An Examination of the Scientific and Cultural Personality of Imam Sadiq (a) in the Sunni Sources

Many traditions have been related from Imam Sadiq (a) in the sources of Sunni Hadith. This was due to the many different classes that Imam Sadiq (a) had in Medinah and Kufah and the many students who flocked to him¡ some of which were Sunni jurisprudents. These individuals were drawn to the classes of Imam Sadiq (a). When we examine the books of traditions of Ahl Sunnah until the 10th century we see that many Sunni jurisprudents not only praised Imam Sadiq (a) but also related many traditions from him regarding many different subjects such as jurisprudents¡ the Qur’anic sciences¡ ethics¡ history¡ etc. As a result¡ many of the Imam’s (a) views can be found in the works that followed this century. Many consider the Imam (a) to be trustworthy¡ some say that he was very truthful and still others say that he was unparalleled. It is for this reason that some say that the reason why the Imam (a) was entitled ‘Sadiq’ (a) was in part due to these praises as well as some of the true predictions of the Imam (a).