Țūmār (4): Thought and Criticism A Brief look at the Research of Five Orientalists on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī

Contemporary orientalist research on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī has experienced various periods with diverse approaches. However, analyzing the trend and outcome of this discourse in the recognition of Shia hadith is indicative of the fact that this trend is still in its early stages in understanding and evaluating Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī, and there is still a long way to go before reaching outstanding and excellent research in analyzing and criticizing this Shia hadith book. Therefore, a comprehensive, outstanding, and superior monograph on Al-Kāfī studies by orientalists has not yet been presented, and the number of orientalists who have engaged in research on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī is not abundant. This is itself the result of various factors, including the belated attention of the West to a proper and deep understanding of Shia Islam, which has affected the abundance and quality of their research content in Shia studies, particularly research on Shia hadith communities such as Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī. Contemporary orientalist research on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī can be distinguished into three distinct historical periods: the period of poverty and the shortage of knowledge, the period of reflecting in selected topics, and the period of transformation in approach and issue. Orientalist research on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī is divided into two discernible approaches: critical and skeptical approach, and neutral and purely scholarly approach. Figures such as Wilferd Madelung, Andrew J. Newman, Robert Gleave, Tamima Bayhom-Daou, etc., are among the most important orientalists who have published research on Al-Kāfī by Kulaynī in the form of encyclopedia entries, independent articles, and essays from books. Analyzing the main themes of these research works is the main issue of the present research.