السنة النبوية في ضوء المُتخيَّل الديني: نقد منهجي أم إسقاط أيديولوجي؟

Abstract

This study argues that the term “imaginary” has been introduced into the realm of critical Islamic studies to bypass objective academic standards in examining personalities, events, and reports. Under this label, writers engage in distortion, obfuscation, and unwarranted projections without fear of academic scrutiny or rigorous investigation, as the subject is shielded by the notion of the “imaginary”. The study seeks to survey as many critical studies of Ḥadīth sciences and Sīrah (Prophetic biography) as it can access, examining the methodological tools employed by these scholars. It adopts a critical-analytical approach to presenting their ideas, highlighting their methodological errors and unjustified interpretations in engaging with the Sunnah and Sīrah. The research endeavors to analyze available academic papers, published books, written articles, and recorded discussions, considering their widespread impact across diverse audiences—from specialists to intellectuals and the general public. Ultimately, the study aims to provide an evaluative reading that underscores the significant methodological flaws in studies of the “imaginary” and clarifies the problematic nature of the outcomes based on this framework.