Sama’ Sohih Bukhari at Putrajaya Mosque: Strengthening Islamic Unity and Knowledge

The Sama’ Sohih Bukhari event at Putrajaya Mosque offered a profound experience for attendees, uniting the Muslim community through a deep exploration of authentic hadith. The program was not only well-received locally but also broadcast internationally, reflecting a strong commitment to uplifting Islamic teachings and promoting unity on a global stage.

Inception by the Prime Minister

The event was officially inaugurated by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar. He emphasised that the primary objective of the program was to foster unity among Muslims and elevate the presence of Islamic teachings. Notably, he shared that the idea for this Sama’ Hadith Bukhari program was initiated by the Prime Minister himself in 2023, highlighting the government’s dedication to reinforcing the foundations of Islamic scholarship.

The Importance of Mercy in Knowledge by Prof. Dr. Yusri Rusydi

In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Yusri Rusydi from Egypt underscored the significance of coupling knowledge with Rahmah (compassion). He imparted the Musalsal bil-rahmah hadith, stressing that every seeker of knowledge must embody humility (tawadhu’), avoiding arrogance and disdain towards others. He noted that the tendency to criticise scholars and undermine their contributions stems from arrogance, a trait that negates the true benefit of knowledge.

Dr. Yusri’s observations resonate deeply with the current crisis in Islamic scholarship in Malaysia, where disputes and conflicts among religious scholars have become a cause for concern. By embracing humility and tolerance, the Muslim community can strengthen its unity and harness the diverse perspectives within Islamic scholarship as a source of enrichment rather than division.

A Tradition of Sama’ Hadith in Times of Crisis

Dr. Yusri also highlighted a tradition practiced by early Muslim communities: organising Sama’ Hadith sessions, particularly of Sohih Bukhari, during times of great calamity. Such gatherings were seen as a means of invoking divine mercy and seeking relief from the tribulations faced. The Malaysian government’s initiative mirrors this practice, aiming to unify a fragmented Muslim community through the shared reverence of authentic hadith.

In the context of present-day issues, this event is hoped to reduce ongoing controversies such as Wahhabism debates, concerns over religious laws like the Mufti Bill, and other doctrinal disputes. It aims to foster greater understanding and lessen conflicts that currently divide the Muslim community.

Imam Bukhari: A Paragon of Islamic Scholarship

Imam Bukhari, the eminent hadith scholar born in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, is a testament to how distance from the Arab world did not impede one’s pursuit of knowledge. Despite his family’s non-Arab and initially non-Muslim background, his environment, deeply rooted in Islamic values, played a crucial role in shaping him into a leading figure in hadith scholarship.

Imam Bukhari memorized about 600,000 hadiths but included only around 6,000 of the most authentic ones in his seminal work, Sahih Bukhari. This collection is recognised as the most authentic source after the Qur’an, making it a cornerstone for Islamic knowledge. The Sama’ Hadith Sohih Bukhari program is thus a fitting tribute to this monumental work, encouraging deep study and memorization as a means to fortify one’s faith and understanding of Islam.

Extraordinary Memorisation Skills: Beyond Artificial Intelligence (AI)

One of the captivating stories shared by Dr. Yusri was about Imam Bukhari’s remarkable memorisation skills. His peers once doubted his commitment to learning because he never took notes during his lessons. To their amazement, Imam Bukhari recited everything taught by his teacher over the past week from memory.

While in Baghdad, scholars tested him by presenting a mixed sequence of hadiths to confuse him. Imam Bukhari corrected each sequence flawlessly, earning the admiration of the greatest scholars of the time. Dr. Yusri humorously compared Imam Bukhari’s memorisation prowess to that of modern Artificial Intelligence (AI), suggesting that his abilities were far superior to any machine-like intelligence we can imagine today.

Elevating Malaysia’s Role in Islamic Scholarship

The Sama’ Sohih Bukhari program is not merely a religious event but also a symbol of Malaysia’s effort to position itself as a significant player in the field of Islamic scholarship on the global stage. By focusing on Sahih Bukhari as a primary reference, this program serves as a crucial effort to protect Islamic teachings and enhance the community’s understanding of the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) traditions.

This gathering also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and compassion in the pursuit of knowledge. It highlights the collective role of society in supporting the government’s initiatives and scholars’ efforts to foster unity and solidarity among Muslims. With prayers and hopes for the future, it is anticipated that such programs will continue to grow, offering a strong defense against the challenges faced by the Muslim community today and in the years to come.

The Sama’ Sohih Bukhari event stands as a testament to the importance of authentic Islamic scholarship and serves as a bridge to unite the Muslim community, both in Malaysia and beyond. It is a call to return to the foundational sources of Islamic teachings, to embrace humility, and to nurture a compassionate approach in the quest for knowledge, thus paving the way for a more unified and spiritually enriched Muslim ummah.