ʿUyūn akhbār al-Riḍā

The Source of Traditions on Imam al-Riḍā

By: Shaykh Muḥammad b. ʿAlī al-Ṣaduq

Translator: Dr. Ali Peiravi


ʿUyūn Akhbār al-Riḍā, also known as ʿUyūn al-Akhbār is a comprehensive Ḥadīth collection focusing on Imam al-Riḍā (as), which is compiled by the renowned Shīʿī scholar, al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq. The work contains a plethora of Ḥadīths that are either the direct sayings of Imam al-Riḍā (as) or the wisdom he imparted from his forefathers. As one of the references within Shīʿī scholarship, this collection covers an array of subjects, including history, jurisprudence, ethics, and theology. al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq may have written ʿUyūn Akhbār al-Riḍā after the death of Rukn al-Dawla al-Buwayhī in 366 AH. The writing of this work was inspired by a unique exchange. Sāḥib b. ʿAbbād al-Daylamī, a prominent Shīʿī minister and ruler of the time, penned a poem extolling ʿAlī b. Mūsā al-Riḍā (as) and dedicated it to al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq. In response, the work was compiled as a reciprocal gift. al-Shaykh al-Ṣadūq stated in his introduction, "I found no other better gift than this book which is about the infinite knowledge of Imam al-Riḍā (as) to send in return to the two odes of Ibn ʿAbbād.” This text provides readers with a deep understanding of the life and teachings of Imam al-Riḍā, illuminating the comprehensive scope of his wisdom and his contributions to Islamic thought and practice.

Chapter 1

Why Is Ali Ibn Musa (s) Called al-Ridha

Chapter 2

Traditions About Imam al-Ridha’s Mother and Her Name

Chapter 3

On the Birthdate of Imam al-Ridha(s)

Chapter 4

On Imam Al-kazim’s (s) Clear Appointment of Imam al-Ridha (s)

Chapter 5

On Musa Ibn Ja’far’s Will

Chapter 6

On Proofs of Divine Leadership of al-Ridha (s) Among the Twelve Imams (s)

Chapter 7

On Traditions About Musa Ibn Ja’far (s), Harun Ar-rashid and Musa Ibn Al-mahdi

Chapter 8

Traditions On the Death of Abi Ibrahim Musa Ibn Ja’far Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ali Ibn Al-hussein (s)

Chapter 9

The Descendants of God’s Prophet (s) Said To Have Been Killed By Ar-rashid in One Night After Poisoning Musa Ibn Ja’far (s) - Besides Those Killed By Others

Chapter 10

On Reasons For the Formation of the Waqifites

Chapter 11

On Traditions From al-Ridha About Unity

Chapter 12

A Session of al-Ridha (s)’s Debate With the Prominent Theologians From Among the Rhetoricians and the Various Religions

Chapter 13

A Session in the Presence of Al-ma’mun of al-Ridha’s Debate On Unity With Soleiman Al-marwazi - the Theologian From Khorasan

Chapter 14

Another Session of al-Ridha (s) and Al-ma’mun Along With People From Different Nations, and the Rhetoricians, As Well As Imam Al- Ridha’s Answers To Muhammad Ibn Al-jahm Regarding the Immaculateness of the Prophets

Chapter 15

Another Session With al-Ridha (s) and Al-ma’mun On the Infallibility of the Prophets

Chapter 16

Al-Ridha’s Words On the People of the Ditch

Chapter 17

Imam al-Ridha’s Words On the Interpretation of the Almighty God’s Words, ‘and We Ransomed Him With a Momentous Sacrifice.’[327]

Chapter 18

On Imam al-Ridha’s Views On the Prophet’s Statement, “I Am the Son of the Two Offerings”

Chapter 19

On al-Ridha’s Words On the Sign of the Imam

Chapter 20

On What al-Ridha (s) Has Said Regarding Divine Leadership, Its Nobilities and the Rank of the Divine Leader

Chapter 21

Al-Ridha’s Words On the Marriage of the Blessed Lady Fatima (s)

Chapter 22

On What al-Ridha (s) Said About Faith That Is Recognition of Paradise, Verbal Confession and Physical Action

Chapter 23

On al-Ridha’s Debates With Al-ma’mun Regarding the Difference Between Family (itra) and Nation

Chapter 24

On al-Ridha’s Words About the Man From Syria and His Questions From the Commander of the Faithful (s) in the Kufa Mosque

Chapter 25

On What Is Narrated By al-Ridha (s) About Zayd Ibn Ali

Chapter 26

On Rare Traditions From al-Ridha About Various Issues

Chapter 27

On What al-Ridha (s) Said About Harut and Marut

Chapter 28

On Various Traditions From Imam Ali Ibn Musa al-Ridha (s)

Chapter 29

What Has Been Narrated From al-Ridha (s) On the Characteristics of the Prophet (s)

Chapter 30

Various Traditions From al-Ridha (s)