An Analytical Study of the Scholarly Status of Muḥammad ibn Ḥibbān in the Science of Ḥadīth

Abstract

Muḥammad ibn Ḥibbān al-Bustī (d. 354 AH) is regarded as one of the most prominent ḥadīth scholars and critics of the fourth Islamic century (AH). He left behind several valuable works, including al-Ṣaḥīḥ, al-Majrūḥīn, and al-Thiqāt. His scholarly status and methodological approach in the science of ḥadīth have long been a subject of debate among scholars. On the one hand, he has been counted among the great ḥadīth masters (ḥuffāẓ) and meticulous critics of ḥadīth; on the other hand, he has been criticized for his authentication of unknown narrators and for some of his distinctive opinions. The present study employs an analytical method based on library research and drawing upon primary ḥadīth sources and biographical literature, examines Ibn Ḥibbān’s scholarly profile, his works, his methodology in Jarḥ wa taʿdīl (narrator criticism), and the views of both his supporters and critics. The findings indicate that Ibn Ḥibbān adopted an innovative approach in ḥa   dīth criticism. Although some of his views, particularly regarding the authentication of unknown narrators, have been controversial, he nevertheless played a significant role in the development of the sciences of ḥadīth and rijāl. Accordingly, he should be regarded among the influential ḥadīth masters and critics whose work left a profound impact on later scholars.