Iman Abi Talib (book): Difference between revisions

Iman-u Ali b. Abi Talib (a) is a book in Arabic written by Shaykh Mufid (d. 413 AH) about the life of Abu Talib and proving his faith in the Prophet (s). In this book, Shaykh Mufid mentions rational and traditional reasons for the faith of Abu Talib, father of Imam Ali (a) and reports about his support of the Prophet (s). To prove the faith of Abu Talib, the author brings his many poems in praise of the Prophet (s).

Muhammad b. Muhammad b. Nu’man, known as Shaykh Mufid was born near Baghdad in 336 AH. In the second competence of fifth article in al-Fihrist, Ibn Nadim speaks about Shia scholars of Kalam and praises Shaykh Mufid as “Ibn al-Mu’allim”.

While the enemies of Imam Ali (a) rejected the faith of Abu Talib to question Imam Ali’s (a) personality, Shia historians mention that Abu Talib was the first helper and support of the Prophet (s). Until the end of his life, Abu Talib did not give up any efforts in support and defense of the Prophet (s). Thus, Shaykh Mufid wrote this book to introduce and support him.

Shaykh Mufid wrote this book in a style similar to his other works in kalam. He introduced the personality and faith of Abu Talib by referring to the verses of the Qur’an, hadiths of the Prophet (s) and Imams (a), through rational reasons, by referring to poems of Abu Talib in praise of the Prophet (s) and his efforts in defense and support of the Prophet (s).

A manuscript of this book is in the public and central library of Mashhad, which has been written by Taj al-Din Sa’id in Jami’ mosque of Isfahan in 986 AH.