Analytical Criticism of Sanad, Source and Meaning of Madḥ and Dhamm Traditions of Mysticism, Based on Teachings of Hadith Sciences

The Holy Qur’an does not explicitly refer to mysticism, but in Shiite narrative sources there are many hadiths blaming (dhamm) it and few hadiths in Sufi sources and two Shiite books praising (Madḥ) it; The praise traditions are wāhid (with single transmitter) while the blame ones are mutawātir (with multiple transmitters). The praise ones have exaggerated and heterogeneous interpretations comparing others, while the blame ones include blaming Sufis, blaming rituals, ceremonies, leaders, and epistemological principles of Sufism. This trend is completely different from pure Islamic mysticism and spirituality, and even contradicts it. Based on the descriptive-analytical method, this research cites the text, validates the sanad (chain of transmitters), and refers to the implications of praise traditions and examples of blame traditions of mysticism. Findings show that the praise traditions, which either are mursal or contain qīla (was told) at the beginning, have many weaknesses and shortcomings in terms of sanad, source and implications; In contrast, the blame traditions are musnad with valid or authentic sanad. They contain consistent sanad and theme of traditions in the same group. Also in terms of meaning, they are completely clear and explicit; accordingly, some Sufi leaders wrongly and unacceptably think that the blame traditions are weak, so that they propose the implementation of balance rules and preference, based on the combination or presenting both of them. Seemingly, the claim of withdrawal of the blame traditions from Shiite Sufis or modern Sufis, with the application of the blame traditions and the similarity of Shiite Sufis with them, is incompatible.