Ḥadīth Methodology From Shi‘A Perspective An Analytical Study

Abstract

This research study begins by closely looking at the historical background of Shī‘a, concentrating mainly on the sect that believes in the Twelve Imāms as it is the main group of Shī‘a currently manifesting its creed throughout the world today. The paper also provides a brief history of the compilation of traditions by Shī‘a and the beginning of the science of narration, explaining how the Prominent Traditionalists came up with the available contemporary books, e.g. the eight manuscripts of Shī‘a which are believed to be the most respected ones—Uṣūlu Al-Kāfì for Imām Al-kulayni (329AH), Man-la Yaḥḍuruhu Al-Faqīh for Al-Ṣadūq (Ībn Bābawaihi Al-Qummi) 381AH, Tahdhību and Īstibṣār which are both for Imām Al-Ṭūsi (360 AH), Al-Wāfi for Īmam Al-Kashānì (1091 AH), Biḥār Al-Anwār for Īmām Al-Majlisi (1111AH), Wasā’ilu Al-Shī‘atu for Imām Al-Ḥurr Al-‘Āmili (1104 AH) and, lastly, the Mustadiriku Al-Wasā’ilu for Imām Al-Nūrì Al-Ṭabarsì (1320 AH). The paper continues to discuss the Shī‘a perspective on traditions throwing more light on different aspects of the creed which have a relationship with Ḥadīth methodological principles such as the infallibility of Imām, and Taqiyyah. Different categorizations of Ḥadīth according to Shī‘a, such as the Mutawātir and Āḥād, are explained, expressing different opinions on various controversial topics such as Akhbār Āḥād, Ḥadīth Muḍmar, Ḥadīth Muwaththaq, and others, while elaborating their relativity and authority towards Shī‘a. More than twenty (20) categories of Ḥadīths are also discussed, putting more emphasis on the categories that were exclusive to Shī‘a methodologies such as Al-Ḥadīth Al-Muḍmiru. Moreover, the research study further explores the developments of the compilation of Shī‘a traditions starting from the Prophet’s time, and throughout the time of companions may Allah be pleased with them, articulating some key roles played by Shi‘a Imams in the process of compilation. It also analyzes how the Shī‘a came up with the four hundred books of narrations, which were later put together and compiled in different Shī‘a books, such as Al-Kāfì. Sunnah views concerning different aspects encountered in Shī‘a’s compilation such as Muṣḥaf ‘Aliy and Muṣḥaf Fatimah are also elaborated. Furthermore, the paper discusses the approaches used by traditionalists to authenticate books, scrutinize narrators to differentiate between dependable and weak ones and the relativity of attributing books to their owners. In elaborating methodologies that were practically followed by Shī‘a Traditionalists, a case study is taken by studying Uṣūlu Al-Kāfì, analyzing the stance the writer took in applying the principles of the science of Ḥadīth laid down by Shī‘a traditionalists and Al-Kulayni himself. The paper examined the works of Shī‘a based on Sunnah literature, Shī‘a literature, general knowledge, and natural intellect. Lastly, the research revealed that although the structures of Sunnah and Shī‘a in Ḥadīth methodologies seemed familiar, the implications of their methodologies varied due to the differences in the strategies that were based on key controversial and fundamental issues under Shī‘a. Some of the major cornerstones for these divergences were the subjects of infallibility and the honesty of the companions may Allah be pleased with them —the latter led to the abandonment of hundreds of thousands of traditions by Shī‘a.