Question

Is it true that the Usul al-Hadith of the Hanafi Madhab differs from other Madhahib?
Which books should a Hanafi student study in the subject?

Answer

Each School of Fiqh has derived their own principles of Hadith, just as they have their own principles in fiqh (usulul fiqh).

This does not mean that the difference is in every principle or term. There are many terms and principles in which these schools may agree upon, although they would differ on others. The differences also occur in the rulings and application of certain terms.

Currently, my dear friend and colleague, Shaykh Muhyuddeen ‘Awwamah, the son of My Honourable Teacher; Al-‘Allamatul Muhaddith, Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahumallah) is preparing his book on this topic for print. The book is entitled: المسائل الاصطلاحية المختلف فيها أصوليا وحديثيا بين الحنفية والشافعية. May Allah Ta’ala bring it to the light of day, soon.

It is essential for a student of any madhab to understand the rules of Hadith of his own madhab, in addition to the standards of the Muhaddithun.

Studying the principles and terminologies of the Muhaddithun, allows one to understand the works of the Muhaddithun better. Whilst knowing one’s own school’s views gives one true insight into the workings of the madhab.

See here for a list of Hanafi books on usulul hadith.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar