An-Naqdu ‘alā Dalīli Iqāmati al-Khilāfah li-Ḥizbi at-Taḥrīr Indūnīsiyā: Taḥlīlu al-Aḥādīṡ fī Tafsīr al-Qur’ān al-‘Aẓīm li-Ibni Abī Ḥātim (w. 327 H)

Abstract

This article presents a critical examination of Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia's (HTI) argument for establishing a caliphate by analyzing relevant hadiths within the framework of tafsīr bi ar-riwāyah, specifically from Tafsīr al-Qurʾān al-ʿAẓīm by Ibn Abī Ḥātim. HTI advocates for a political system based solely on the Qur’an and Hadith, rejecting other state systems as un-Islamic or even infidel. While previous studies on the caliphate often focus on historical perspectives or classical and contemporary tafsir literature, this study narrows its focus to the takhrīj (hadith authentication) of narrations used to support caliphate claims. The research employs a qualitative library-based method, utilizing a hadith takhrīj approach. It investigates three key verses commonly cited in caliphate discourse: QS. Āli ʿImrān [3]:110, QS. al-Māʾidah [5]:44, and QS. al-Māʾidah [5]:48. Hadiths linked to these verses are traced, their chains of transmission (sanad) examined, and their meanings (syarḥ) interpreted. Each narration’s authenticity is evaluated through sanad criticism, highlighting the reliability or weakness of the narrators. The findings reveal that out of eight hadiths analyzed, five are classified as ḍaʿīf (weak) and three as ḥasan (acceptable). Some narrations were deemed invalid due to problematic transmitters. Importantly, while the Qur’an mentions concepts such as khilāfah or khalīfah, none of the cited verses explicitly command the establishment of a caliphate as proposed by HTI. The study thus urges caution in employing weak or misinterpreted hadiths as foundational arguments for political ideologies.