فہم حدیث کے متعلق اصولیین کے ضوابط و مناہج (ڈاکٹر اریج فہد کی کتاب ضوابط فهم الحديث بين قوعد الأصوليين و المحدثين کا تحقیقی جائزہ)

Principles and Methodologies of Uṣūliyyīn Regarding the Understanding of Ḥadīth: A Critical Study of Dr. Areej Fahd’s Ḍawābiṭ Fahm al-Ḥadīth bayna Qawāʿid al-Uṣūliyyīn wa al-Muḥaddithīn

Abstract

The Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ occupies a central position as the second primary source of Islamic law after the Qur’an. Its correct understanding has therefore remained a major concern for scholars of Ḥadīth, jurists, and Uṣūliyyīn. This study critically examines the principles and methodologies adopted by the Uṣūliyyīn for understanding Prophetic traditions, with special reference to Dr. Areej Fahd’s work Ḍawābiṭ Fahm al-Ḥadīth bayna Qawāʿid al-Uṣūliyyīn wa al-Muḥaddithīn. The research highlights key methodological principles such as resolving apparent contradiction among texts, applying rules of preference, recognizing abrogation, considering the objectives of Sharīʿah, observing textual context, distinguishing linguistic and technical meanings, and identifying rulings related to specific incidents. It also discusses the Uṣūlī approach to the authenticity of ḥadīth, interpretation, Arabic linguistic usage, and the interrelationship of legal texts. The study concludes that the Uṣūliyyīn developed a comprehensive and balanced framework that protects the authority of Sunnah while enabling accurate legal reasoning. Their methodology combines textual fidelity, rational analysis, linguistic precision, and awareness of Sharīʿah objectives. Hence, these principles remain highly significant for contemporary understanding of ḥadīth and for avoiding errors in legal deduction.