ABSTRACTS

A study on ṣa‘b (hard) and mustṣ‘ab (considered hard) hadiths

‘Abdulhadi Mas‘oudi

Numerous traditions have considered the hadiths quoted from the Prophet’s Household as ṣa‘b (hard) and mustṣ‘ab (considered hard). It became clear after collecting these traditions that the resources of most of them are early and reliable; such reliable resources as Baṣā’ir al-Darajāt, al-Kāfī and some of works of Shaykh Ṣadūq. Transmission chains of these traditions are numerous and based on Dirāyat al-Noor software program; some of them are either ṣaḥīḥ (authentic) or muwath-thaq (authenticated). Thus we are sure that they have truly been transmitted (from the Household).

Based on ijtihād-based lexicology, establishment of hadith family and finding internal and external indications it was understood that the concept of "ḥadīthunā” (our hadith) and the hardness of receiving it refer - in most cases - to matchless merits, virtues and accomplishments of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S). A few hadiths of this collection refer to scientific hardness of the context of the hadith. These two groups do not contradict with one another; because the sublime knowledge and thought of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) are part of their existential accomplishments. What is mainly intended by the expression of ṣa‘b and mustṣ‘ab hadiths is that one should avoid recounting the existential accomplishments of the Ahl al-Bayt for those who do not possess the capacity of hearing and tolerating them.

Keywords: hardness of the hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S), hardness of the affair of the Ahl al-Bayt, taḥammul (hearing, receiving, etc.) of hadiths.

* * * * *