Nilai-Nilai Epistemologi dalam Kitāb al-‘Ilm Shahīh al-Bukhārī

Abstract

This study examines the concept of epistemology in Islamic education by referring to Kitāb al-‘Ilm in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. The purpose of this study is to explain the sources of knowledge in Islam, the methods of acquiring knowledge, and the importance of the authority of scholars (ulama) in preserving the authenticity and validity of knowledge. This research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, in which the primary data are derived from the hadiths contained in Kitāb al-‘Ilm and supported by hadith commentaries (sharḥ works) as well as literature on Islamic epistemology. The findings reveal that, from an Islamic perspective, knowledge fundamentally originates from Allah through divine revelation. This knowledge was then transmitted to humanity through the prophets and subsequently preserved and disseminated by the ulama. Knowledge is acquired through various methods, including direct learning, attending scholarly gatherings, asking questions and engaging in dialogue, reviewing lessons, and memorization. Furthermore, the study emphasizes that the continuity and preservation of knowledge depend greatly on the authority of the ulama as the inheritors of the Prophet’s knowledge. Therefore, referring to qualified scholars is essential to ensure that the knowledge acquired remains authentic, reliable, and free from deviation.