THE ARABIC AND ḤADĪTH MANUSCRIPTS IN SINDH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE RĀSHIDIYYA COLLECTION

Abstract

This research aims to explore and asses the Al-Rāshidiyya collection, founded by Syed Muḥammad Baqā (1135-1198 AH / 1723-1783 CE) in Sindh/Pakistan. Not devoid of disagreements among heirs and shifts in custodianship, the Al-Rāshidiyya collection’s recognition extends beyond geographical boundaries, contributing significantly to the Arabic and ḥadīth discourse. After employing an individual investigation method in the library, engaging in discussions with the owners of the collection, and gathering information from its primary sources, our conclusion reveals that the Dargāh Sharīf section of al-Rāshdiyya collection hosts 20,029 printed books and 610 manuscripts, including 450 copies in Arabic including ḥadīth, and the rest in Persian, Sindhi, and Urdu. While its another section named as al-Maktaba al-‘Āliyyah contains 30000 printed books and 762 manuscript including 500 in Arabic and ḥadīth, and rest in Persian and Sindhi. Although the precise total number of ḥadīth manuscripts is still under investigation, the preliminary count across both sections suggests approximately 287 such manuscripts. Notably, some of these manuscripts are copies of works whose originals have been lost in their source libraries, underscoring the unique preservation role of the Rāshidiyya Library.