Features of the Critical Methodology of Imam Ibn Mahdi

Abstract

Abstract

This research examines the features of the critical methodology of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Mahdi (d. 198 AH), one of the most prominent Hadith scholars of the 2^nd Hijri century. It aims to elucidate his approach to critiquing narrators (Al-Ruwah) and texts (AL-Mutun), uncovering subtle defects and clarifying his principles for distinguishing between the various grades of reliable narrators (Al-Thiqat). It also explores his method of integrating the examination of both the chain of transmission (Al-Isnad) and the text (Al-Matn), and his impartiality in the disciplines of impugning and validating narrators (Al-Jarḥ wa Al-Tadil).

The study highlights Bin Mahdi role in building a systematic Hadith criticism, transitioning the science of Hadith from a phase of mere transmission to one of scientific analysis based on induction and comparison.

The study concluded that Bin Mahdi’s methodology represents the foundation upon which the sciences of hidden defects and impugning/validating narrators (Al-Jarḥ wa Al-Tadil) were established. He combined the precision of the Hadith scholar, the scrupulousness of the critic, and the fairness of the erudite scholar, making him a pioneer in the history of systematic Hadith criticism.