Kitab al-Irshad

Al-Irshad (Persian: ارشاد‎‎), also called the Book of Guidance into the Lives of the 12 Imams,[1] is a religious, theological book considered to be a biography of the lives of Shia imams. It describes the twelve Imams' historical circumstances, miracles and virtues.[2] The book also includes evidence for Imamates among Shia.

Author

Main article: Shaykh Mufid

Shaykh Mufid was a prominent Twelver Shi'a theologian.[3] He was the son of Muallim, and was called Ibn Muallim. Mufid was taught by Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Ibn Qulawayh, Abu Abdallah al-Basri and al-Rummani, and passed on his teachings to his own students, including Sharif al-Murtaza and al-Shaykh al-Tusi. Only 10 of his 200 works have survived, which include Amali, Al-Irshad, Al-Muqni'ah, Tashih al-Itiqadat.

Content

Referring to the miracles of Imam Ali, Shaykh Mufid stated that Ali accepted Islam when he was only 7 years old. Mufid also described the military miracles of Ali, like lifting a fortress gate in the Khaybar Battle.[2] He also draws the reader's attention to the Event of Mubahala.[4] He described the situation and life of each Imam and also explained the circumstances of death of all Shia Imams .However he mentioned the disappearance of last Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi.[5] This book could be counted as a reflection of ash-Shaykhu 'l-Mufid's perspective in history and hadith rather than based on theology or philosophy.[6] He also refers to event of Karbala and Imam Hosein's journey.[7] Even the events of Imam Rida and his governing narrated by him.[8] This book begins by praising Allah, prophet Muhammad and Shia's twelve Imams. Nearly half of the book is dedicated to Iman Ali and his characteristics and virtues. He has also attempted to provide evidence for imamate, or Leadership, of Imam Hasan and details of his life. He also wrote an account of the leadership of Muhammad al-Mahdi and some of his miracles.[9]

Translation

This book has also been translated to English by Doctor I.K.A Howard.[10]

The book is available in many languages such as in Arabic, Iranian, Urdu, Hindi and Azeri.

External links

See also

References

  1. ↑ David Waines (2003). An Introduction to Islam Introduction to Religion. p. 330.
  2. 1 2 Matti Moosa (1987). Extremist Shiites: The Ghulat Sects Contemporary issues in the Middle East. p. 68.
  3. ↑ "Al-Amali, The Dictations of Shaykh al-Mufid". Al-Islam.org.
  4. ↑ Lady of the Women of the Worlds: Exploring Shi'i Piety and Identity Through a Consideration of Fatima Al-Zahra'. The University of Arizona. Near Eastern Studies. 2008. p. 41.
  5. ↑ Oliver Leaman (2006). The Qur'an: An Encyclopedia. p. 586.
  6. ↑ Jafari (2004). Introduction to Kitab al-Irshad. p. 4.
  7. ↑ Hamid Dabbashi (1988). Shi'ism: Doctrines, Thought, and Spirituality. p. 325.
  8. ↑ Rizvi in Mari (2006). Islamic civilization 1. p. 36.
  9. ↑ Ali Nazemian Fard. the magazine of the book of month of history and geography (in Persian) (1378 solar): 31–32. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. ↑ Jafari 2004, p. 1
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