By the Pen is a journal published by the student body of the Qalam Seminary. The current readership consists of the student body at Qalam and alumni, allowing the research to be discussed, analyzed and critiqued by fellow students. By the Pen is published internally to provide a space for students to grow in their research skills. Select articles are available below for public readership.
The journal is published annually, each issue covering a specific theme. Contributions range from reflective pieces to medium-length research papers, along with advice from Qalam instructors, book recommendations, translations, and more.
Female Transmitters in the Six Canonical Books
This study utilizes Ibn Ḥajar's work to analyze the biographical accounts and grading of female narrators. It aims to highlight their contributions and reliability, and offer a comparative assessment with a sample of male narrators, thereby shedding light on their important but often overlooked role within the hadith tradition.
The Rational Framework of Hadith Criticism
A Summarized Translation of Al-Sharīf Ḥātim al-ʿAwnī’s Al-Usus al-ʿAqliyyah li-ʿIlm Naqd al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah (The Rational Foundations Underlying the Science of Hadith Criticism)
Uncovering the Pearl: A Methodology in Reading Books of Tafsīr
A meaningful connection with the book of Allah ﷻ is the goal of every Muslim, let alone students of the sacred sciences. The seeker's journey begins with a deeper understanding of the Quran, which can only be gained after some level of familiarity with the books of tafsīr. However important this may be, many lack a structured approach toward studying tafsīr.
2nd Issue: Hadith Sciences
At the Qalam Seminary, one of our core visions is to instill in students a passion for research and publishing. With great joy and gratitude, we present the second issue of By the Pen, focusing on the sciences of hadith.
1st Issue: Quranic Studies
After several months of planning, writing, editing, and designing, we are excited to showcase —with the grace of Allah—the hard work of our students.