Narrators Described as Well-Known "Mashhūr" by Imam Al-Bazzār D. 292 AH. in his Major "Musnad Al-Bahr Al-Zakhkhār": Collection and Study 10.35781/1637-000-149-001

Abstract

Abstract This research aims to compile the narrators whom Al-Bazzar described as "Mashhur" (well-known) in his Musnad. It seeks to investigate their status and analyze Al-Bazzar's usage of this specific term. The study also examines the scholars who concurred with him in applying this classification to determine the precise implication of this terminology according to him. The research comprises an introduction, five sections, and a conclusion. The study employed inductive, critical, descriptive, and deductive methodologies. Among the key findings reached are: The high scholarly stature of Imam Al-Bazzar in the field of Hadith sciences. The significance of his book, which is considered a Hadith encyclopedia encompassing numerous disciplines of Hadith. He is noted for being gentle in his phrasing when judging narrators.He was not the first to apply the term "Mashhur" to narrators.The number of narrators described as "Mashhur" by Al-Bazzar in his Musnad reached ninety-two. These narrators are diversified in rank; they include the trustworthy, the truthful (Saduq), the weak (Da'if), the abandoned (Matruk), and those of unknown status (Majhul al-Hal). This classification applies regardless of the volume of their narrations; some are prolific narrators, while others are not. To add, , he employed this attribute to narrators known for various reasons and considerations. Significantly enough, he designated some as "Mashhur" unconditionally, whether due to factors like their lineage, title, companionship with the Prophet, realization of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), kinship, knowledge, writings, or otherwise. Others he described as "Mashhur" regarding narrations from them—sometimes accompanied by validation or criticism—either because prominent scholars narrated from them, a specific narrator reported from them, or the general public narrated from them. Some were described as "Mashhur" alongside specific praise or criticism. Others were described as "Mashhur" in relation to a specific location. Thus, describing a narrator as "Mashhur" according to Al-Bazzar does not imply their reliability (Tawthiq) nor a high volume of Hadith. It is not exclusive to Hadith transmission; rather, it indicates that the narrator is a known figure and not an unknown entity (Majhul al-Ain). I recommend that students and researchers specializing in Hadith sciences study the terminology used by critics regarding narrators. They should compare these terms with the statements of other critics to understand their specific connotations. This will give an access into an accurate assessment of the narrator's status regarding acceptance or rejection. The research is attached with a bibliography of sources and references. Keywords: Narrators, Al-Bazzar, Mashhur, Musnad Al-Bazzar, "Al-Bahr Al-Zakhkhar".