ṢāḤib alĪ akbarĪ

One of the new trends of criticism that deals with the relationship and interaction between texts is “intertextuality”. The literary works according to this theory are formed in interaction with each other, and each text is the product of previous texts. This theory is widely used in the field of interpretation and understanding of texts. The Noble Qurʾān is a source with high spiritual concepts and teachings whose themes have been directly or indirectly reflected in the works of the Infallible Imams (al-ʾAʾimmah al-Maʿṣūmūn) ʿAlayhim al-ṣalātu wal-salām, especially Imām al-Sajjād (امام السجاد) ʿAlayhi al-ṣalātu wal-salām. The intertextual relationship between the Noble Qurʾān and supplications has been formed in a beautiful and harmonious way. This article examines the supplication of Abū Ḥamza al-Thumālī (Arabic: دعاء ابی حمزه الثمالی) from the perspective of intertextual relations and it aims to explain the influence of Imām al-Sajjād ʿAlayhi al-ṣalātu wal-salām on the verses of the Noble Qurʾān after evaluating some of the selected clauses of this supplication based on the principles and rules of this theory and clarify the role of intertextual information in the process of understanding.

The meaning and concept of the word rushd (= maturity, probity, certitude) in the stories of the Holy Qur'ān has been stated within nineteen verses which can be thematically divided into three major parts: the verses concerning the holy prophet of Islam (S.A.W.) and his umma (community of followers) – who possess the attributes and deeds of the rāshidūn (guided ones) –; the verses concerning the Divine Prophets such as Abraham, Lot, Jethro and Moses (A.S.); and the verses concerning the stories of the believers including the believers among the people of Pharaoh, Men of the Cave, and the believers among mankind and the jinn. In this research, first the verses concerning rushd in the Holy Quran are extracted and then thematically categorized. In the verses chronological order has been observed concerning the stories of the Prophets; and in order to clarify the concept of these verses, other verses are also employed. After categorizing, the meaning and concept as well as various applications of this word is examined. Making use of different Sunnite and Shī‘ite interpretations together has enriched this research.

The way of life (sīra) of the Infallible Imams (A.S.), especially the traditions attributed to them are among the sources employed in the study of Islamic thought history. The most sensitive historical period in the development course of Islamic politicalthought is the beginning of the Umayyad period and the shift of caliphate to monarchy in this era. In this respect, the Shī‘a Imams (A.S.) took specific measures as their Divine responsibility towards preservation and restoration of Islamic thought. This article studies Imam Sajjād (A.S.)'s assuming position in the most critical period of Islamic history on the basis of his Saḥīfat al-Sajjādiyya in order to unveil his strategy toward preservation of Shī‘ī Imamate line.