Abstract

Sheik al-Mofid, who is a renowned Shi”a philosopher and theologian, uses reason and argument not only in the discursive Kalam, but also in traditional discussions, particularly, in understanding and criticism of the content of Hadiths. He regards reason as one of the criteria of criticism and maintains that in the light of reason, one can realize the authenticity or unsoundness of a Hadith. In his view, the agreement between the Hadith’s significant and the reason is the indicator of authenticity of the Hadith, and also its disagreement with the reason is the sign of weakness or unsoundness of the Hadith. Concerning the understanding of Hadiths, the role of reason is a discovering function so that reason can be used both as a source and as an instrument. The present paper explores Sheik al-Mofid’s taking advantage of reason in understanding matters such as the meaning of words, removal of the exoteric meaning’s power, the interpretation of text, the specification of the generalities in the Koran and traditions, and also the implications of speech.