The Role of Shia Masters in Propagating Hadith in Rayy

Rayy is one of the centers of Islamic civilization and culture which was the focus of attention for many a sovereign throughout history. Great scholars, tradents and narrators were also attracted to this city and since some lofty personalities like ʿAbd al-ʿAẓīm al-Ḥasanī, Thiqat al-Islām Kulaynī, Shaykh Ṣadūq etc. resided there [for some time], it was considered one of the important centers for hadith learning. Many unique views on issues pertaining to biographies of narrators (rijāl) and theology have come from this city. The fourth century saw the height of tradition-based scholarship in Rayy. The popularity of Rayy started from the period after the passing away of ʿAlī ibn Bābawayh and Ibn Walīd which was the same time when Shaykh Ṣadūq migrated to Rayy and the Late Kulaynī also took it as his place of residence. With the entry of these scholars, Rayy became one of the foremost places of learning and scholarship; so much so that Rayy was considered to be at par with Qom or even to surpass Qom during the period when it was at the height of its prominence.