An Analytical and Research Study of the Morphological and Syntactical Discussions in Fath al-Bari by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbal

Abstract

The Holy Qur'an and the Blessed Ahadith are in pure Arabic, which is the foundation of the unbreakable, global, and everlasting bond among Muslims. To truly understand Islamic teachings, one must gain deep insight and mastery over the primary sources of Islam—the Qur'an and Hadith—through expertise in the Arabic language and literature. When Islam remained in the Arabian Peninsula, it was naturally connected to the native speakers of Arabic, and this connection was passed down from one generation to the next. As a result, there was no difficulty in comprehending the Qur'an and Hadith. However, as Islam expanded beyond Arabia through conquests, and non-Arabs embraced Islam, several challenges arose, one of the most significant being the correct understanding of the Qur'an and Sunnah. To address this issue, a variety of scholarly pursuits were initiated, including the development of various sciences and disciplines. Among these, the sciences of Arabic morphology (Sarf) and syntax (Nahw) became crucial. The correct and complete understanding of the Qur'an and Hadith fundamentally relies on these sciences. In this context, the Hadith scholars have emphasized the importance of these linguistic tools while explaining and interpreting the Ahadith. The present paper examines these discussions, particularly focusing on the work Fath al-Bari by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, highlighting the role of Arabic grammar and morphology in the proper understanding of Hadith and Qur'anic texts.