Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar's Critiques in His Book Itḥāf al-Mahrah of Al-Hakim's Corrections in Al-Mustadrak on the Two Shaykhs: A Critical Study

Abstract

This research studies the comments of Ibn Hajar in his book "Itḥāf alMaharah" on al-Hakim's "Mustadrak," his corrections of al-Shaykhayn, their study, and the graduation of the hadiths in which the comment occurred. It also clarifies whether Imam al-Hakim was mistaken or not. The research was divided as follows: Preliminary Section: Definition of the books "Mustadrak" and "Itḥāf," definition of illusion, the researcher's method in composing "Mustadrak," and the request of knowledgeable scholars for Imam al-Hakim regarding his leniency in "Mustadrak." First Section: Ibn Hajar's comments on al-Hakim concerning hadiths narrated by al-Shaykhayn. It contains one hadith. Second Section: Ibn Hajar's comments on al-Hakim concerning hadiths narrated by al-Bukhari in his Sahih. It contains two hadiths. Third Section: Ibn Hajar's comments on al-Hakim concerning hadiths narrated by Muslim in his Sahih. It contains two hadiths. Among the most prominent findings reached by the researcher are: Through the study, the researcher found that Imam Ibn Hajar was correct in all his comments on Imam al-Hakim in the research, totaling (five comments), and Imam al-Hakim was incorrect in all the studied comments. The researcher found that the studied hadiths were narrated by alShaykhayn or one of them. One hadith was narrated by al-Shaykhayn, two hadiths by al-Bukhari, and two hadiths by Muslim. The high status and value of Imam al-Hakim among scholars, and his falling into error does not diminish his status or value, as no one is free from error. His "Mustadrak" is a huge encyclopedia containing important comments and corrections. The type of Ibn Hajar's comments and corrections on Imam al-Hakim indicates his vast knowledge and high academic standing, and his book "Itḥāf al-Maharah" is a great work containing many important benefits.