The Narratological Analysis of Hadith Narrators: "Knowledge of God through the Imam"

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

• Mahdi Zerehsaz ¹
• Gholamreza Raeisian ²
• Hasan Naghizadeh ³
• Imdat Turan ⁴

¹ PhD student, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² Associate Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Quran and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

⁴ Assistant Professor, University of Religions and Sects, Qom, Iran

10.22067/jquran.2025.92430.1815

Abstract

In Shia hadith, numerous narrations address the fundamental theological topic of the knowledge of God. Some of these hadiths emphasize that the recognition of God is only attainable through the intercession of the Imams. In such narrations, the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) are regarded as possessing high ranks, such as the Gate of God and the Face of God, thereby being introduced as the sole path to divine recognition for humanity. Historical studies substantiate the existence of various groups among the companions and narrators during the era of the Imams, including the Ghulat (exaggerators) and those accused of exaggeration, as well as the juristic narrators and the theologians associated with Hisham ibn al-Hakam. This paper aims to conduct a descriptive-analytical study of the different groups of narrators of these hadiths and to explore the role of each group in transmitting this type of narration. The findings reveal that all three groups contribute to the transmission of these narrations, with the Ghulat and those accused of exaggeration having a lesser role compared to the juristic narrators. Consequently, it can be asserted that the non-exaggerated nature of these narrations is evidenced by their acceptance among companions with diverse intellectual inclinations.

Keywords

• "
• Knowledge of God
• Knowledge of the Imam
• the Study of Narrators'
• Streams
• and Accusations of Exaggeration"

Main Subjects

• Quran and Hadith Studies

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