Shi`i Narrator Criticism – A Critical Study of Ibn al Mutahhar al-Hilli and Abu l-Qasim al-Khu’i
The study of hadith narrator criticism (al jarh wa al ta’dil) according to the Shia has, for the most part, remained unexplored. And unlike their Sunni counterparts, the Shia only began developing this science in the 5th century. Of the few that have contributed to this field, there are arguably no greater authorities than Ibn al-Mutahhar al-Hilli (d. 726 AH) and Abu al Qasim al Khu’i (d. 1992 CE). In fact, the vast majority of issues related to the science of al jarh wa al ta’dil are to be found in their works Khulasat al Aqwal fi Ma’rifat al Rijal and Mu’jam Rijal al Hadith. The present work is a translation of Dr. Sa’d al Shanfa’s al-Jarh wa al-Ta’dil ‘Inda al Shia. In an unprecedented fashion, Dr. al Shanfa attempts to disprove al-Hilli and al Khu’i in his critical appraisal of their respective works. As a result, his work turned out to be a tactical masterstroke and an invaluable contribution in the field of al jarh wa al ta’dil. May Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala reward the author for his efforts and may He allow others to continue benefitting from his works.