<![CDATA[The differences in how hadith scholars evaluate the quality of narrations indicate that the processes of tashih and taḍ‘if are closely related to each muhaddith’s critical framework. Al-Hakim al-Naysaburi (321–405 AH), through his work al-Mustadrak ‘ala al-Sahihayn, is often characterized as tasahul (lenient). However, this characterization requires examination of the relationship between his theoretical criteria and their practical application. This study aims to analyze al-Hakim’s methodologies of hadith validation and weakening and to examine the consistency of their application in al-Mustadrak. The study employs a qualitative approach using content analysis, with al-Mustadrak as the primary source and Ma’rifat ‘Ulum al-Hadith as the principal framework for identifying al-Hakim’s criteria. The findings show that al-Hakim formulated four theoretical criteria for hadith authenticity, but only two were consistently reflected in the wording of his evaluations. Moreover, hundreds of hadiths in al-Mustadrak were not explicitly evaluated. Quantitative assessments by al-Zahabi and Ibn al-Jawzi indicate a substantial proportion of da’if, munkar, and even maudu’ hadiths. The study concludes that al-Hakim’s leniency was not necessarily rooted in theological bias (tasyayyu’) or deliberate methodological failure, but resulted from a structural gap between his formulated criteria and the compilation of al-Mustadrak, which remained unfinished at his death.]]>
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