Some orientalists have launched a campaign to discredit Imam al-Bukhari, aiming to tarnish his reputation and diminish his authority in the field of hadith studies. What is the opinion of the scholars of Islam on Imam al-Bukhari's standing in the science of hadith?

Engaging in the criticism of Imam al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him) is a departure from the scholarly path and a deviation from the proper methodology. Muslim scholars and prominent imams across centuries have recognized Imam al-Bukhari’s remarkable ability to memorize hadiths as well as his profound knowledge of ‘illal (science of defects that affect the soundness of a hadith).

Imam al-Bukhari moreover demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the chains of transmission and hadith texts. He stood out among the prominent scholars of hadith, both in terms of hadith narration and comprehension. Imam al-Bukhari was the leading authority on hadith during his time. Those who attested to his excellence were the eminent scholars of hadith, who were also experts in evaluating and assessing the competence and status of individuals in the field of hadith and its narration. This testimony of a vast multitude renders it nearly impossible to be mistaken or fabricated. Imam al-Bukhari received immense acclaim from his teachers, peers, and disciples, as well as from subsequent generations. The unanimous agreement among all these parties about his scholarly excellence establishes it as an indisputable fact, leaving no room for doubt.