The Status of Al-Muwatta and the Grade of Its Hadiths: An Analytical Hadith Study in Light of the Statements of Criticism Imams

Abstract

This research addresses the status of Imam Malik ibn Anas in Hadith sciences and jurisprudence (Fiqh), as well as the high scholarly standing that Al-Muwatta achieved in the codification history of the Sunnah. It presents Imam Malik's methodology in compiling his work, regarding the selection of narrations and transmitters, combining prophetic Hadiths (Marfu') with the reports of the Companions (Athar), the Successors, and the practice of the people of Medina ('Amal Ahl al-Madinah), and arranging them according to jurisprudential chapters. Furthermore, it examines the hurried/hurriedly-attributed narrations (Murasil) and directly reached reports (Balaghat) in Al-Muwatta, paying special attention to the four Balaghat for which Ibn 'Abd al-Barr could not find connected chains (Isnad).

The research adopted an inductive-analytical approach by tracking the statements of Hadith imams and analyzing the routes and supporting evidence (Shawahid) of these Hadiths. The study concluded that Al-Muwatta holds an elevated status among Hadith scholars, confirming the overall authenticity of its Hadiths as generally ruled by a group of scholars, alongside the specific treatment given to its Mursal (hurried) and Mu'allaq (suspended) narrations. It also affirmed Imam Malik's firm authority in both Hadith and jurisprudence, as testified by the imams of criticism and narration throughout the ages.