A Study of the Sanad and Matn of the Hadith al-Isabah from the Perspective of Sheikh Baha'i's (RA) and Imam Khomeini's (RA) Arba'ini

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

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

2 Associate Professor and Faculty Member, Department of Hadith Sciences, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Al-Mustafa International University, Qom, Iran

10.22034/pht.2025.14760.1374

Abstract

A narration concerning the verse, “To test which of you is best in deed” (Qur’an, 11:7 and 67:2), has been reported from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) and was cited by Sheikh al-Kulayni (may God be pleased with him) in the chapter on sincerity (al-ikhlās) within the Book of Faith and Disbelief in his work al-Kāfī. This narration was selected by both Sheikh Baha’i (may God be pleased with him) and Imam Khomeini (may God be pleased with him) for inclusion in their respective forty hadith collections. Given the importance of the subject matter of the narration on the one hand, and the value of examining the methodologies of these two scholars in explicating its meanings on the other, this article investigates the chain of transmission (sanad) and the text (matn) of the hadith according to the insights provided by both scholars in their forty hadith collections. The study employs inductive, descriptive-analytical, and comparative methodologies. Sheikh Baha’i (may God be pleased with him) emphasized the issue of sincerity in intention (ikhlās fī al-niyya) and its necessity for the validity of an action, while distinguishing between the intention for reward and certain accompanying factors on the one hand, and ostentation (riyā’) on the other. In contrast, Imam Khomeini (may God be pleased with him) stressed the effectiveness and impact of an action in light of the concept of ‘correct performance’ (isāba), which comprises the combination of fear of God (Almighty and Exalted) and sincere intention (niyya sādiqa). He further noted that there is no necessary correlation between the validity of an action and its acceptance. Although the various dimensions of this issue are multifaceted and the opinions of scholars differ according to their diverse approaches, the insights provided by these two scholars (may God be pleased with them) cannot be dismissed in light of established evidence. 

Keywords

References

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11- Pajooheshname Hadith Tatbighee
Volume 12, Issue 22 - Serial Number 22
September 2025
Pages 65-86

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History

  • Receive Date: 06 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 24 April 2025

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