Khaṭīb al-Baghdadi’s methodological contributions to hadīth studies and their influence on subsequent Islamic scholarship

Abstract

The study of ḥadīth lies at the heart of Islamic scholarship, providing the second foundational source for Islamic law and theology after the Qur’an. Ensuring the authenticity and understanding of ḥadīth reports has been a crucial endeavor throughout Islamic history, as it directly influences legal rulings, theological doctrines, and the overall structure of Islamic practice. Al-Khaṭīb al-Baghdādī's contributions to ʿUlūm al-Ḥadīth were pivotal in refining the methodologies used to authenticate ḥadīth and ensure their appropriate application. Understanding his work is not only important for appreciating the historical development of ḥadīth sciences but also for exploring how his synthesis of ʿilm al-riwāyah (transmission) and ʿilm aldirāyah (understanding) continues to influence contemporary Islamic scholarship...