The Science of Hadith Narrators among the Twelver Shi'a: Between Criticism and Fairness (A Descriptive and Analytical Study)

Abstract

This research highlights a cluster of contemporary and classical objections and challenges directed toward Ilm al-Rijal (the Science of Narrators) within the Imami Shiite tradition. The researcher categorizes these criticisms as "non-objective," arguing that they stem from premises that overlook the unique methodological characteristics of this discipline. The primary objective of this study is to deconstruct the structure of these criticisms through a comparative analytical approach, exploring the cognitive foundations upon which scholars of al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil (Biographical Evaluation) built their evidentiary frameworks.

The study begins by clarifying the existential necessity of Ilm al-Rijal, emphasizing its role as a "protective shield" for the narrated heritage and a methodological tool that prevents the conflation of authentic traditions with fabricated or intrusive ones. Furthermore, the research addresses those who question the utility of Sanad (chain of transmission) or claim the absolute certainty of all narrations in the "Four Books" (Al-Kutub al-Arba'ah). It demonstrates that Imami jurisprudential and hadith practices have historically relied on chain criticism as an objective condition for accepting any narration.

Additionally, the research examines the flexible critical tools employed by both early and late scholars, such as General Validations (al-Tawthiqat al-Ammah)—including the "People of Consensus" (Ashab al-Ijma) and the "Masters of Trustworthy Narrators" (Mashayikh al-Thiqat)—as well as contemporary testimonies. In doing so, it refutes claims of "epistemic closure" regarding the accessibility of narrators' biographies. The research concludes that Ilm al-Rijal in the Shiite tradition is not a mere "intellectual luxury" or a repetition of previous efforts; rather, it is an advanced critical system equipped with precise historical inductive tools. It remains an urgent necessity for the derivation of legal rulings and the construction of doctrine on solid demonstrative foundations.