Cambridge Muslim College is delighted to host an upcoming event exploring the remarkable intellectual contributions of Imām al-Bukhārī through his seminal work, the Ṣaḥīḥ. This gathering will bring together three scholars whose research sheds new light on the methodological precision and theological depth of the text. Dr Belal Alabbas will open the event by guiding attendees through a close reading of the Ṣaḥīḥ, drawing attention to how its structure and selection of narrations reflect al-Bukhārī’s broader intellectual project. Far from being a random compilation, the work carefully articulates core theological principles such as the interdependence of faith and deeds, the doctrine of divine predestination, the role of scholarly authority, and the concept of political leadership (imāma), all subtly woven into the fabric of its organisation.
Joining the conversation, Dr Omama Hamasha will offer a critical perspective on the chapter of Maghāzī (military campaigns), a section often overlooked in scholarly discussion. Unlike the doctrinal focus of other chapters, al-Maghāzī relies heavily on historical narrative, demanding from al-Bukhārī a flexible and context-sensitive approach to hadith criticism. Dr Hamasha’s research reveals how al-Bukhārī navigated these challenges by engaging the insights of earlier scholars while maintaining his own rigorous standards, thereby expanding our understanding of his methodology. Finally, Dr Hossam Ouf will explore al-Bukhārī’s portrayal of the Prophet’s Companions and Family through the chapters on Manāqib (Merits) and Faḍāʾil (Virtues). His talk will consider whether these sections reflect a purely devotional stance or indicate a degree of sectarian partiality, offering a balanced and critical view of how these narrations have shaped Sunni-Shiʿa discourse.
Together, these talks promise to provide a deeper appreciation of the Ṣaḥīḥ not only as a collection of hadith but as a sophisticated work of theology, history, and social commentary. The event invites all those interested in Islamic scholarship to reflect more deeply on the enduring significance of al-Bukhārī’s methodology and its place in shaping the intellectual legacy of the Muslim world.
Secure your place now by registering via the sign-up link here.