Hadith-Centered Jurisprudence and the Consolidation of Imami Authority in the Buyid Era: A Study of Shaykh al-Saduq

Abstract

Shaykh al-Saduq, Muhammad b. Ali b. Husayn b. Musa Ibn Babawayh al-Qummi, was one of the most prominent Imami jurists and traditionists of the fourth century AH who played a fundamental role in consolidating hadith-centered Shi‘i jurisprudence and shaping Imami scholarly authority. This study aims to analyze the scholarly position, juristic method, and social role of Shaykh al-Saduq within the political and cultural context of the Buyid era. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and relies on classical biographical, historical, and juristic sources. The findings indicate that Shaykh al-Saduq, continuing the hadith tradition of Qom, developed a jurisprudential approach grounded in transmitted reports in which hadith functioned not only as the source of legal rulings but also as the principal form of legal expression. His major works, especially Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, al-Muqni‘, and al-Hidayah, demonstrate his effort to transform the Imami hadith heritage into an organized and practical legal system capable of addressing the juristic needs of the Shi‘i community. The study also shows that the relatively open political and cultural environment of the Buyid period facilitated the expansion of Shi‘i scholarly activities and strengthened the social authority of Imami jurists, enabling Shaykh al-Saduq to expand the intellectual influence of Imami scholarship. The study concludes that Shaykh al-Saduq served as a transitional figure between the early hadith tradition of Imamism and the later systematic juristic tradition of Shi‘ism, while his works played a decisive role in institutionalizing Imami jurisprudence and reconstructing Shi‘i epistemic authority in the fourth century AH.