Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Yaqub ibn Ishaq al-

Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Yaqub ibn Ishaq al-

Description

Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Yaqub ibn Ishaq al- (d. 940) was a major compiler of Shii hadith and a significant contributor to the elaboration of Shii law. He studied in Qom, which was a major center of Shii learning during his time. His compendium Kitab al-Kafi is considered one of the four most authoritative sources of hadith and law by the Twelver Shiis.

Etymology and Translations

• Arabic: محمد بن يعقوب بن إسحاق الكليني
• Turkish: Muhammed bin Yakub bin İshak el-Kuleyni

Education and Contribution

Muhammad ibn Yaqub al-Kulayni received his education in Qom. He meticulously gathered and compiled hadiths—sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams revered in Twelver Shii Islam. His work holds a pivotal role in Shii jurisprudence and theology.

Kitab al-Kafi

Kitab al-Kafi is regarded as one of the most critical texts for the Shia community. This comprehensive collection consists of over 16,000 hadiths and is divided into three main sections:

1. Usul al-Kafi (Principles of Kafi): Deals with theological, ethical, and philosophical issues.
2. Furu al-Kafi (Branches of Kafi): Covers various aspects of Shii jurisprudence, including ritual purity, prayer, fasting, and social regulations.
3. Rawdat al-Kafi (Garden of Kafi): A miscellaneous section dealing with a variety of hadiths on different topics.

Further Readings

• Al-Kafi by Muhammad ibn Yaqub al-Kulayni
• Mawsu’at al-Imam al-Kulaynî (Encyclopedia of Imam al-Kulayni)

Takeaways

• Muhammad ibn Yaqub al-Kulayni remains a pivotal figure in Twelver Shii Islam due to his compilation of the revered Kitab al-Kafi.
• His works are foundational for understanding the hadith and legal traditions within Twelver Shii Islam.

Conclusion

Kulayni’s contributions to Shii hadith literature and law have left a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship, making Kitab al-Kafi an essential reference in Twelver Shii jurisprudence. His meticulous efforts have preserved many foundational texts critical to the theological and legal discourse within Shii Islam.