Document Type : .
Author
Member of the Academic Board, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
Abstract
In the current article we introduce and explain the prophetic tradition known as the Hadith of Thaqalayn (the two weighty things), we discuss its importance in Shiite believes and its potential role in helping to create rapprochement between Islamic schools. The Hadith of Thaqalayn is a testimony to the unchanged status of the Quran, the pure nature of the people of the house, the continuity of the religious leadership and a proof that the Madhi is alive. This prophetic tradition confirms the successors of the prophet and the people of the house as ultimate religious references. On this particular topic, there are a wide range of discussions which will be mentionbed, for example, some argue that one should only rely solely upon the Qur’an and not favor prophetic traditions which are not validated by people of the house.
We will then investigate the historical and academic significance of the book entitled Hadithy al-Thaqalayn written by Qawwam al-din Muhammad Vasnavi. We will pay a particular attention to his unique pedagogical style in studying the chains and types of transmission recorded for the prophetic tradition. We will also discuss the significance of this book and the historical opportunity it offers to bring rapprochement between various Islamic schools.
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