The Methodological Features in the Book of Kitāb-ul-Āathār by Al-Shaybānī and its Comparison with Kitāb-ul-Āthār by Imām Abū Yousaf Al-Qāḍī.

معالم حديثية في كتاب الآثار برواية الشيباني ومقارنته برواية أبي يوسف القاضي

Abstract

Kitab-ul-Athaar, compiled by the esteemed Muhaddith Imam Muhammad bin al-Hasan, is a foundational text in the field of hadith studies. As one of the earliest collections of hadith, this work captures the teachings and prophetic traditions (ahadith) as conveyed by Imam Abu Hanifa's students. The significance of Kitab-ul-Athaar lies not only in its content but also in its methodological approach to hadith compilation and classification, which has greatly influenced later hadith scholarship. This article examines the methodologies employed by Imam Muhammad bin al-Hasan in assembling this crucial work, focusing on his rigorous criteria for selecting ahadith and the interpretative frameworks he applied. Additionally, the study explores the key differences between the two narrations of Kitab-ul-Athaar—those transmitted by Imam Abu Yousaf and Imam Muhammad himself. It highlights the subtle yet impactful distinctions in the narrations, reflecting the nuanced approaches taken by early scholars of hadith in preserving and interpreting prophetic traditions. These differences not only reveal the dynamic nature of early hadith scholarship but also illustrate the evolving standards of authenticity and transmission that were integral to the development of hadith literature. Through this analysis, the article underscores the lasting importance and influence of Kitab-ul-Athaar in the field of hadith studies, offering insights into its continued relevance in both classical and contemporary scholarship.

Keywords: Kitab, Al-Athaar, Methodology of Hadith