The Hadiths Declared 'Not Authentic' by al-Daraqutni in His Sunan "An Applied Critical Study"

Abstract

The science of Hadith is considered one of the most honorable and precise Islamic sciences, established to safeguard the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from fabrication and distortion. Among the leading scholars in this field was Imam al-Hafiz al-Daraqutni, renowned for his sharp criticism and deep insight into the defects of Hadith and its narrators. His book al-Sunan is regarded as a significant contribution, arranged according to jurisprudential chapters, and often accompanied by his critical judgments, most notably the phrase “lā yaṣiḥ” (“not authentic”). This research aims to collect the Hadiths upon which al-Daraqutni passed this judgment, and to study them through an applied critical approach, comparing his assessments with those of other eminent critics. The study further highlights his methodological use of this expression and the precision of his Hadith criticism. The phrase “wa-lā yaṣiḥ” was excluded to avoid excessive length and complexity. The focus of this research remains purely Hadith-critical rather than jurisprudential, in an attempt to demonstrate the authenticity of the Hadith methodology and the richness of its critical legacy.

This research demonstrates that focusing solely on the hadiths explicitly stated by al-Daraqutni as "not authentic" reveals a crucial aspect of his practical methodology in hadith criticism and his profound commitment to purifying the Sunnah of what is not established. It also confirms that his critical pronouncements were not merely personal opinions, but rather judgments grounded in established hadith principles, thus granting them significant value within the framework of hadith criticism.

Therefore, this research suggests that researchers should delve deeper into al-Daraqutni's "Sunan" and conduct a thorough critical analysis of his other statement, "not authentic," to fully grasp his critical methodology and illuminate all facets of his scholarly personality. This will enhance understanding of the hadith school and its foundations, and support efforts to preserve the Prophetic Sunnah in the best possible way. And Allah is the One who grants success and guides to the straight path.