Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī (صحيح البخاري)
Definition and Significance
Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī (صحيح البخاري) is an esteemed compilation of ḥadīth (prophetic traditions) and is considered the first and most authentic of the Kutubu ’s-Sittah, or the “six correct” books of traditions received by the Sunnī branch of Islam. It holds a prestigious place in Islamic scholarship and is utilized extensively for deriving Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and ethics.
Etymology
The term Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī is derived from Arabic:
- Ṣaḥīḥ (صحيح) meaning “authentic” or “sound”
- Bukhārī (البخاري) referring to the compiler’s epithet, attributing him to his place of origin, Bukhara.
In Turkish, it is usually referred to as Sahîhü’l-Buhârî.
Historical Background
The collection was compiled by Abū ʿAbdullah Muḥammad ibn Ismāʿīl al-Bukhārī (أبو عبدالله محمد بن إسماعيل البخاري), who was born in Bukhara (modern-day Uzbekistan) in 194 AH (810 CE) and died in Khartang near Samarkand in 256 AH (870 CE).
Compilation and Structure
Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī contains 9,882 traditions, meticulously gathered after rigorous scrutiny and verification, of which 2,623 are considered to be of undisputed authority. The ḥadīths are organized into:
- Books (كتب): 160 books
- Chapters (أبواب): 3,450 chapters
The author employed a stringent method to ensure the authenticity of each ḥadīth, including the reliability and integrity of the chain of narrators (isnāds).
Importance in Islamic Tradition
- Authenticity: Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī is often regarded as the most authentic collection of ḥadīth after the Qur’an.
- Authority: It is a cornerstone for Sunnī jurisprudence (fiqh) and has a profound influence on Islamic theology, law, and spiritual practice.
- Scholarship: Its meticulous compilation is a testament to classical Islamic scholarship and methodology in preserving prophetic traditions.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “The Translation of the Meanings of Summarized Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī” by Muhammad Muhsin Khan
- “The Biography of Imam Bukhari” by Dr. Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul Rahman al-‘Arifi
- “Critical Analysis of Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī” by Dr. Adnan Zahid
- “Prophetic Traditions in Islam: On the Authority of the Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī” by I.A. K. Nyazee
Key Takeaways
- Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī is an essential text in Islamic tradition containing approximately 9,882 ḥadīths.
- Authored by al-Bukhārī, it is considered the most authentic collection of prophetic traditions by Sunnī Muslims.
- The text is structured into 160 books and 3,450 chapters, ensuring systematic categorization for ease of reference.
- It serves as a significant resource for Islamic legal, ethical, and theological discourse.
Conclusion
Ṣaḥīḥu ’l-Bukhārī is a fundamental source of Islamic knowledge and continues to be a pivotal reference for Muslims around the world. Its compilation reflects the dedication and scholarly rigor of early Islamic scholars in preserving the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam).
Approaching this text with a comprehensive understanding of its context and structure enriches one’s knowledge of Islamic tradition and provides valuable insights into the life and teachings of the Prophet.
