Ishārī interpretation of the Prophet’s hadīth: A Methodological study and its strategic value

Abstract

This paper examines ishārī interpretation as a mode of understanding the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) ḥadīth, a method that has long been underexplored in the study of sharḥ al-ḥadīth (commentary on ḥadīth). Using a descriptive-analytical approach to various classical and contemporary sources, this article highlights the definition, legitimacy, methodology, and concrete examples of ishārī interpretations of ḥadīth, particularly those carried out by Sufi figures from the era of the salaf to contemporary times. Ishārī interpretation is understood as the effort to comprehend implicit spiritual indications contained within the ḥadīth text, a level of understanding attainable only by those who have undergone the path of sulūk (spiritual journey) and possess inner clarity. This study concludes that ishārī interpretation of ḥadīth can be scientifically acceptable if it meets certain criteria: it must not contradict Islamic law (sharī‘ah), must be related to the apparent meaning of the text, and must not involve speculative meanings. The strategic value of ishārī interpretation is reflected in three main aspects: as a mediating tool for reconciling seemingly contradictory ḥadīth, as a foundation for reinforcing Sufi teachings rooted in the sunnah, and as a contribution to the formulation of a more spiritual and contextual religious social ethics. This article recommends expanding the study of ishārī interpretation in the field of ḥadīth as a hermeneutical richness of Islam rooted in the Sunni-Sufi tradition.