Question

I have seen some Hadith commentators quote Al Khattabi. Who is Al Khattabi?

Answer

Imam Abu Sulayman Hamd ibn Muhammad Al Khattabi Al Busti (rahimahullah) was a Shafi’i Muhaddith, born approximately in 310 A.H. and passed away in Rabi’ul Akhir in the year 388 A.H.

From among his teachers were, Ibnul A’arabi, Abu Bakr ibn Dasah; a narrator of Sunan Abi Dawud and Abul ‘Abbas Al Asamm (rahimahumullah).

Abu ‘Abdillah Al Hakim and Abu Hamid Al Isfarayini (rahimahumallah) were from among his students.

He has authored several books including a commentary on Sahih Bukhari, entitled “A’lamul Hadith/Sunan” and Sunan Abi Dawud entitled “Ma’alimus Sunan.”

He was the first to write a commentary on Sahih Bukhari.

(Refer: Siyaru A’lamin Nubala, vol. 17, pg. 23-28 and ‘Allamah Khattabi’s foreword on A’lamul Hadith)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar