Sahifa Sajjadiya according to the narration of Hussein bin Ashkib is one of the rare and independent manuscripts of Sahifa Sajjadiya, which plays an important role in the studies of textual authentication, text criticism, and comparison of different versions of this Shi’a supplicatory work.
Status and Credibility of Hussein bin Ashkib’s Narration
Hussein bin Ashkib Marwazi, a companion of Imam Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari, is a trustworthy narrator mentioned in Shi’a biographical sources (rijal). He transmitted this version of Sahifa from U’mayr bin Harun bin Mutawakkil Balkhi. Until recent centuries, only a few Shi’a scholars such as Mirza Abdullah Effendi Isfahani had referenced this narration in his work “Sahifa Thalitha” and called it a “rare gem.”
The manuscript discussed here is a handwritten copy from the 12th century AH, copied in 1123 AH under the order of Shah Sultan Husayn Safavi by the calligrapher Muhammad Baqir Hosseini Soltani Shushtari. It is preserved in the library of Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad Ali Rowzati. The Computer Research Center of the Seminary of Isfahan has published this version for the first time in a scholarly and critical edition, comparing it with the famous versions and commentaries.
Unique Features of this Version
- Number of Supplications: Hussein bin Ashkib’s narration contains 44 prayers; some are identical to the famous version, while others are omitted or merged. Twelve prayers present in the famous version are missing here, and the order of the prayers differs.
- Textual Differences: There are many differences in words, phrases, and sometimes the meaning of the supplications. All such differences have been precisely noted and mentioned in the margins of the book.
- Historical Chain of Narration: The chain explicitly mentions Muhammad bin Al-Warith from Hussein bin Ashkib, from U’mayr bin Harun, from his father, from Yahya bin Zaid, and is confirmed by Shi’a rijal reference works.
- Detailed Introductions: The book’s introduction explains the history of the chain, the narrators’ status, reasons why Hussein bin Ashkib’s version was previously unavailable to early scholars, and why it is rare today.
Importance of Hussein bin Ashkib’s Narration
- Independent and Ancient Text: This narration is preserved independently within Shi’a tradition and provides a rare and valuable source to enrich comparative studies of Sahifa Sajjadiya with respect to language, wording, and meaning.
- Rijal and Hadith Value: The multiplicity of transmission routes and inclusion of this narration within the chain support the authenticity and wide transmission of Sahifa Sajjadiya in Islamic civilization.
- Support for Sahifa’s Authenticity: The book extensively discusses jurists’ and traditionists’ confirmations of the Sahifa’s reliability, including Hussein bin Ashkib’s version.
- Comparative Studies: Detailed tables are included comparing prayers of Hussein bin Ashkib’s narration with the famous version, Ibn Malik, Ibn Fazl, and others.
Conclusion
Sahifa Sajjadiya, according to the narration of Hussein bin Ashkib reflects the precious Shi’a heritage of preserving Imam Sajjad’s supplications. Beyond its spiritual and mystical value, it holds high importance from the perspectives of manuscript study, textual authentication, and comparative research. The scholarly publication of this version by the Computer Research Center of the Seminary of Isfahan represents a significant step in reviving ancient texts and resolving paleographical ambiguities.