The Methodology of Mullā ʿAlī al-Qārī in the Interpretation of Gharīb al-Ḥadīth: An Analytical Study in the Light of Mirqāt al-Mafātīḥ

مولا علی قاریؒ کے ہاں غریب الحدیث کی شرح کا منہج: مرقاۃ المفاتیح کی روشنی میں

Abstract

The science of Gharīb al-Ḥadīth occupies a significant position among the sciences of Hadith, as it deals with the explanation of rare, unfamiliar, and linguistically complex words occurring in the Prophetic traditions. A proper understanding of such expressions is essential for deriving the intended meanings of the Sunnah and for avoiding misinterpretation. Among the eminent scholars who made a remarkable contribution in this field is Mullā ʿAlī al-Qārī (d. 1014 AH) through his celebrated commentary, Mirqāt al-Mafātīḥ Sharḥ Mishkāt al-Maṣābīḥ. This article examines his methodology in explaining Gharīb al-Ḥadīth by analyzing selected examples from Mirqāt al-Mafātīḥ.

The study demonstrates that Mullā ʿAlī al-Qārī did not follow a single rigid approach; rather, he adopted a comprehensive and flexible methodology according to the nature of each narration. His explanations combine linguistic analysis, grammatical discussion, references to authoritative Arabic lexicons, comparison of different narrations, and citations from earlier Hadith scholars such as al-Nawawī, Ibn al-Athīr, al-Khaṭṭābī, al-Zarkashī, and others. He also evaluates variant interpretations, discusses different vocalizations of words, and supports his preferred opinions with evidence from language and Hadith literature.

The article concludes that Mullā ʿAlī al-Qārī's approach reflects a profound mastery of Arabic language, Hadith sciences, and classical scholarship. His balanced and analytical method has made Mirqāt al-Mafātīḥ one of the most valuable references for understanding obscure expressions in the Prophetic traditions and has significantly contributed to preserving the authentic meanings of Hadith for later generations.