The Flourishing Centers of Islamic Knowledge in Bukhara

In those days, the city of Bukhara was home to numerous centers of Qur'anic and Hadith sciences. The air resounded with the sacred phrases "Qāla Allāh" (Allah said) and "Qāla al-Rasūl" (The Messenger said). Imam Bukhari began to benefit from these scholarly institutions.

A Remarkable Correction at Age Eleven

One day, Imam Bukhari attended the study circle of Imam Dākhilī, the Hadith scholar of Bukhara. During the narration of a hadith chain, Imam Dākhilī stated: “Sufyan from Abu al-Zubayr from Ibrahim.” Imam Bukhari gently interjected, “Sir, this isn’t the correct chain, because Abu al-Zubayr did not narrate from Ibrahim.” Startled by such correction from a young student, Imam Dākhilī responded with slight annoyance. With utmost respect, Imam Bukhari softly suggested, “If you have the original book, perhaps you could review it.” Upon checking the original manuscript at home, Imam Dākhilī realized the young student was correct. Upon returning, he asked Imam Bukhari what the correct chain was.