Travelling in the Pursuit of Hadith

Travelling in the Pursuit of Hadith

Before you is the English translation of the classical treatise al-Rihlah fi Talab al-Hadith by the great scholar of the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence and the Imam of his time, Abū Bakr Ahmad ibn 'Alī ibn Thabit al-Khațīb al-Baghdādī. His complete biography from al-Imam al-Dhahabī's voluminous work Siyar A' lãm al-Nubalā has also been translated and added herein.

This treatise is essentially a gathering of powerful and insightful narrations (of the Companions, pious predecessors, and the Prophet Musa عليه السلام)  that emphasise the importance of travelling and exerting efforts towards seeking knowledge. It also serves as a historical record, highlighting the efforts of the early generations of scholars who overcame obstacles and worked diligently to attain knowledge. These narrations also serve as a reminder of the high aspirations and humility required by Muslims in the pursuit of knowledge, a wakeup call to tread the path of our pious predecessors.

Imām al-Dhahabī said regarding al-Khatīb:
"He produced an immense body of literature and attained such distinction in his works that he surpassed his contemporaries... He ultimately became, without dispute, the most learned person of his time."

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar said,
"Rare is the science from the sciences of al-hadith on which al-Khațīb did not author an independent book upon. Indeed, it is as al-Hafiz Abu Bakr ibn Nuqtah said, 'Every objective person knows that the hadith masters after al-Khațīb are dependent upon his books." Mullā 'Alī al-Qārī expanded upon this, "This is akin to the statement of al-Shafi'i, 'All are dependent upon Abi Hanifah in jurisprudence." [Sharh Sharh Nukhbati 'l-Fikar (139-141)]