The Methodology of Imam Muhammad bin Yahya bin alhusayn in Textual Criticism (Naqd al-Matn): Analysis, Applications, and Foundational Study

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the methodology of Imam Muhammad bin Yahya in textual criticism (naqd al-matn) by identifying its defining features, extrapolating the criteria he relied upon in his critiques, and establishing the foundations of this methodology in alignment with Quranic texts, Sharia principles, and the objectives of Islamic law (maqasid al-Sharriea). Additionally, it applies this methodology to examples of hadiths he critiqued and explores its scholarly value in contemporary hadith studies. The study employs an inductive approach by tracing the hadiths he examined, an analytical approach to dissect his critical viewpoints within their context, an applied approach through case studies of specific narrations, and a foundational (foundational) approach to anchor his critiques in scriptural and rational evidence, thereby reinforcing their validity. The research comprises three sections:

The first section addresses the conceptual framework of hadith criticism, its principles, and standards as delineated by scholars.

The second section examines Imam almurtada Muhammad bin alhadi and his critical methodology.

The third section analyzes the narrations critiqued by Muhammad bin Yahya bin alhussein.

Key findings highlight Imam Muhammad’s integrative approach to textual criticism, which harmonizes transmitted (naqli) and rational (eaqli) criteria. His methodology emphasizes evaluating narrations against the Quran, Sunnah, reason, linguistic precision, and jurisprudential principles. The study recommends revitalizing classical hadith scholars’ methods of textual criticism in contemporary research and advocates for the preservation, compilation, and academic study of Imam Muhammad bin Yahya bin alhussein’s legacy as a balanced model in hadith criticism