دلائل النبوۃ للبیہقی: محدثانہ منہج، اسلوبِ استدلال، اور نقدِ روایت کا تحقیقی جائزہ

Al-Bayhaqī’s Dalā’il al-Nubuwwah: A Critical Study of His Hadith Methodology, Argumentative Style, and Narrative Assessment

Abstract

Imam Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Husayn al-Bayhaqi (384–458 AH) holds a distinguished position among the great scholars and hadith authorities of Islam. His monumental work Dala’il al-Nubuwwah is a comprehensive and authentic masterpiece that compiles the evidences and miracles proving the prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This article presents a critical and analytical study of Imam al-Bayhaqi’s literary style, method of reasoning, organization of chapters, and use of sources. The research reveals that al-Bayhaqi employed a balanced methodology, integrating both riwāyah (transmission) and dirāyah (rational analysis), to establish the truth of Prophethood. His style is scholarly yet simple, while his reasoning is logical, evidence-based, and deeply reflective. The study further highlights that Dala’il al-Nubuwwah is not only a significant contribution to the literature of the Prophet’s biography but also a vital work in strengthening Islamic belief and refuting the objections of deniers of Prophethood. Consequently, al-Bayhaqi’s method represents a unique blend of academic precision, hadith authenticity, and intellectual depth, serving as an exemplary model for later scholars and historians.