Travelling in the Pursuit of Hadith

Before you is the English translation of the classical treatise al-Rihlah fi Talab al-Hadith by the great scholar of the Shafi'i school of jurisprudence and the Imam of his time, Abū Bakr Ahmad ibn 'Alī ibn Thabit al-Khațīb al-Baghdādī. His complete biography from al-Imam al-Dhahabī's voluminous work Siyar A' lãm al-Nubalā has also been translated and added herein. This treatise is essentially a gathering of powerful and insightful narrations (of the Companions, pious predecessors, and the Prophet Musa عليه السلام) that emphasise the importance of travelling and exerting efforts towards seeking knowledge. It also serves as a historical record, highlighting the efforts of the early generations of scholars who overcame obstacles and worked diligently to attain knowledge. These narrations also serve as a reminder of the high aspirations and humility required by Muslims in the pursuit of knowledge, a wakeup call to tread the path of our pious predecessors.