The Role of Historical Reconstruction of Context and Historical Transformation of the Lexicon in the Understanding of Islamic Holy Traditions: A Case Study ‘Burying Girls Alive is the Sign of Honourʼ (Dafn al-Banāt min al-Makrumāt)

Hadith analysing

Abstract

The phenomenon of Hadith fabrication in Islam is an issue that has led to questioning the authenticity of every individual Hadith. It becomes more critical when a hadith appears ambiguous or contradicts rational judgment. However, to achieve the narrator's true meaning, we should pay attention to evidence, such as the semantic evolution of a word over time and the historical reconstruction of the context. The present study, with an analytical-descriptive method, aimed to show the impact of the evidence mentioned above on understanding the permissible burying girls alive that, regarding the inconsistency of its content with religious and rational findings, is fabricated. Based on the results, a different reading of the narrative text and a new understanding of words contradict the possibility of its fabrication. Regarding the reported historical events and the difference between the literal meaning of the term burying (dafn) and burying alive (wa’d) among the early Arabs, it does not imply a permissible burying of girls alive, instead emphasises father’s presence in the girl’s burial, struggling along with the false culture of ignorant Arabs.