The Evidential Analogy (Qiyas) according to al-Bukhari: As Derived from the Chapter Headings of His Sahih

Abstract

This article examines a foundational issue in Usul al-Fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), namely the use of evidential analogy (qiyas) as a method of legal reasoning, according to the doctrine of Imam Abu ‘Abd Allah Muḥammad ibn Isma‘il al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him). This is explored through the chapter headings (tarajim) of his book 'Al-sahih al-Jami‘'. The aim is to ascertain Imam al-Bukhari’s position on this matter and the extent of his reliance on 'qiyas' in deriving the legal rulings he espoused. The study focuses exclusively on those chapter headings in which al-Bukhari explicitly states a legal ruling (ḥukm shar‘ī) or an uṣūlī principle. It does not cover headings where no definitive ruling is given, nor rulings attributed to others unless al-Bukhārī either agreed with or opposed them. The researcher adopts an inductive method followed by analytical reasoning to conclude al-Bukhārī’s position as it becomes evident.
The article begins with a biographical account of Imam al-Bukhari and an introduction to his Ṣaḥīḥ. It also defines the concept of qiyās and clarifies the meaning of tarājim (chapter headings) to establish the precise terms of the research title: The Evidential Analogy (Qiyās) according to al-Bukhari as Derived from the Chapter Headings of His Ṣaḥīḥ.