Al-Kulaynī: Insights into His Life and Methodology

Abstract

Muḥammad b. Yaʿqūb al-Kulaynī (d. 329/941) is considered one of the most influential scholars in Twelver Shīʿīsm, his magnum opus al-Kāfī regarded as the premier work of ḥadīth and one of the main sources for theological doctrine (ʿaqīda) and practical jurisprudence (fiqh). Despite that recognition, little is known about his life, motivations and approach, especially in the English-speaking Shīʿī world. This paper seeks to correct that by introducing the individual and his methodology, combining a close reading of the available historical details of his life with an analysis of the relevant sections of his muqaddima (preface).