The Babi Call and the Incorrect Utilization of the Hadith of Kumayl

Document Type : Scientific-research

Authors

1 . Ph.D. Candidate of the History of Islam, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor of History, Department of History, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The Hadith of Kumayl is narrated from Imam Ali and has drawn the attention of many Shiʿi theologists, amongst whom are the leaders of Shaykhi School, Ahsaʾi and Rashti. The propagation of the Shaykhism is to be considered a major reason that paved the way for the Babi belief. The frequent usage of this narration can also be posited in Babi works. This paper aims to explain the reason of the frequent Babis’ reference to this hadith and is to validate it. In doing so and by using an analytical method, it is found out that the Bab’s interpretative approach to this hadith ended up allowing Babis to take advantage of that narration by distorting its meaning. The results of such distortion are observable, but, inside the Babi paradigm, played a great role in proving the legitimacy of Subh-i-Azal as the true successor of the Bab, and in refuting Bahaʾullah’s claims about founding the Bahaʾi Faith.

Keywords

References

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The Mirror of Knowledge
Volume 24, Issue 2 - Serial Number 79
September 2024
Pages 101-117

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