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Abstract

Pir Mehr Ali Shah (1859–1937) was a famous Islamic scholar, Sufi saint, and spiritual guide for the Indian subcontinent's Chishti order. His intellectual work extended beyond Sufism to Hadith scholarship, in which his own approach in interpreting and explaining Prophetic traditions was different. This research explores Pir Mehr Ali Shah’s own approach in interpreting Hadith, focusing on his use of traditional Islamic scholarship complemented with spiritual knowledge acquired from Sufism. In a critical overview of his writings, most specifically Saif-e-Chishtiyai, this research considers how he addressed theological controversies, refuted misinterpretations, and ensured Prophetic traditions' authenticity. He took a balanced stance blending textual examination with intuitive spiritual perception, and his ideas proved acceptable to academia and masses alike. While most writers in his time were more likely to prioritize intellectual and rational elements in Hadith comprehension, Pir Mehr Ali Shah concentrated on contextual and spiritual elements, displaying a synthesis of reason and mysticism. This research also looks into his responses to contemporary challenges, specifically his engagement with modernist and reformist interpretations of Islam. Through a critical analysis of his writings, this paper sheds light on his legacy in Hadith scholarship and his enduring influence on Islamic scholarship and Sufi thought.