Ṭūmār (16): Broken Ladder (9) A Critical Analysis of the Sources Underlying the Myth of Preservation: A Critique of al-‛Azzāzī’s Narrative Approach to Representing the Biography of Abū Ja‛far (06)
Document Type : pajoohesh
Author
10.22081/jap.2026.80500
Abstract
Adherence to rigorous criteria and methodological principles in writing the biographies of prominent historical figures, particularly in the field of hadith studies, is of considerable importance because such biographies are connected with the authenticity, credibility, and evidentiary value of the hadith heritage. These principles and criteria include a commitment to impartiality, an accurate representation of temporal and spatial dimensions, and the selection of an appropriate form for historical narration. A narrator’s failure to observe these principles may result in historical distortion, misunderstanding, and a decline in the scholarly value of the narrative. Al-‛Azzāzī’s account of the life of Abū Ja‛far al-Warrāq, the author of Shamāʾil al-Bukhārī, provides a clear example of these problems and challenges in representing Abū Ja‛far al-Warrāq’s character. A critical analysis of these shortcomings offers an opportunity to redefine scholarly standards for biographical writing and to strengthen the frameworks of reliable research. The present article addresses this task.
Keywords
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