Al-I‘lal by Following the Straight Path according to Imam al-Zurqani in His Commentary on al-Muwatta

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing a precise critical term employed by al-Zurqani in his commentary, namely "al-I‘lal by following the straight path." The research aims to define the concept, document its application by al-Zurqani in his *Sharh al-Muwatta’*, and assess its impact on his judgment of hadiths. The findings reveal that al-Zurqani used this approach implicitly, drawing on earlier critics such as Ibn Hajar. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of this methodology in hadith criticism and the need to examine its applications among later scholars.