Journal of Islamic Studies > Volume 28, No. 1, 2016

Quality of Competence in Hadith Inquiry: Importance and Ways of Acquisition / khald Abdul Aziz Aba Al-Khail

This research deals with an important issue in the field of the Sunnah, namely the importance and acquisition of competence in inquiry into the Hadith. The issue is of great importance to establishing the reliability of texts; in this regard, incompetent inquiry is a main source of problems. Besides, the quality of inquiry competence cannot be acquired easily, especially at the early stages of studying Hadith sciences. This research aims to show the importance and impact of inquiry competence on establishing the truth in researching the Hadith. It also aims to lay foundations and suggest ways of attaining excellence in Hadith inquiry. Towards attaining its goals, this research has employed a descriptive approach to describe the works of critics, and an analytical approach to identify the most effective ways of mastering Hadith inquiry. This research is expected to reinforce the role of critics in mastering criticism methodology and developing inquiry competence. In this regard, it is necessary to comprehend and be well aware of the related writings of leading critics, and to emulate their ways of striving towards high standards of competence. Among the important recommendations this research makes are: students of Hadith sciences should be helped to acquire the quality of competence in inquiry, by means of understanding leading criticism methodologies, and by applying these methodologies in Hadith inquiry; all related Hadith studies, such as Hadith terminology and Hadith scholars, should be provided in association with critics' practical applications of Hadith criticism methodologies