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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Critical Assessment of Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim Chapter 2: Baseless Traditions in Sahih Bukhari Now that we have shortly studied Bukhari’s life, it is time to study Bukhari’s so-called Sahih in the light of the words of great scholars of tradition. Here I will suffice to narrating the objections and criticisms made [by scholars] against some of Bukhari’s traditions.

The tradition of ‘[Prophet’s] proposing to 'Aisha Among the baseless traditions of Bukhari’s Sahih is its tradition about the Holy Prophet’s proposing to Aisha. According to this tradition, when the Holy Prophet (S) asked for the hand of Aisha in marriage, Abu Bakr (Aisha’s father) said: I am your brother. Here is the full text of this tradition: Urwa says: The Holy Prophet (S) asked for the hand of Aisha in marriage. Answering him Abu Bakr said: But I am your brother.

The Holy Prophet (S) said: You are my brother in religion and thus it is permissible for me to marry Aisha.[^1] In his Fath Al-Bari, Ibn Hajar ‘Asqalani has questioned the authenticity of this tradition. He quotes Hafiz Mughaltai as saying: The authenticity of this tradition is doubtful. This is because the friendship between the Holy Prophet (S) and Abu Bakr happened in Medina whereas proposing to Aisha was made in Mecca. Thus how is it logically possible for Abu Bar to say: “I am your brother”?

Moreover, the Holy Prophet (S) did not personally embark on proposing to Aisha. Ibn Abu ‘Asim narrates from Yahya Bin Abd Al-Rahman Bin Hatib, from Aisha who says: The Holy Prophet sent Khula, daughter of Hakim, to propose to me. Addressing Khula, Abu Bakr said: Aisha is the Holy Prophet’s nephew. Can she marry him? Khula came back and related the story to the Holy Prophet (S).

The Holy Prophet (S) told him: Go back and tell Abu Bakr that you are my brother in Islam and your daughter thus can marry me. Khula went to Abu Bakr and talked to him about the issue. Abu Bakr said: Invite the Messenger of Allah (S)!

Thereupon the Holy Prophet (S) came and Abu Bakr married Aisha to him.[^2] The tradition of ‘intercession of Ibrahim for Azer’ Among the false traditions of Bukhari is a tradition according to which Ibrahim (a.s) will intercede for Azer with Allah on the Day of Judgment. As usual, he repeats this false tradition in many places in his Sahih. As those who are aware of Islamic doctrines know, this tradition puts to question the reputation and credibility of Ibrahim.