Kamal al-din wa tamam al-ni'ma
Cover of Kamal al-din wa tamam al-ni'ma | |
| Author | Ibn Babawayh |
|---|---|
| Original title | کَمالُ الدّين و تَمام النِعمَة |
| Language | Arabic |
| Subject | Occultation and the advent of Imam al-Mahdi |
| Part of a series on Shia Islam |
| Twelver Shi'ism |
|---|
| Shia Islam portal |
Kamal al-din wa tamam al-ni'ma (Arabic:کَمالُ الدّين و تَمام النِعمَة) or Ikmal al-din wa itmam al-niʿma (إِکمالُ الدّين و إِتمامُ النِعمَة), written by the great Shi'a scholar, Muhammad b. Ali b. Babiwayh al-Qummi known as Al-Shaykh al-Saduq (d. 381/991-2), is about the issue of occultation and the advent of Imam al-Mahdi. In this book, Ibn Babawayh presents many examples of the absence of the prophets and fully discusses the imamate of Imam al-Mahdi, his birth, narrations from the Prophet and Imams about the advent of Imam al-Mahdi, those who have met him, and the situation after he comes.[1] This is one of the first and best-researched books about the occultation of Imam Mahdi.[2]
Author
Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn 'Ali ibn Babawayh al-Qummi, known as Ibn Babawayh al-Qummi and more famously as Shaykh al-Saduq, died in 380 A.H. He was one of the leading Shi'a jurists and hadith scholars, and his works are considered reliable sources for Twelver Shi'a. He is the author of Man La Yahduruhu al-Faqih, one of the four canonical books of Shi'a Islam.[3][4]
Contents
The content of this book is based on al-Usul al-Arba' Mi'ah, which is one of the primary original Shia sources, compiled by Ja'far al-Sadiq and other Shia Imams before 260 AH.[5] The book consists of a long introduction, fifty-eight chapters, and six hundred forty-seven hadiths. The introduction to the book constitutes approximately one-fifth of its total volume. It includes theological discussions proving the correctness of the Imamiyyah belief regarding the occultation and presence of the Mahdi, as well as responses to doubts raised by the Kaysaniyya, Waqifiyya, and Zaydiyya schools of thought.[5]
The author first mentions the prophets and divine proofs that were hidden from the people for a period of time. Then he cites historical figures to demonstrate that occultation and extended lifespans are not impossible but are indeed possible. Next, he cites verses and narrations attributed to God, the Prophet of Islam, and the eleven Imams, which clarify the concept of occultation. Finally, he discusses the Imam's birth, those who witnessed him, the signs and reasons for his imamate, as well as the letters and messages issued by him, aiming to provide a strong rebuttal to those who deny occultation. He also devoted a chapter to the elderly who lived to over 100 years to elucidate the longevity of the twelfth Imam.[5]
Features
In this book, Ibn Babawayh sometimes narrates hadiths from a single source, such as his father, Ibn Walid, or another individual. At other times, he presents multiple perspectives. He adheres to Quranic teachings in his explanation of hadiths. The use of various Quranic verses is another characteristic of this book.[5]
See also
References
- ^ "کمال الدین و تمام النعمة" (in Persian). Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ "کمال الدین و تمام النعمه (دوره 2 جلدی)" (in Persian). Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ^ Ludwig W. Adamec (2009), Historical Dictionary of Islam, p.135. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0810861615.
- ^ McDermott, Martin James. "EBN BĀBAWAYH". Encyclopedia Iranica. Iranicaonline.org. Retrieved February 17, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Atefeh Zarsazan. Al-Shaykh al-Saduq Approach in Kamāl al-Din wa Tamām al-Ni'mah (PDF). Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies. pp. 8–26. Retrieved 16 February 2026.