The Methodology of Jurists in Authenticating Narrations

Abstract

This article argues that Shīʿī scholars possess a correct and objective method of authenticating narrations from Prophet Muḥammad and his family. By way of several examples — that prove the infallibility of the Imams, the importance of the Twelfth Imam in Sunnī and Shīʿī narrations, and mistakes found in Sunnī literature regarding Shīʿī narrations — this article proves that the Twelver Shīʿa can correctly claim legitimacy of their narrations. This work also demonstrates how contemporary Shīʿī scholars such as Ayatollah al-Sistani continue to prove and disprove ḥadīth based on their own scientific methods.