Methodology of Imam Khattabi in resolving conflicts (Research study in the context of “Ma'alim al-Sunan”)

رفعِ تعارض میں امام خطابی ؒ کا منہج و اسلوب (معالم السنن کے تناظر میں تحقیقی مطالعہ)

Abstract

Imam al-Khattabi is considered to be one of the most eminent lexicographers, jurists and narrators of his time.  One of his most important scholarly services is Abu Dawud's commentary “Ma'alim al-Sunan”. This book is not only the main source of interpretation and understanding of the hadith, but the author has combined many sciences in it, one of which is the knowledge of resolving conflicts (Raf` e Ta`arud). The need for resolving the conflict actually arises when the meaning of the two popular hadiths seems to be against each other. In such a case, resolving the dispute is called Raf` e Ta`arud. The fact is that the contradiction between the shar'i arguments or two different hadiths is only apparent, not real, because it is not possible for two hadiths from the Prophet (PBUH) to be authentic and contradictory. However, in Ma'alim al-Sunan, Imam al-Khattabi has also arranged for the resolution of contradictions and in this regard he has kept in view three basic principles. First, an attempt has been made to combine and apply between two conflicting traditions so that both can be followed. Secondly, attempts have been made to resolve the conflict by cancellation (Naskh) and thirdly, he has removed the contradiction by giving priority to one of the contradictory hadiths over the other. In addition, he cites two reasons for the conflict; One is to use brevity in narrating the hadiths from the narrator and the other is to differ in the status of the companions in hearing the hadith from the Prophet. He has also adopted various methods to mimic conflict. In the article, the details of these issues are being presented.