A Study of the Pivots of Virtues and Excellences in Six Books of the Sunnīs

A search into the earlier tradition sources of the Sunnīs indicates that part of them, entitled Kitāb al-Faḍā’il, address the excellences (faḍā’il) and virtues (manāqib) of individuals and groups. Dedicating a separate chapter under this rubric along other chapters and sections of ḥadith collections reveals the importance of this issue and the endeavors of the compilers of Sunnī ḥadith collections in preparing this category of traditions. After compilation and examination, this type of traditions can be grouped into seven categories: excellences arisen from the individual's relation with the Prophet (S.A.W.); religious; ethnic, tribal, and group; military-security; scholarly; ethical; and the traditions dedicated to the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.). Influenced by different temporal and spatial circumstances, the traditions regarding the virtues and excellences of individuals and groups vary in significance, value, and credibility which have to be taken into consideration and closely examined when being referred to. Excellences and virtues is one of the ḥadīth fields that have not been safeguarded against fabrication and forgery; thus, employment of such traditions and making reference to them seems to require close examination and precaution.