Matn Criticism in Indonesia: Reanalyzing Ali Mustafa Yaqub's Contributions to Ḥadith Studies

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the role and contribution of Ali Mustafa Yaqub's ḥadīth criticism in Indonesia as an effort to maintain the Islamic literary tradition (turāth). In response to the contemporary trend of ignoring or even avoiding ḥadīth criticism, Yaqub, as an Indonesian ḥadīth expert, paid great attention to this issue to ensure that hadīth is used as proof (ḥujjah) of Islamic teachings. By employing a descriptive method to analyze Yaqub's works on matn criticism, this article concludes that Yaqub has provided significant theoretical foundations and practical insights into understanding ḥadīth. His notable contributions to advancing ḥadīth studies while upholding classical turāth as a cornerstone in Islamic scholarship amidst the challenges of globalisation, establish him as a distinguished and influential figure in the field of ḥadīth studies in Indonesia. His work not only enriches the academic discourse but also ensures the continued relevance of traditional ḥadīth scholarship in contemporary contexts.