Al-Istibsar fi ma ukhtulifa min al-akhbar

The socio-political milieu during the time of Tusi was rife with contention. The nascent stages of Shia identity were often marked by misunderstanding and misinterpretation of beliefs, leading to sectarian divisions. In this context, “Al-Istibsar” emerged not merely as an academic endeavor but as a defensive work intended to articulate and preserve the authentic teachings of the Shia faith amidst a cacophony of discordant voices.

Structuring Disagreement

Tusi’s methodology is remarkable for its analytical rigor. The work is organized into thematic sections, each addressing specific areas of jurisprudential debate. By foregrounding the sources of disagreement—often drawn from both Shia and Sunni traditions—Tusi provides a platform for comparative analysis that reveals undercurrents of similarity and divergence. This structural integrity magnifies the essence of conflicting narrations, encouraging readers to engage actively with the material rather than passively accept prevailing dogmas.