The Methodology of Imam Bukhari in Narration and Shia Narrators: An Analytical Study of Al-Jami' al-Sahih

This study examines Imam al-Bukhari’s methodology in narration, with a special focus on his treatment of Shia narrators in Sahih al-Bukhari. This study also analyzes the principles and criteria employed by Imam al-Bukhari in selecting, verifying, and authenticating narrators, emphasizing the distinction he maintained between reliability, piety, and doctrinal adherence. By reviewing classical biographical sources (rijal) and cross-referencing narrations within Sahih al-Bukhari, the present study investigates how narrators with Shia affiliations were handled, including cases of weak or controversial transmitters. It also highlights Imam al-Bukhari’s scholarly rigor, objectivity, and adherence to the standards of criticism on hadith along with provision of insights into his critical evaluation process. Furthermore, it also contributes to a deeper understanding of Sahih al-Bukhari’s methodology and the nuanced approach toward narrators of different sectarian backgrounds.