching goal is to extract, investigate, and elucidate both the implicit and explicit dimensions of various types of ?ilm al-riw?yah inherent in al-J?mi? al-?a???. To achieve this objective, the research adopts three methodological approaches. Firstly, by employing the historical method, it explores al-Bukh?r?’s life in relation to?ilm al-riw?yah and traces the developmental stages of ?ilm al-riw?yah right up to the time of al-Bukh?r?. The second and third methodologies involve the inductive and deductive analytical methods, where academic materials relevant to the topic are gathered. The relationship between al-Bukh?r?’s approach in al-J?mi? al-?a??? and a set of terminologies of ?ilm al-riw?yah is deduced through careful analysis. The findings underscore that al-J?mi? al-?a??? encapsulates a substantial repository of ?ilm al-riw?yah elements, specifically pertaining to the science of identifying hadith narrators and classifying types of narrations. al-Bukh?r? deliberately and skilfully integrated these elements into his masterpiece, reaffirming its status as an exemplary source for the exploration of ?ilm al-riw?yah. The research not only contributes to a deeper understanding of al-J?mi? al-?a???, but also positions it as a comprehensive manual for the contemporary study of ?ul?m al-?ad?th, bridging the historical depth of al-Bukh?r?’s work with its relevance in today's academic landscape.