Analytical Study of Rationalism and Textualism among the Companions of the Shia Imams (A) in Medina (95 AH to 260 AH)

Analytical Study of Rationalism and Textualism among the Companions of the Shia Imams (A) in Medina (95 AH to 260 AH)

Medina should be regarded as the first base for the emergence of various intellectual and practical schools within the geography of Islamic thought; a city that, with the presence of the Messenger of God (PBUH), laid the foundations for future intellectual developments. Throughout history, every group and ideology considered itself a kind of heir to him. Among these, the diverse Shia schools, ranging from Hadith and theology to history and jurisprudence, also benefited significantly from the proliferation of various schools and the clash of opinions present in Medina.

The companions of the Shia Imams during the period from 95 to 260 AH (which can be divided into three distinct phases) created various sects and movements by borrowing from the Hadiths of those great figures. These movements sometimes exhibited clear differences both in general principles and in specific details. This situation led to a considerable clash of opinions in this city. A question that arises here is whether "the rational approach among the companions of the Shia Imams in Medina was more widespread than textualist interpretations?" The answer to this question must be sought in the historical dynamics of the companions of the Imams in this city; meaning that, unlike the Hadith school of the Sunni scholars in Medina, which emerged in opposition to their Hadith school in Kufa and was primarily based on textualist foundations, the Shia school in Medina was a synthesis of rationalism and textualism. In fact, the companions of the Imams in Medina can be considered a group of prominent Kufans who frequently traveled to Medina due to the presence of the Imam. The categorization of these narrators, as referenced in the biographical literature, supports this claim.

Shideh / M. Sadeghani