Al-Bukhari (رحمه الله)

Date of Birth and Death

• Born: July 20, 810 CE (194 AH) in Bukhara, present-day Uzbekistan
• Died: September 1, 870 CE (256 AH) in Khartank, near Samarkand, present-day Uzbekistan

Origin and Early Life

Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari, commonly known as Imam Bukhari, was born in Bukhara to a Persian-speaking family. His father was a learned scholar who died while Bukhari was still a child, leaving him to be raised by his mother. From a young age, he exhibited an extraordinary memory and a strong desire for learning, particularly in the field of Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

Education and Teachers

Imam Bukhari traveled extensively in his quest for knowledge, visiting major Islamic centers of learning, such as Mecca, Medina, Baghdad, Basra, Kufa, Egypt, and Syria. He studied under numerous scholars, including:

• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
• Ishaq ibn Rahuyah
• Ali ibn al-Madini
• Yahya ibn Ma’in
• Muhammad ibn Yusuf al-Firyabi
• Muhammad ibn Bashar

Expertise and Works

Imam Bukhari is best known for his expertise in Hadith. His most significant work is “Sahih al-Bukhari,” regarded as the most authentic collection of Hadith in Sunni Islam. The compilation includes approximately 7,275 narrations, meticulously verified for authenticity.

Other important works

• “Al-Adab al-Mufrad” (Book of Manners)
• “Al-Tarikh al-Kabir” (The Great History)
• “Al-Tarikh al-Awsat” (The Middle History)
• “Al-Tarikh al-Saghir” (The Minor History)
• “Khalq Af’al al-‘Ibad” (The Creation of Actions of Servants)

Famous For

Imam Bukhari is renowned for compiling “Sahih al-Bukhari,” one of the six major Hadith collections in Sunni Islam and considered the most authentic after the Quran. His rigorous methodology in Hadith verification set a high standard for authenticity and reliability in Islamic scholarship. His work has profoundly influenced Islamic jurisprudence and theology.

Character and Piety

Imam Bukhari was known for his piety, humility, and dedication to his studies. He led an ascetic lifestyle, often abstaining from worldly pleasures and focusing on his scholarly pursuits. His contemporaries and students praised his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to Islamic teachings. Despite facing envy and opposition from some quarters, he remained steadfast in his mission to preserve and transmit authentic Hadith.

Books and Teachings

The teachings and compilations of Imam Bukhari continue to be pivotal in Islamic education and jurisprudence. His “Sahih al-Bukhari” is extensively studied in Islamic universities and seminaries worldwide, shaping the understanding and application of Hadith in various aspects of Islamic life. His meticulous approach to Hadith collection and his contributions to Islamic scholarship have left a lasting legacy, ensuring his revered status among Muslims globally.

Imam Bukhari’s legacy as a preeminent Hadith scholar remains influential, and his works are revered and studied by Muslims around the world. His dedication to the authenticity of Hadith has made a lasting impact on the Muslim Ummah.