Al-khabar al-mutawatir

Shia Teachings: Al-Khabar Al-Mutawatir

Within the intricate fabric of Islamic jurisprudence, the significance of hadith—a record of the words, actions, or habits of the Prophet Muhammad—cannot be overstated. However, in the Shia tradition, a particular type of hadith known as al-khabar al-mutawatir emerges as a cornerstone of theological and legal authority. But what precisely is al-khabar al-mutawatir, and how does it fumble our understanding of transmissibility and credibility in religious narratives? This exploration seeks to elucidate the essence of this concept, while simultaneously challenging you to ponder its implications in the realm of religious discourse.

Understanding Al-Khabar Al-Mutawatir

Al-khabar al-mutawatir translates to “the news that has been transmitted abundantly.” But what renders it significant? It refers to narratives that are reported by such a multitude of narrators across different chains of transmission that the veracity of the information becomes indisputable. This redundancy serves as a protective fortification against individual biases or errors that might affect lesser transmissions.