Imam Ali ΄s Studies

Imamate Studies in Kufa in the Early Second Century Based on the Interpretive Opinions of Suddi Kabir

Document Type : .

Authors

Mansureh alsadat Khatami 1
Mouhammad reza Shahroudi 2

1 Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary Qur'anic Studies Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University,

2 Associate Professor, University of Tehran

10.30465/alavi.2025.51342.2706
Abstract
This study explores the religious and ideological climate of Kufa in the 1st and early 2nd centuries AH, focusing on the narrations of Isma'il ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Suddi al-Kabir (d. 127 AH), a respected scholar among both Sunni and Shia circles. Some scholars argue that the virtues attributed to Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and the Ahl al-Bayt were later fabrications by extremist Shia groups. This research challenges that view by analyzing al-Suddi’s narrations to determine whether reverence for the Ahl al-Bayt was present in early Islamic thought.

Although Sheikh Tusi lists al-Suddi among the companions of the Imams, he cannot be strictly categorized as a doctrinal Shia. His interpretations of Quranic verses related to Imam Ali and the Progeny of the Prophet, along with his emphasis on love (wilaya) for them, disavowal (bara'a) from their enemies, and recognition of their spiritual and moral superiority, indicate a widespread respect for the Ahl al-Bayt in Kufa during the Umayyad era.

These findings suggest that the veneration of the Ahl al-Bayt was not merely a later development but had roots in the early Islamic period. Al-Suddi’s balanced and widely accepted position provides insight into the general beliefs of the people of Kufa, showing that pro-Alid sentiment was embedded in the broader religious consciousness of the time.

Keywords

Suddi Kabir
Ahl al-Bayt (AS)
The excellences of Ali (AS)
The city of Kufa

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