The Criterion for Accepting Shi'a Narrations according to Ahl al-Sunnah (Study and Critique)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, PhD Student in Comparative Hadith Sciences, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor and Faculty Member, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom,

3 Professor, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

10.22034/pht.2025.15892.1436

Abstract

Researching the credibility of narrators from other schools of thought has concerned scholars since early times. Some scholars addressed it within their discussions on the conditions for accepting a narrator's report, while others dedicated independent works to it from various perspectives. The prevailing view among the majority of Shi'a scholars is that the fundamental condition for relying on a narrator lies in his integrity (‘adalah) and precision (dabt), regardless of his sectarian affiliation. As for Ahl al-Sunnah, although their opinions regarding [narrators from] other than the Shi'a may vary and generally possess a degree of scholarly rigor and objectivity, their opinion regarding the Shi'a is negative and falls outside even this framework. It is this opinion that we have critiqued in light of scholarly data, utilizing a library research method by surveying the statements of their scholars, comparing them, and then critiquing them. The finding was that their fundamental opinion regarding Shi'a narrations is non-acceptance, unless necessity (darurah) or interest (maslahah) dictates acting upon them. The sole reason for adopting this opinion is that the Shi'a disparage some of the Companions (Sahaba). It is evident that this claim cannot serve as proof for rejecting a narrator's report, as it is essentially known that not all Companions were on the same level, and thus they, like others, must be subject to critique. The correct scholarly criterion for evaluating a narrator is integrity (‘adalah) and precision (dabt), regardless of sectarian affiliation, except where evidence dictates exclusion, such as in the case of the Khawarij!

Keywords

References

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11- Pajooheshname Hadith Tatbighee
Volume 12, Issue 22 - Serial Number 22
September 2025
Pages 31-64

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 14 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 May 2025

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