Fath al-Bari fi Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari (فتح الباري في شرح صحيح البخاري)

Question

Given that "Fath Al-Bari" is a "Sharh" (commentary) on "Sahih Al-Bukhari," explain in simple terms why a scholar would write a detailed commentary on an already established text, rather than a new collection of Hadith. What does this reveal about the nature and importance of Sahih Al-Bukhari itself?

Synthesized answer

Scholars write detailed commentaries, or "Sharh," on established texts like "Sahih Al-Bukhari" to provide further explanation and understanding of the original work [1]. This practice suggests that even a highly regarded text like "Sahih Al-Bukhari" benefits from in-depth scholarly engagement to clarify its content.

The existence and nature of "Fath Al-Bari" as a commentary on "Sahih Al-Bukhari" reveal the immense importance and complexity of "Sahih Al-Bukhari" itself. It implies that the text is not merely a collection of Hadith but a work that necessitates detailed exposition and interpretation by scholars [1]. The passages do not explain the specific reasons why a scholar would choose commentary over a new collection, nor do they detail the nature and importance of "Sahih Al-Bukhari" beyond its status as a text worthy of extensive commentary.

Synthesized from the book passages below. Chat with the book on Feynman for follow-up.

From the book

Title: Fath Al-Bari Bi Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari by S. D. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani Categories: Hadith
Passage [1]

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