Explanation of Imam Al-Tirmidhi in Conflicting Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

The Jami al-Tirmidhi is one the hadith scriptures that explains a lot about the main problems in Islam, such as Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), beliefs (aqidah) and Islamic etiquette (adab). When discussing the problems associated with fiqh, Imam al-Tirmidhi had gathered quotes from various hadith that have been argued upon by numerous fuqaha (experts on Islamic jurisprudence) while elaborating on their various opinions over time until this present day. These various opinions and views found in the Jami al-Tirmidhi were compiled to discuss the problems associated with khilaf (comparative or conflicting). Thus, there is a need among researchers to examine and understand the methods used by the Imam in explaining these differences in opinion. There are numerous means to identify khilaf in his works. This research intends to explain the method used by Imam al-Tirmidhi to elaborate on khilaf via the technique of interpreting tarjamah mursalah. Some forty hadith that discussed khilaf pertaining to interpreting tarjamah mursalah were chosen as examples and only one example in the discussion would be explained in this study. This qualitative study used the literature review framework and obtained research data through document analysis. In general, it was found that Imam al-Tirmidhi used the interpretation of current issues to explain khilaf and has his own methods for solving khilaf in opinions (conflict of opinions) among the ulama (religious scholars). Hence, understanding Imam al-Tirmidhi’s method of writing in his Jami is important in ensuring no negative assumptions are formed towards an imam, muhaddith (interpretor of the hadith), mujtahid (authority on Islamic law) or murajjih.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p310