Dominative Critique of Hadith Matn: A Habermas' Critical Hermeneutics Approach

Abstract

Abstract. Dominative criticisms of hadith texts have recently caused some disruption in the established methodologies of hadith criticism outlined by traditional scholars. If left unchecked, this could lead to the imposition of Western biases, which might dominate one body of knowledge over another, or even one value system over well-established Islamic teachings. Two examples of such hadith are those concerning the age of Aisha's marriage and female leadership. Therefore, this study explores the application of J?rgen Habermas' critical hermeneutics, which has the capacity to uncover underlying dominations, to address these issues. The core aim is to investigate the ideological distortions present in hadith criticism. To address this problem, the study employs a qualitative, library-based research method, relying on information sources from various books, articles, and journals. Through the lens of J?rgen Habermas' critical hermeneutics, this paper reveals and examines Western biases, such as ethical standards regarding child marriage and gender equality standards. It also highlights that these values emerged post-Enlightenment, indicating that they are relatively recent compared to the origins of the hadiths in question. Thus, this paper attempts to critique and dismantle the hegemonic dominance that infiltrates hadith criticism, offering a movement towards uncovering these deeply ingrained biases. Keywords: critical hermeneutics, J?rgen Habermas, matn criticism, ideological bias, domination.