Al-Bukhari: The Life, Theology and Legal Thought of Islams Foremost Traditionist / Belal Abu-Alabbas.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Abu-Alabbas, Belal, Author.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (352 p.)

Place of Publication:

Edinburgh Edinburgh University Press, [2026]

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

The first comprehensive critical biography of Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari Presents the first comprehensive critical biography of al-Bukhari, offering an in-depth examination of his personal life and scholarly careerMeticulously documents al-Bukharis extensive travels in collecting and teaching hadith, and traces the development of his intellectual trajectoryOffers a thorough analysis of al-Bukharis method and principles of hadith criticismExamines al-Bukharis legal scholarship, exploring both his methodology and legal reasoningProvides a rigorous assessment of al-Bukharis theological views and delivers a systematic study of the Quranic controversy that marked the final years of his life Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari (d. 256/870) stands as one of the most distinguished figures in Islamic intellectual history. His magnum opus, the Sahih, is revered as the most authoritative collection of Prophetic traditions in Sunni Islam and is the most cited book in Islamic history. Beyond its juridical and theological significance, the Sahih was venerated in pre-modern societies as a source of spiritual blessings, recited to invoke divine favour, seek salvation, and even bring rain. Al-Bukharis legacy endures, shaping Islamic scholarship and devotion to this day. This pioneering critical study offers the first comprehensive examination of al-Bukharis life, intellectual trajectory and the socio-political landscape that influenced his scholarship. It meticulously analyses his methods of hadith criticism and explores his engagement with the theological and legal discourse of his time. Through an extensive study of the theological debates he engaged with and the masail (legal cases) in which he challenged Hanafi authorities, this book sheds new light on the legal landscape that underpinned his work. Providing both historical depth and analytical rigour, it is an essential contribution to the study of Islamic legal and hadith traditions.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Contents

Acknowledgements

Note on Dates, Places and Terms

Introduction: The Need for a Critical Study of al-Bukharis Life and Career

1 The Political and Intellectual Context

2 Life and Career

3 Works: Purpose, Composition and Early Transmission

4 Hadith Criticism

5 Theology

6 The Lafz Controversy

7 Political Theology

8 Legal Principles

9 Polemics with the Ahl al-ray

Conclusion: Al-Bukhari, the Ahl al-hadith and the Sunni Project

Bibliography

Index of Intellectual Concepts and Premodern Persons and Groups

Notes:

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed April 28 2026)

ISBN:

1-4744-8827-7