Complex of Imam Al’- Bukhari

Memorial complex of Imam Al’-Bukhari is located in 30 kilometers far from Samarkand. This complex is one of the most important worship places of Muslim world. Here is a tomb of a famous scholar of IX century – Imam Al’-Bukhari. He was one of hadith’s collectors. Hadith origins from Arabic “narrative”, “pronounced”. Hadith are narrations originating from the words and deeds of the prophet Muhammed, which form the basis of Shariat (Islamic fundamental concept, law). Al’ Bukhari’s book named As-Sahih Bukhari is the second important and authoritative book for Sunni Muslims after the Koran.

After Prophet Muhammed’s death his pronouncements were disseminated by his followers. Al Bukhari spent over 40 years traveling along Caliphate and collecting these narratives.    He aimed to collect the most authentic hadith and, finely, extracted only 7400 hadith from 600 000 existed.

As-Sahih consisted of 97 separate books. Hadith have different subjects and reflect narratives of Muhammed on different life situations such as: notes to Koran, pilgrimage, fasting, praying, juridical and family issues, Muslims behavior in the society, hadith about God’s unity, about creation of the world and Prophet’s life.

Imam Al’ Bukhari died in Samarkand. Already in IX century Muslims worshiped the scholar’s tomb. After the proclamation of the   Independence of Uzbekistan, the memorial complex dedicated to Al’Bukhari was restored and presently represents a piece of architectural art of the East. The most notable is a grave-stone of Iranian onyx. Besides the mausoleum, the complex contains a mosque, which was built up in XIV century, and domestic rooms. Al’ Bukhari dedicated his life to a holy work, which became significant of all Sunni Muslims.