An analysis on the new viewpoints of Shaykh Muhammad `Āmilī' in Rijal science or An analysis on Shaykh Muhammad `Āmilī's thoughts in his "Istiqṣā' al-I`tibār"

No doubt Rijal-oriented discussions make remarkable contribution to evaluation (and credit assessment) of traditions. However, diversity of opinions of the scholars in understanding the expressions of the earlier Rijal experts occasionally makes it difficult to attain the truth. Explanation of the Rijal-oriented thoughts of Shaykh Muhammad `Āmilī, the grandson of the Second Martyr (al-Shahīd al-Thānī) who is a scrutinizer in this filed, can cause to resolve the problem. Having applied a descriptive-analytical method the present article explains some of his specific viewpoints in the filed of evaluation of traditions, as well as the Rijal science. According to the findings of this study, Shaykh `Āmilī returns the descriptions mentioned under the name of a subordinate narrator in the early Rijal works to the main narrator. He deems the transmission paths (ṭuruq) of Shaykh Ṭūsī to Ahmad ibn Muhammad Ash'arī valid. He maintains that only in specific conditions the procuration (wikālah) denotes the reliability of the procurator (wakīl), while it is impossible for the later scholars in most of the cases to ascertain these conditions. He is of the opinion that the term khayr signifies different meanings and that it implies praise (for the narrator). Having adduced evidences, the also maintains that Ibn Walīd's exceptions in his Nawādir alḤikmah do not cause any harm (qadḥ) against the narrator. Of course, his last two viewpoints are worthy of criticism.