Public PhD Viva-Voce Examination of Mr. Abdullah bin Salem bin Abdullah Abu Fataim, from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities
Mr. Abdullah bin Salem bin Abdullah Abu Fataim has been awarded the PhD Degree majoring in Hadith and Sciences, from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University. His dissertation, entitled “Nail Al-Maqsoud: The Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawood by Ali bin Mohammed bin Ali bin Zakin Bahannan Al-Kindi Al-Hadhrami (Died in 1392 Hijri), from the Beginning of the Chapter on Musk for the Dead to the Chapter of Oaths and Vows: A Study and Verification,” was defended on Monday, Ramadan 24, 1446 Hijri corresponding to March 24, 2025.
The Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
1. Prof. Kawthar Hamoud Mohammed Al-Mekhlafi, Internal Examiner, Sana’a University, Chairperson.
2. Prof. Saleh Qasem Ahmed Al-Khamri, Main Supervisor, Sana’a University, Member.
3. Prof. Taha Ahmed Mansour Al-Uqbi , External Examiner, Amran University, Member.
The primary objectives of the research were as follows:
1. To highlight the contributions of scholars and acknowledge their academic efforts.
2. To serve the Prophet’s Sunnah by incorporating this manuscript into Islamic scholarship, thereby providing an explanation of one of the foremost texts on rulings taken based on Hadith i.e Sunan Abi Dawood.
3. To present the manuscript in a scholarly format for publication, thereby aiding researchers and academics and contributing to Sana’a University’s ongoing initiatives in heritage preservation and academic verification.
The dissertation revealed several significant conclusions, including:
1. Imam Abu Dawood’s rigorous selection and authentication of Hadiths in his compilation, underscores his commitment to authenticity.
2. The identification of Imam Abu Dawood’s jurisprudential preferences and methodological approaches to Hadith classification.
3. An emphasis on the prominent status of Sunan Abi Dawood relative to other Hadith collections, both preceding and succeeding works within the same genre.
4. A demonstration of Bahnan’s profound jurisprudential insight, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of Islamic objectives and the complexities of legal rulings.
5. An exploration of how the advancement of Muslim society is intricately linked to its adherence to communal obligations (Fard Kifayah), particularly in relation to funeral rites. The study applied this principle through an analysis that included:
1. The historical emphasis placed by Hadrami scholars on communal obligations.
2. The necessity of acting upon Fardh Kifayah, including responsibilities assigned to individuals.
3. The societal benefits associated with fulfilling such communal duties.
4. The role of Hadrami scholars in ensuring the proper preparation of deceased individuals; a skill traditionally transmitted within families.
The researcher put forth several recommendations:
1. To conduct a comprehensive study on Imam Abu Dawood’s chains of transmission, comparing them with other Hadith collections.
2. To organize conferences and scholarly symposiums that underscore the contributions of Hadith scholars to the preservation of Prophetic traditions.
3. To promote the study of communal obligations (Fardh Kifayah), particularly concerning funeral rites, due to the growing need for specialized expertise in this area.
4. To encourage engagement with contemporary scholars, valuing their insights, fostering academic discussions, and recognizing their ethical conduct as exemplary models.
The Viva-Voce was attended by several academics, researchers, students, and several colleagues and family members of the researcher.
https://youtu.be/uHAs1tZ16VQ
