Convergence of the Hadiths of Silsilat al-Dhahab of Imam Riḍā (AS) and His Miracles in Neishabur, Based on the Works of Ibn Shādhān

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Shi'a History Studies Department, Humanities and Literature Faculty, Neyshabur, Iran.

Abstract

Faḍl ibn Shādhān Nīshābūrī (d. 260 AH/874 AD), who resided in Neishabur and was among the companions of Imam Riḍā (AS), severely criticized Dualism (Thanawīyyah), Trinitarianism (Tathlīthīyyah), Murjiʻah, Khawārij, Ahl al-Hadith, Mu'tazilah, Zaidiyyah, Waqifiyyah, and Isma'iliyyah in his refutations. His refutations indicate the active presence of these theological groups in Neishabur. Therefore, the opponents and audience of Imam Riḍā (AS) upon his arrival in Neishabur were four groups: Zanadiqa (dualists and Manichaeans) and Thanawīyyah (dualists); Trinitarians; groups of the Caliphate school; and branches of Shi'ism. Imam Riḍā (AS), by reporting three Hadiths of Silsilat al-Dhahab – "Shafaqat" (compassion), "Faith" and "Ḥiṣn" (fortress) – to thousands of Nīshābūrīans, identified all those beliefs and religions as misguided and unstable. He sought to highlight the discourse of Shi'i thought. Undoubtedly, the selection of these Hadiths at that historical juncture arose from the exigencies of the time and habitat. In addition to theoretical-cognitive functions, Imam Riḍā (AS) presented at least four miracles and charismatic acts to establish his own legitimacy and that of the Shi'i school: "Planting a healing almond tree; determining the Qibla (direction of prayer) of Neishabur; causing a spring to flow; and healing an injured person." The author of these lines, by library-based collection of the aforementioned data and presenting it in an analytical-descriptive manner, has endeavored to provide a documented and insightful article.

Keywords

Main Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 May 2025
  • Receive Date: 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 29 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 May 2025
  • First Publish Date: 31 May 2025
  • Publish Date: 31 May 2025