An Investigation of Miracle Accounts in the Biography of the Ahl al-Bayt (A Case Study: Zainab al-Kadhdhaba)

The transmission of reports regarding miracles and proofs in the lives of the Imams, which aim to establish their Imamate and legitimacy, is a common topic discussed by each of the infallible Imams alongside the narration of historical events and incidents during their lives. One of the subjects present in the transmission of these reports is the repetition or similarity of certain miracles attributed to two or more infallible Imams. This research aims to explore how some of these miracle accounts have been attributed similarly to multiple Imams. Based on available sources, one of these miracles is related to a claim made by a woman named Zainab, who identified herself as the daughter of Imam Ali. However, through the miracle of an Imam, her true nature was revealed, and she confessed to her falsehood. This miracle has been attributed to multiple Imams. In this article, through a descriptive-analytical method and examination of the sources and documentary evidence, some of the influential factors in the transmission of this miracle to more than one Imam will be investigated and clarified, demonstrating that even if the essence of the story is true, its occurrence in the time of three Imams, in the same manner, is not acceptable.