Viki Junianto, Iqbal Nursyahbani, Ahmad Nurhamdani, Achmad Roziqi

Syarh Al-Isyārī: The Sufi Approach to Interpreting the Prophet’s Hadith

Introduction

Syarh al-isyārī: the sufi approach to interpreting the prophet’s hadith. Explore Syarh Al-Isyārī, the Sufi Hadith interpretation method. This study evaluates its validity using strict criteria, concluding it's acceptable within scholarly boundaries.

Abstract

The syarḥ al-ishyārī approach is a method of hadith interpretation developed within the Sufi tradition, emphasizing texts' inner and symbolic meanings. However, this approach is often seen as deviating from the literal intent of the hadith. This study aims to examine the forms of syarḥ al-ishyārī within the Sufi tradition and evaluate its validity using five criteria formulated by al-Zurqānī. A qualitative research method based on library research was used, analyzing works such as Futūḥāt al-Makkiyyah, Iḥyā' 'Ulūm al-Dīn, and Mir’āt al-Ḥaqā’iq. The findings show that syarḥ al-ishyārī is acceptable if it does not contradict the apparent meaning, is free from weak interpretations, and aligns with both transmitted and rational evidence. This study recommends a cautious and methodological approach to Sufi interpretations of hadith. The main conclusion suggests that syarḥ al-ishyārī is a valid derivative interpretation when it adheres to strict scholarly boundaries.

Review

This paper, "Syarh Al-Isyārī: The Sufi Approach to Interpreting the Prophet’s Hadith," addresses a perennially debated topic in Islamic scholarship: the legitimacy of Sufi interpretive methods for prophetic traditions. The study astutely identifies the core tension surrounding *syarḥ al-ishyārī*, which, despite its rich tradition, is often viewed with skepticism due to its emphasis on inner, symbolic meanings that can appear to diverge from literal interpretations. By setting out to systematically examine the forms of this approach within Sufi works and, critically, to evaluate its validity, the research promises a significant contribution to understanding hermeneutics within Islamic mysticism and its relationship with mainstream hadith studies. This objective is particularly valuable for bridging perceived divides and offering a nuanced perspective on a complex interpretive tradition. The methodology employed is a qualitative library-based research, focusing on canonical Sufi texts such as *Futūḥāt al-Makkiyyah*, *Iḥyā' 'Ulūm al-Dīn*, and *Mir’āt al-Ḥaqā’iq*. This selection of primary sources is commendable, as these works represent foundational and influential texts in Sufi thought. A key strength of the study lies in its use of al-Zurqānī's five criteria for evaluating the validity of *syarḥ al-ishyārī*. This framework provides a robust and scholarly lens through which to assess mystical interpretations, moving beyond subjective acceptance or rejection. The findings reveal that *syarḥ al-ishyārī* can indeed be acceptable, but only under stringent conditions: non-contradiction of apparent meaning, freedom from weak interpretations, and alignment with both transmitted and rational evidence. This nuanced outcome leads to a recommendation for a cautious and methodological approach to such interpretations. Ultimately, the study concludes that *syarḥ al-ishyārī* is a valid derivative interpretation, provided it adheres to strict scholarly boundaries. This conclusion is highly significant, offering a structured justification for an interpretive method often relegated to the margins or dismissed outright. By providing a clear framework for validation, the research not only legitimizes certain aspects of Sufi hadith interpretation but also establishes a critical standard for engaging with such texts responsibly. The paper’s contribution lies in its careful balance of acknowledging the rich mystical tradition while rigorously subjecting it to scholarly scrutiny, thereby enriching the discourse on Islamic hermeneutics and the integration of Sufi thought within broader Islamic sciences.

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