Ibn Shahr Ashub, the 6th century scholar seeking proximity of Islamic sects

The main idea behind this paper is to present attitudes and behavior of Ibn Shahr Ashub who had a good relationship with the Sunnies. As a great scholar of the 6th century, Ibn Shahr Ashub, based on hismoderate and reasoning attitude, had a moderate and compromising relationship with the Sunnies. He would enter into Sunni societies without any fear and he would learn from anyone who could teach him. Accordingly, in the Rejal and Hadith sciences, whenever he made certain about a tradition quoted by a Sunni scholar, he would refer to such tradition. He had the same approach in other sciences, e.g. in the Quran and exegesis of the Quran and particularly in Jurisprudence and Principles of Islamic Laws. Interestingly, Ibn Shahr Ashub had a compromising approach even in Theology which is known to be different from other Islamic sciences. In his famous book,entitled, ''Manaqeb Ale Abi Talib'' he would refer to authenticated Sunni traditions as the main sources for explaining about virtues of the Ahl-e Bayt (a.s). His attitudes and behavior particularly concerning scientific issues was such that the Sunni scholars had great respect for him and some of the Sunni scholars said great and inspiring things about his open-mindedness.