Ibn Baṭṭāl’s Views on the Divine Names in His Commentary on Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: An Analytical Study

شرح صحیح بخاری میں ابن بطالؒ کی آراء: اسماءِ باری تعالیٰ کے تناظر میں تحقیقی جائزہ

Abstract

This study examines the theological and intellectual contributions of Ibn Baṭṭāl (d. 449 AH) regarding the Divine Names of Allah (al-Asmāʾ al-Ḥusnā) as reflected in his celebrated commentary on Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Ibn Baṭṭāl’s Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, one of the earliest extant commentaries on al-Bukhārī’s monumental collection, is primarily known for its rich jurisprudential discussions. However, it also contains profound insights into theological issues, particularly those related to the Divine Names. The article highlights how Ibn Baṭṭāl approached the attributes and Names of Allah within the broader context of the Ahl al-Sunnah creed, defending orthodox positions against the distortions introduced by innovators and sectarians. It explores his methodology in interpreting relevant ḥadīth texts, his reliance on scriptural sources, and his balanced rejection of both anthropomorphism (tashbīh) and negation (taʿṭīl). Furthermore, the study situates Ibn Baṭṭāl’s views within the intellectual tradition of early Muslim theologians and compares them with the approaches of other classical scholars. By analyzing his treatment of the Divine Names, this research underscores Ibn Baṭṭāl’s role in preserving and elucidating sound Islamic doctrine. The findings demonstrate that his commentary not only enriches the field of ḥadīth studies but also provides valuable insights into Islamic theology and its defense against heterodox tendencies.