Qabā Hadith in Mystical Texts

Since the Quran and Prophetic hadiths are two of the main origins of the teachings of Islamic mysticism, the people of creed (Tariq) have strived to delve into their deep meanings and fathomtheir sublime themes. In addition to these two, they have come to prominent insights through contemplating Qudsi hadiths or sacred narrations in which the meaning is revealed by God and the phrasing is formulated by the Prophet (pbuh). Qabā (long garment) is one of these hadiths. In mystical texts, this statement is related from the Prophet (pbuh): «ÇæáیÇÆی ÊÍÊ ÞÈÇÆی áÇیÚÑÝåã ÛیÑی.» (My intimate friends are under my Qabā. No one knows them except me). As attributing a hadith to the Prophet (pbuh) has an important traditional significance, it requires closescrutiny of each of the hadiths of the Prophet (pbuh) and their authenticity by distinguishing authentic hadiths from inaccurate ones. Qabā Qudsi (sacred) hadith is one of the dozens of narrations in mystical texts attributed to the Prophet (pbuh), while no trace of it could be found in the Sunni and Shia hadith collections. This prompted anenquiry intothe authenticity or inaccuracy of its recitation by the Prophet (pbuh). Based on the mystical inferences drawn from the verses of the Quran and the generation of hadith and according to the Companions of the Secret whom we have been informed of their dignity, we take this opportunity to posit that this statement is derived from the accounts of the Prophet (pbuh) and is a mystic statement, not a Qudsi hadith.