علماء بغداد في القرن الثالث الهجري

في كتاب حلية الأولياء للأصفهاني

Abstract

This study delves into the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Baghdad’s scholars during the third century AH, as portrayed by Imam Abu Nuʿaym al-Isfahani in his renowned work Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ. The researcher doesn’t merely recount biographies; rather, she seeks to understand how Abu Nuʿaym shaped the image of these scholars and whether his portrayal offers a comprehensive and balanced view. Baghdad, at that time, was more than a city—it was a thriving hub of scholarship and religious thought. It nurtured figures in Qur’anic sciences, Hadith, jurisprudence, and Sufism. Abu Nuʿaym’s approach to documenting these figures leaned heavily toward the spiritual dimension, often highlighting their asceticism and mystical experiences. His admiration for the Sufi path is evident in the way he presents their lives, sometimes including miraculous accounts without critique or commentary.

The researcher notes that while Abu Nuʿaym’s work is rich in spiritual insight, it doesn’t encompass the full spectrum of Baghdad’s scholarly landscape. His focus on a select group of spiritually inclined scholars leaves gaps in the broader intellectual narrative. Nonetheless, Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ remains a foundational source, widely referenced across Islamic traditions.

Ultimately, the study emphasizes that biographical literature is not just historical documentation—it’s a lens through which we understand the interplay between knowledge and spirituality in Islamic civilization. The researcher calls for further comparative studies across biographical sources to better grasp how scholars were perceived and remembered throughout history.