Kitab al-Irshad
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Al-Irshad (Persian: ارشاد), also called the Book of Guidance into the Lives of the 12 Imams,[1] is a biography of the lives of the 12 Shia Imams. It describes their historical circumstances, miracles and virtues.[2] The book also includes evidence for Imamates among Shia.
Author[edit]
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. He passed his teachings to his own students, including Sharif al-Murtaza and al-Shaykh al-Tusi. Only 10 of his 200 works have survived, including Amali, Al-Irshad, Al-Muqni'ah, and Tashih al-Itiqadat.
Content[edit]
He described the situation and life of each Imam and the circumstances of each of their deaths. He mentioned the disappearance of the last Muhammad al-Mahdi.[4] The work reflects Mufid's perspective on history and hadith rather than theology or philosophy.[5]
This book begins by praising Allah, prophet Muhammad and Shia's twelve Imams. Nearly half of the book is dedicated to Imam Ali and his characteristics and virtues.
Translation[edit]
This book was translated into English by I.K.A. Howard.[6]
The book is available in many languages such as Arabic, Farsi, Urdu, Hindi, Azeri and German.
External links[edit]
- Introduction to Kitab al-Irshad
- Obituary of I.K.A. Howard
- Great Shia Works Kitab al-Irshad
- Kitab al-Irshad
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ David Waines (2003). An Introduction to Islam Introduction to Religion. p. 330.
- ^ Matti Moosa (1987). Extremist Shiites: The Ghulat Sects Contemporary issues in the Middle East. p. 68.
- ^ "Al-Amali, The Dictations of Shaykh al-Mufid". Al-Islam.org.
- ^ Oliver Leaman (2006). The Qur'an: An Encyclopedia. p. 586.
- ^ Jafari (2004). Introduction to Kitab al-Irshad. p. 4.
- ^ Jafari 2004, p. 1