Baqir al-Olum University History of Islam 2008-6431 26 1 2025 03 21 Scholarly Engagements of Non-Shiite Sect Leaders with Imams Baqer and Ṣadeq (p.b.u.t) (94–145 A.H); Grounds, Motivations, Subjects and Responses Scholarly Engagements of Non-Shiite Sect Leaders with Imams Baqer and Ṣadeq (p.b.u.t) (94–145 A.H); Grounds, Motivations, Subjects and Responses 80 55 77896 10.22081/hiq.2023.59372.2114 FA Mohammad Ali Tohidinia Graduated in the third Grade, Imam Sadeq Islamic theology institute; Ph.D. in history of Islam, Baqir al-Olum University, Qom, Iran. Rouhollah Toḥidinia P.h.D., Research Institute of Hawzeh and University, Qom, Iran Journal Article 2020 12 05 The scholarly stature of Imams al-Baqer and al-Ṣadeq (PBUT) during their lifetimes has been increasingly recognized in recent decades. However, existing research has largely concentrated on their legal and hadith-related contributions, often overlooking the theological engagements initiated by leading figures of non-Shi’ite sects. This study addresses that gap by exploring the intellectual atmosphere and conditions that prompted theological figures from rival sects to consult the Imams, the patterns and motivations behind these interactions, the subjects discussed, and the various responses of those who sought their counsel.The central thesis of this research is that prominent figures from major non-Shiite sects of the time including Mu'tazilah, Murji'ah, Ahl al-Hadith, Khawarij and Batriya recognized the exceptional scholarly authority of the two Imams across a broad range of doctrinal and intellectual matters. This recognition was not confined to any singular area of theological dispute. Through a detailed historical analysis, the study demonstrates that the contexts of these consultations varied according to the distinct political, religious, and social circumstances surrounding each group. The findings indicate that despite substantive theological disagreements and strained relations between their respective followers and Imami community, the leaders of these sects repeatedly and in diverse forms turned to the Imams for guidance. The most visible outcomes of these engagements include theological treatises, transmitted narrations, and explicit acknowledgment of the Imams’ intellectual authority. Furthermore, a close reading of the Imams’ own statements reveals that the primary motive behind these visits was a need for authoritative responses to emerging theological and legal questions of the time. These inquiries spanned multiple theological themes and extended into areas such as jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, ethics, and social concerns. In their intellectual exchanges with non-Shiite theologians, Imam Baqer and Imam Ṣadeq typically maintained an open posture marked by empathy, dialogue, and tolerance. Nonetheless, their scholarly rigor remained uncompromised: they firmly upheld foundational principles, addressed the theological deviations of their interlocutors, and clarified their own doctrinal positions—except in cases where precautionary dissimulation was necessary. While grounding their arguments primarily in the Qur’an and Prophetic tradition, the Imams were also adept in deploying rational arguments, particularly when engaging with sects that emphasized rational arguments. This research represents an initial foray into the systematic study of such inter-sectarian scholarly interactions and serves as a foundation for more detailed investigations, especially those focusing on primary sources affiliated with each sect. The scholarly stature of Imams al-Baqer and al-Ṣadeq (PBUT) during their lifetimes has been increasingly recognized in recent decades. However, existing research has largely concentrated on their legal and hadith-related contributions, often overlooking the theological engagements initiated by leading figures of non-Shi’ite sects. This study addresses that gap by exploring the intellectual atmosphere and conditions that prompted theological figures from rival sects to consult the Imams, the patterns and motivations behind these interactions, the subjects discussed, and the various responses of those who sought their counsel.The central thesis of this research is that prominent figures from major non-Shiite sects of the time including Mu'tazilah, Murji'ah, Ahl al-Hadith, Khawarij and Batriya recognized the exceptional scholarly authority of the two Imams across a broad range of doctrinal and intellectual matters. This recognition was not confined to any singular area of theological dispute. Through a detailed historical analysis, the study demonstrates that the contexts of these consultations varied according to the distinct political, religious, and social circumstances surrounding each group. The findings indicate that despite substantive theological disagreements and strained relations between their respective followers and Imami community, the leaders of these sects repeatedly and in diverse forms turned to the Imams for guidance. The most visible outcomes of these engagements include theological treatises, transmitted narrations, and explicit acknowledgment of the Imams’ intellectual authority. Furthermore, a close reading of the Imams’ own statements reveals that the primary motive behind these visits was a need for authoritative responses to emerging theological and legal questions of the time. These inquiries spanned multiple theological themes and extended into areas such as jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, ethics, and social concerns. In their intellectual exchanges with non-Shiite theologians, Imam Baqer and Imam Ṣadeq typically maintained an open posture marked by empathy, dialogue, and tolerance. Nonetheless, their scholarly rigor remained uncompromised: they firmly upheld foundational principles, addressed the theological deviations of their interlocutors, and clarified their own doctrinal positions—except in cases where precautionary dissimulation was necessary. While grounding their arguments primarily in the Qur’an and Prophetic tradition, the Imams were also adept in deploying rational arguments, particularly when engaging with sects that emphasized rational arguments. This research represents an initial foray into the systematic study of such inter-sectarian scholarly interactions and serves as a foundation for more detailed investigations, especially those focusing on primary sources affiliated with each sect.

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