A Comparative Study of Qudsi Hadiths on Monotheism in Al-Kafi and the Sahihayn and Their Evaluation in Light of the Transcendence in the Holy Qur’an

Abstract

Despite their unique theological status—resembling divine speech articulated through prophetic expression—Qudsi hadiths have received limited attention in comparative Islamic studies. This research gap has hindered a deeper understanding of how fundamental theological discourses differ between the two principal Islamic traditions, namely Shi‘ism and Sunnism. The present study aims to address this gap by conducting a comparative analysis of doctrinal themes in Qudsi hadiths, with a primary focus on the central concept of tawhid (monotheism) within the core sources of both traditions. Employing a descriptive-analytical method, the study extracts and analyzes Qudsi hadith texts from Al-Kafi and the Sahihayn, and evaluates the findings against the معيار of the Holy Qur’an. The results reveal distinct theological patterns within this domain of belief. The discourse on tawhid in the Sahihayn is grounded in divine power and predestination, often utilizing metaphorical language with anthropomorphic overtones. In contrast, the discourse in Al-Kafi emphasizes the transcendence of God, supported by rational arguments and the doctrinal principle of “al-amr bayn al-amrayn” (a position between determinism and absolute free will). Ultimately, the study concludes that these observed differences are rooted in the epistemological foundations of the two schools, demonstrating how a shared textual tradition can serve as a basis for the formation and consolidation of two coherent yet distinct theological worldviews.