Panel: UNVEILING AL-BUKHARI'S LEGACY: METHODOLOGICAL, THEOLOGICAL, AND HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES



921.1 - AL-BUKHĀRĪ AND AL-MAGHĀZĪ: A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON HIS ṢAḤĪḤ

AUTHORS:
Hamasha O. (Assistant Professor in Theology and Religion\Islamic Studies at the University of Jordan ~ Amman ~ Jordan)
Text:
This paper offers a critical exploration of the Maghāzī (military campaigns) chapter of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, presenting a novel lens through which to view this seminal work. Unlike other chapters, the narrations in al-Maghāzī are predominantly historical, requiring Imam al-Bukhārī to adapt his rigorous methodology to this unique narrative genre. This research highlights al-Bukhārī's exceptional ability to balance the principles of ḥadīth criticism with the demands of historical narrations, showcasing his nuanced and flexible approach. The study delves into three key aspects of the Maghāzī chapter: 1. Sources: Examining both oral and written materials that inform its narrations. 2. Methodology: Analyzing the techniques used by al-Bukhārī to critique and select narrations, demonstrating a context-specific relaxation of his usual stringent criteria while upholding authenticity. 3. Presentation: Investigating the structured display of narratives to preserve their historical significance. Employing inductive, critical-analytical, and comparative methodologies, the paper reveals how al-Bukhārī incorporated the insights of earlier scholars to address challenges in the chains (sanad) of transmission. The findings underscore the importance of contextualizing al-Maghāzī within al-Bukhārī's broader compilation, offering fresh perspectives on how his methodologies can be applied to diverse narration types. This research not only enhances understanding of al-Bukhārī's intellectual contributions but also addresses critiques directed at his Ṣaḥīḥ, reaffirming its enduring significance in the study of Islamic scholarship.