Imām al-Baiḍawī’s Method in the Analysis and Interpretation of Ḥadīth Texts: A Focused Study of Tuḥfat al-Abrār

متن ِحدیث کی تحلیل وتشریح میں امام بیضاوی رحمہ اللہ کا منہج: تحفۃ الابرار کا اختصاصی مطالعہ

Abstract

This article presents an analytical study of Imām al-Baiḍawī’s approach in Tuḥfat al-Abrār, with a specific focus on his detailed explanation of complex and rare words (gharīb al-ḥadīth) found in the text. The commentary highlights the meanings of uncommon terms, often clarifying their linguistic roots and usage. Al-Baiḍawī also provides grammatical (naḥwī) and morphological (ṣarfī) analysis, which helps readers understand the structural and syntactical dimensions of Ḥadīth texts. In addition, when geographical locations or proper names are mentioned, the author offers helpful background and clarification. The commentary also includes relevant contextual connections (munāsabat) between Ḥadīths and their surrounding texts, ensuring coherence in interpretation. Another notable feature is al-Baiḍawī’s method of referencing earlier authoritative sources. He not only cites classical works but critically engages with them, selectively adopting or refining their views. This paper aims to explore these features in a systematic manner, showing how Tuḥfat al-Abrār serves not only as a Ḥadīth commentary but also as a valuable linguistic, juristic, and theological reference for scholars and students alike.