The Hadith of al-Turbah : A Critical Hadith Study

Abstract

This study provides a critical analysis of the Hadith al-Turbah (“the soil” or “the dust”), which discusses the use of earth in purification and healing. The paper aims to investigate the authenticity of this hadith through classical hadith criticism methods, examining its chains of transmission (isnād) and textual content (matn). It also explores the historical context, linguistic nuances, and scholarly interpretations among classical and contemporary scholars. By comparing various narrations reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud, and other collections, this paper highlights areas of consensus and controversy, ultimately evaluating the hadith’s status and implications for Islamic jurisprudence and medical ethics.