Shaykh Mufid’s Imamology System and Its Feedback in His Hadith Studies

Hadith scholarship of Shia scholars like their other theological studies is influenced by various principles and presuppositions. The theological principles, especially on the subject of leadership, are of high importance, since they are of the most fundamental theological issues among the Shia. Shaykh Mufid as a theologian who lived in transition period from textorientedness to rationalism, a prominent figure in formation of the current system of Shia theology, and a prolific and productive author is a thorough example for demonstration of principles of Imamology in the field of hadith studies. His Imamology system is seen in four issues: “reason and necessity of the Imam", "status of the Imam", "attributes and characteristics of the Imam", and "quality of knowledge of the qualified Imam". His performance in different fields of hadith studies (viz. explanation and evaluation of hadith) suggests that his approach to the attributes of the Imam, especially the realm of the Imam’s knowledge and belief in the infallibility of the Prophet and the Imam has had the greatest effect leading to restriction of the concept circle of hadiths concerning Imam’s knowledge, critical review of the hadiths concerning the Prophet’s sahw (mistake), and establishment of components for studying exaggeration. Shaykh Mufid’s views about the unity of the Imam in every age and his status have been utilized in evaluating some traditions.