Studying Shīʿī Hadith and History
Introduction Were the Imams protected from sin? The common Shi'i position is to affirm their infallibility. How can the infallibility of the Imam be proven? Hisham's Argumentation One early attempt to ground this doctrine relying solely on logical argument is demonstrated below: حدثنا محمد بن علي ماجيلويه رضي الله عنه قال: حدثنا علي بن … Continue reading Hisham b. al-Hakam on Infallibility
The Way of the Samurai is found in death. Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily [Hagakure] Most existential thinkers and psychologists agree that at the root of our angst lies the fear of death, that great destroyer which has the potential to crush our sense of self (the ego). If unchecked this fear can metastasize … Continue reading Conquering the Fear of Death
The Imam al-Sadiq uses a beautiful metaphor to describe how debates should be won. He likens it to the flight of a bird. One should majestically fly above his opponent on a higher plane of logic not allowing him to tie you down. This is when he is describing the prowess of the famous Hisham … Continue reading Taking Flight (How to Win in Debates)
