A Study of Challenges Associated with Determining the Date of Compiling Shiite Hadith History from the Stance of Yahya Muhammad in "The Problems of the Hadith

One of the reasons that undermines the authenticity of a Hadith is the delay in its composition and compilation. Although this discussion has revolved around the history of Sunni Hadith, some scholars such as "Yahya Muhammad" have raised issues regarding the deficiencies of scribing and compiling Shiite Hadiths at the time of their issuance so that they can extend the consequences of delayed compilation of hadiths to Shi'a traditions as well. The analysis and response to issues raised in the book “The Problems of Hadith”, is the main purpose of this research. The primary evidences offered by the Shi'a that helps refute the claim regarding the hindrance in compilation of tradition are written hadiths of the Shi’a Imams and their companions. However, as Yahya Muhammad argues, these written hadiths, on the account of considerations such as discussion of Unseen and spiritual matters, dissociation with the Prophet’s tradition, personalization, and annihilation, do not refute the Shi'a claim about compilation traditions. In this paper, the authors attempt to explore the verity or falsehood of Yahya Muhammad’s claims after revisiting the history of the Shiite hadiths compilation during the life of the Infallible Imams (AS) based on existing evidences and resources.