The Impact of Theological Beliefs on Historical Writings: A Comparative Study of the Historical Accounts of Shaykh al-Saduq and Ibn al-Athir

Abstract

Undoubtedly, human presence in history, as a small yet inseparable part of it, makes knowledge of the past essential for preparedness for the future. Islamic societies are no exception to this principle, and Islamic historiography has witnessed the emergence of prominent scholars such as Shaykh al-Saduq and Ibn al-Athir. Representing the Shi'a and Sunni theological traditions, respectively, these two scholars produced significant works such as Uyun Akhbar al-Rida and Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh. Accordingly, differences in their perspectives, chronological proximity to the formative period of Islam, scholarly, political, social, and cultural positions, as well as their methods of writing, comprehensiveness, and theological beliefs, are among the factors that shaped these two works and subjected them to different intellectual and contextual influences. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present study comparatively examines the content of these two prominent works and identifies their similarities and differences in the manner of narrating transmitted traditions and historical accounts. In doing so, it seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the theological positions and historiographical approaches of Shaykh al-Saduq and Ibn al-Athir.