Functions of " Text Criticism" of Hadiths by Early Shiite Hadith Transmitters

Shiite scholars have always been concerned with the question of authenticity of hadiths of infallible-innocent personalities from the very beginning. Text criticism and consideration of contextual criticism of hadiths is a significant component in this connection. Evidence available indicates that text criticism of hadiths, whose consideration had been rooted in Shi‘a Imams’ directions, has had a deep-rooted history for Shiites. Analysis of reports handed down from early Shi‘a scholars conveys the significant role of contextual criticism on the basis of multiple cognitional criteria as to evaluation of veraciousness of themes of hadiths, examination of hadiths and books collecting them, valuation of issuance of hadiths, evaluation of mode of issuance, and examination of transmitters.