Ḥadīth Ḍa‘īf: Methodological Differences and Practical Implementation: An Analytical Study

حدیث ضعیف: منہجی اختلاف اور عملی نفاذ: ایک تحقیقی جائزہ

Abstract

This study critically explores the role of Ḥadith-e-Da‘if in shaping methodological differences and practical applications within the Islamic scholarly tradition. It examines the historical divergence among Ḥadith scholars regarding the acceptance and use of Da‘if narrations, categorizing approaches as precautionary, ijtihādī, and devotional-ethical. By analyzing theoretical frameworks alongside practical applications, the research assesses the adherence to established conditions for employing Hadith-e-Da‘if in historical contexts. Case studies of leading scholars, including Imam Ahmad, Imam Nawawi, and Ibn Hajar, reveal occasional gaps between stated principles and their practical implementation. These variations highlight both the richness and the complexity of Islamic jurisprudential discourse. The study concludes that while scholarly methodologies were rigorous in theory, practical implementation often reflected flexibility, underscoring the need for a balanced approach by contemporary scholars. This research offers insights into the interplay between Hadith criticism and its real-world application, providing guidance for methodologically sound utilization in modern scholarship.