The Problem of Abridgments in Sahih al-Bukhari: A critical Methodological Study

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on a methodological issue at its core, and scientific in its findings, namely the abridgment of the book: "Sahih al-Bukhari". The study revealed the reality of the problematic nature of the abridgments of the comprehensive Sahih collection, with these problems ranging from methodological to scientific. It presented the reasons that led to these problems, notably the lack of a comprehensive view of the book, and the reduction of the structural unity upon which "Sahih al-Bukhari" is based. This demonstrated the strength of the structure of the book "Sahih" and the extent of cohesion among its elements, and their interconnection. It also highlighted the most prominent problems resulting from the abridgment of "Sahih al-Bukhari", including the loss of critical and jurisprudential purposes, followed by the deletion of chains of narration, biographies, and historical accounts.