Kashf al-Yaqin
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| Language | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Genre | History of Islam, Hadith, theology |
Publication date | 1998 |
| Media type | Print book |
Kashf al-Yaqin or Kashf al-Yaqin fi Faḍā'il Amīr al-Mu'minīn (Arabic: کشف الیقین) (Certainty Uncovered) is a medieval Islamic text written by the Shi'ite scholar Allamah Al-Hilli. Written in Arabic, the book recounts the life and virtues of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Imam in Shia Islam and fourth Caliph in Sunni Islam. It draws upon both Sunni and Shi'a sources to present a theological and historical perspective on Ali's role in early Islamic history.
Commissioned by the Ilkhanid ruler Sultan Khodabandeh in the 14th century, Kashf al-Yaqin it remains a significant work in Shi'a literature. The book has been translated into Persian and English, with translations by Dr. Ali Akbar Aghili Ashtiani and Sayyed Mojtaba Alavi Tarakamahei.
Author
[edit]Sheikh Jamal al-Din Abu-Mansur Hasan is the son of Sadid al-Din Yusuf, the son of Zayn al-Din `Ali, the son of Muhammad, the son of Mutahhar, known as `Allamah Hilli and `Allamah `ala al-Itlaq.
Sheikh `Amili, in his book on Tadhkirat al-Mutabahhirin says, "Sheikh `Allamah Jamal al-Din Abu-Mansur, Hasan ibn Yusuf ibn `Ali ibn Mutahhar Hilli, is a learned scholar, well-versed, a researcher, trustworthy, jurisprudent, traditionalist, theologian, and a dignified man unrivaled in the rational and transmitted science. "
He was taught theology and rational science by Muhaqqiq Hilli and Muhaqqiq Tusi. Muhaqqiq Tusi also learned jurisprudence (Fiqh) from him. Hasan ibn `Ali ibn Dawud, writing about him in his book, says, "He was a great Shi`ite scholar of his time, having numerous books and leading Imamiyyah in the rational and transmitted sciences in his time. His father was a respected jurisprudent and lecturer."[1]
Motive of writing
[edit]During the life of `Allamah Hilli, Sultan Khodabandeh converted to Shi’ism, had coins minted in the name of the twelve Imams, and had them circulated in the country in AH 708. Allameh Hilli wrote the book at the request of Sultan Khodabandeh.
Content
[edit]The author divided the book into one preface and four parts. Some chapters include:
- Ali's virtues before his death
- Ali's virtues in boyhood and maturity
- Ali's generosity and magnanimity
- Ali's courage in the Battle of Khandaq
- The unity of Ali and the Holy Prophet
- Virtues of Ali's spouse
- The Holy Prophet's prayer for Ali
- Ali and the Aide of the Holy Prophet and Fatimah
- Ali's posthumous miracles
Characters
[edit]In Kashf al-Yaqin, most of the resources referred to are Sunni sources such as Mosanad Ahmad, Manaqib Kharazmi, Khasaes of Tabari, Al Yavaqit, Asbab Al Nozul Al Vahedi and Manaqib of Ibn Maqadili. Allameh Majlesi is also referred to and used in the book of Al Bihar.[2]
Translation
[edit]This book has been translated from its original Arabic into several languages, including Persian and English. The English translation of Kashf al-Yaqin is by Dr. Ali Akabar Aghili Ashtiani.[3] The book also has four Persian translations:
- Rashaf Al Moeen by Majd Al Udaba
- A translation by an unknown author
- A translation by Hamid Reza Azir[4]
- The mirror of certainty by Sayyed Mojtaba Alavi Tarakamahei
References
[edit]- ^ ( Ali Akbar Aghili Ashtiani, Certainty Uncovered - Translation of Kashf Al Yaqin, Ansariyan Publications, p.3, 2007)
- ^ (Bihar Al Al Anwar, vol:1, p.17)
- ^ ( Ali Akbar Aghili Ashtiani, Certainty Uncovered - Translation of Kashf Al Yaqin, Ansariyan Publications , 2007)
- ^ Hamid Reza Azir, translation of Kashf Al Yaqin ,1379 solar, p.p.26-27)