MUḤAMMAD ANWAR SHĀH AL-KASHMĪRĪ: HIS METHODOLOGY AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCIENCE OF ḤADĪTH

Abstract

This research paper explores the life and works of Muḥammad Anwar Shāh Al-Kashmīrī. It thoroughly examines his methodology in Ḥadīth exegesis; in deriving rulings from Aḥādīth Al-Aḥkām and investigates his approach towards the study and teaching of Ḥadīth. This research highlights Al-Kashmīrī’s academic nature and depth of knowledge and underlines his contribution to the field of Ḥadīth. It also explores the impact of Muḥammad Anwar Shāh Al-Kashmīrī on the knowledge circles of Indian subcontinent in general and on the circles of Kashmir in particular. Additionally, it scrutinizes the research works in Arabic, English and Urdu on Muḥammad Anwar Shāh Al-Kashmīrī and highlights their merits and demerits. For examining Al-Kashmīrī’s methodology and contribution to the science of Ḥadīth; this paper relies primarily upon the Arabic books of Al-Kashmīrī and then on other Arabic books written by early scholars on the same themes. Most notable among Al-Kashmīrī’s own books used in this research are Fayḍul Bārī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī and Al-’Arf ash-Shadhdhī ‘alá Jāmi’ At-Tirmidhī, while as from amongst the most notable works of early scholars used in this research is Ibn Ḥajar’s Fatḥ al-Bārī. All forms of qualitative methods: content analysis, thematic analysis and discourse analysis were used for data collection in this research. This research concludes by stating that Al-Kashmīrī was one the greatest scholars of his times and his contribution to the science of Ḥadīth is immense. On many issues he treads a different path than that of his predecessors but given to his overall methodology, contribution and thought process he cannot be taken out from the mainstream Islamic scholarship. Muḥammad Anwar Shāh Al-Kashmīrī, as such, must be viewed as a scholar from amongst the great scholars of this Ummah. All of whom have their own set of limitations and independent thoughts on particular issues but are always counted within the folds of the broader group; Ahlus Sunnah Wa Al-Jamā’ah.