AT-TIRMIDHĪ (الترمذى)
Definition
AT-TIRMIDHĪ (الترمذى), also spelled as At-Tirmidhi, refers to the prominent Islamic scholar Abū ʿĪsā Muḥammad ibn ʿĪsā ibn Saurah at-Tirmidhī. He is chiefly known for his seminal work, the Jāmiʿu ʾt-Tirmiẕī, often translated as “The Collection of Tirmidhi.” This compilation is one of the six canonical collections of hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), known as the Kutub al-Sittah in Sunni Islam.
Etymology
- Arabic: الترمدى
- Turkish: Tirmizi
The name “Tirmidhī” is derived from his birthplace, Tirmidh (modern-day Termez in Uzbekistan), located on the banks of the Jaihun River.
Biographical Background
- Birth: AH 209 (824 CE)
- Death: AH 279 (892 CE)
Abū ʿĪsā Muḥammad ibn ʿĪsā ibn Saurah at-Tirmidhī was born in Tirmidh. He traveled extensively in search of knowledge and to collect hadith, studying under renowned scholars and contemporaries such as Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim. His works have had a lasting impact on Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
The Jāmiʿu ʾt-Tirmiẕī
The “Collection of Tirmidhi,” or Jāmiʿu ʾt-Tirmiẕī, holds a prestigious position among the six canonical hadith compilations recognized by Sunni Muslims. This collection not only includes hadith but also provides critical commentary and analysis, making it a rich source for Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). Al-Tirmidhī categorized his hadith narrations into various chapters, focusing on jurisprudence, virtues, etiquette, and more.
Relevance and Significance
- Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence): The hadith in the Jāmiʿu ʾt-Tirmiẕī is extensively used in deriving legal rulings in Islamic jurisprudence.
- Scholarship: The work is notable for its methodological approach, combining hadith reporting with critical analysis, which sets it apart from other collections.
- Theological Importance: It remains a crucial reference for Sunni theologians and scholars in understanding the sayings and practices of Prophet Muhammad.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “The Compilation of Timirmidhi” by Clifton Mosque Library
- “Studies in Early Hadith Literature” by M. M. Azami
- “The Evolution of Fiqh” by Bilal Philips
- “Introduction to Hadith” by Abd al-Hadi al-Fadli
Key Takeaways
- Al-Tirmidhī is a distinguished figure in Sunni Islamic tradition, known for his meticulous compilation of hadith.
- The Jāmiʿu ʾt-Tirmiẕī is one of the six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
- His works are instrumental for scholars in the field of Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and history.
Conclusion
AT-TIRMIDHĪ, through his laborious efforts in hadith collection and classification, has left an indelible mark on Islamic thought and scholarship. His contributions remain a cornerstone for anyone engaged in the study of Islamic traditions and law.
