The emergence and development of the Shi'ite Ḥadīth canon

Abstract

The past twenty years have witnessed an upsurge in research centred on critical analysis of the Shi'ite H?adi th canon, known as the Kutub al-Arba'ah. Little research however, has explored the emergence of the term Kutub al-Arba'ah. To this end, this thesis aims to detail the emergence of the term Kutub al-Arba'ah, and its subsequent usage and development in history. This will enable not only a greater understanding of the canonical texts, but also illuminate the pivotal role played by the Kutub alArba'ah in debates on authority in post-ghayba Twelver Shi?ism.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	English