With an inspiring life marked by profound scholarship, ABŪ DĀʾŪD (ابو داود), Sulaimān Ibn al-Ashʾas̤ al-Sijistānī (A.H. 202 - A.H. 275), occupies a revered position in the annals of Islamic thought. He is distinguished as the compiler of Sunan Abī Dāʾūd, one of the six canonical hadith collections (Kutub al-Sittah) in Sunni Islam. This compilation hosts 4,008 meticulously selected traditions, culled from some 500,000 narrations – a testament to both his dedication and scholarly rigor.
Etymology and Background
ABŪ DĀʾŪD’s full name, Sulaimān Ibn al-Ashʾas̤ al-Sijistānī, reflects his geographical and cultural roots. Born in the early 9th century in Basra, Iraq – a luminary center of learning at the time – ABŪ DĀʾŪD started his scholarly pursuits in an era often termed the “Golden Age of Islamic Civilization.” His kunya (nickname), ABŪ DĀʾŪD, signifies “Father of David,” following a traditional Arab naming custom.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
ABŪ DĀʾŪD’s works highlight the shared reverence for hadith within the Ummah, transcending the boundaries of modern-day national identities. While regional differences in the interpretation and application of hadith may exist, the foundational acceptance of his contributions remains unwavering across Sunni traditions globally.
Synonyms
- Sunan Compilers: Referring to ABŪ DĀʾŪD’s role alongside other collectors of hadith.
- Muhaddith: An Islamic scholar specializing in the study of hadith.
- Islamic Scholar: General designation, although not specific to hadith.
Antonyms
- Innovator (Bid’ah) Opponent: Those opposing traditional hadith interpretative frameworks, preferring individual or unorthodox methodologies.
Related Terms
- Hadith (حديث): Reports describing the words, actions, or habits of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Kutub al-Sittah (الكتب الستة): The six canonical hadith collections in Sunni Islam.
- Fiqh (فقه): Islamic jurisprudence.
- Isnad (إسناد): The chain of authorities on which a hadith is based.
- Sahih (صحيح): Denoting authenticated and sound hadith.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
- It is said that ABŪ DĀʾŪD selected 4,008 hadith from a pool of approximately half a million narrations, demonstrating his exacting standards.
- Quote: “The religion began as something strange and it will return to being strange, so blessed are the strangers.” - One of the hadiths collected by ABŪ DĀʾŪD.
- Intriguing Fact: Despite the voluminous nature of his collection, some hadith compilations by ABŪ DĀʾŪD are yet to be found or transcribed fully.
Suggested Literature
- “Sunan Abu Dawud” by ABŪ DĀʾŪD
- “Introduction to Hadith” by M. H. Kamali
- “Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World” by Jonathan A.C. Brown
- “The Canonization of al-Bukhārī and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunnī Ḥadīth Canon” by Jonathan Brown
- “Women in the Mosque: A History of Legal Thought and Social Practice” by Marion Holmes Katz
Further Resources
- Peer-reviewed journals in Islamic Studies and historical publications focusing on the Islamic Golden Age.
Quizzes 📝
In conclusion, ABŪ DĀʾŪD’s legacy transcends time, his work a beacon in the complexity of Islamic jurisprudence and theology. His disciplined approach and commitment to authenticity resonate through centuries, serving as not only a source of religious guidance but also intellectual inspiration.
May you, dear reader, find inspiration and enlightenment in the scholarly pursuit of truth, as epitomized by ABŪ DĀʾŪD.
Farewell, Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Farooq
Published on October 15, 2023
