The Reconstruction of the Transmission of Musnad al-Imam al-Shafi‘i: An Intertextual Analysis with al-Umm and the Methodological Application of Khabar al-Ahad

Abstract

This article examines the issue of the originality of Musnad al-Imam al-Shafi ‘i and its significance in the epistemological construction of Islamic law. Using a library research method with a qualitative-analytical approach, this study analyzes the genealogy of manuscript transmission, the intertextual relationship with al-Umm, and methodological validation through the takhrij of ahkam hadiths. The results of the analysis indicate that the Musnad al-Shafi ‘i is not an independent work (tasnif) by Imam al-Shafi ‘i, but rather a compilation (riwayah) constructed by a network of students, particularly Abu al-‘Abbas al-Aṣamm. The finding of over 98% textual overlap with al-Umm indicates that the Musnad serves as a supporting corpus of hadiths that forms the argumentative foundation for Imam al-Shafi‘i’s legal thought. Furthermore, a takhrij  analysis of selected hadiths demonstrates the application of strict sanad criticism criteria, wherein Imam al-Shafi‘i accepted   khabar al-āḥadas a basis for sharia law. Thus, the Musnad is positioned as a transitional artifact from the oral tradition to the written tradition that solidifies the authority of the Shafi‘i school