الجامع الصحیح البخاری میں ایمان کی کمی و زیادتی سے متعلقہ مباحث کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ An Analytical Study of the Discourses on the Increase and Decrease of Iman (Faith) in Sahih al-Bukhari Section Islamic Literature

Abstract

The concept of Iman has been a subject of scholarly discourse within the Islamic tradition giving rise to different viewpoints among the scholars. The term "Iman" is used for faith, belief, and creed. According to scholars of hadith (Muhaddithin), Iman is the acknowledgment in the heart, claim by tongue and to carry out actions by limbs, it increases with virtuous deeds and decreases with sins. There are different viewpoints about the increase and decrease in Iman among scholars. According to Muhadditihn Iman increases and decreases while some Mutakalimeen including esteemed Imam Abu Hanifa consider Iman remains constant, and doesn’t increase and decrease. This article delves into the perspective of the Muhaddithin, particularly in the context of Sahih Bukhari, one of the most revered Hadith collections. Imam Bukhari presents several compelling arguments from the Quran, Hadith, Sahaba, and Tabi’een sayings in favor of that Iman can indeed increase and decrease. Through a critical analysis of these arguments, this article aims to shed light on the discourse surrounding the fluctuation of Iman and the rationale underpinning this viewpoint.