Marginal Voices and the Rediscovery of the Ḥanafī Tradition (Up to the Fifth Century AH): Gharīb Literature Through al-Nāṭifī's Works

Abstract

I seek through this research to explore an aspect of the Ḥanafī school's formation during its early period up to the middle of the fifth century AH—namely the emergence of marginalization— with a particular focus on the works of al-Nāṭifī (d. 447/1054). My study aims to shed light on the concept of gharīb within the Ḥanafī school, examining how certain opinions, scholars, and works became neglected over time. I further investigate concepts related to gharīb, including the processes through which views shifted towards or away from muʿtamad. The research delves into the treatment of gharīb as a descriptive concept reflecting marginalization within Ḥanafī methodology, considering its application to both literature and key figures. I identify both extant and lost works on gharīb, highlighting overlooked texts within the Iraqi Ḥanafī tradition and analyzing the reasons behind their marginalization. Through the examination of al-Nāṭifī, a pivotal figure in gharīb literature, I explore his contributions, including the rediscovery of his lost work, al-Rawḍah. Moreover, my study reassesses authority within the Ḥanafī school, analyzing its impact on opinions, texts, and scholars, especially in relation to gharīb. Besides focusing on the internalfactors of the formation of the Ḥanafī school's authority, I further juxtapose the Iraqi Ḥanafī tradition against the Ḥanafī school of Transoxiana, revealing the influence of geographical and political factors on the school's development. Additionally, the research addresses external factors that influenced the formation of the Ḥanafī school, such as conflicts between the Ḥanafī school and Ahl al-Ḥadīth scholars, considering their doctrinal implications. By revisiting the advanced stage of the Ḥanafī school's development, I seek to redefine core concepts, including the school's nature and the roles of influential figures, in part, by recontextualizing available sources to offer a more accurate depiction of the school's intellectual landscape. My study acknowledges its limitations due to the current state of availability of sources, but invites further exploration and investigation. In conclusion, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the Ḥanafī school's evolution—particularly during its later phase—through the study of many unpublished and newly discovered manuscripts. By examining neglected areas and comparing different contexts, I seek to illuminate the school's complex dynamics and inspire future scholarships.