The Authenticity of the Quran Interpretation Book Attributed to Imam Al-Hasan Al-Askari

Question

Inquiring about the authenticity of the book of Quran interpretation attributed to Imam Al-Hasan Al-Askari.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

The book in question has differing opinions regarding its attribution to Imam Al-Askari, with various statements made about it.

Some scholars support its authenticity, while others deny it.

Between those who deny the book's attribution to Imam Al-Askari and those who support it, there exists a third group of scholars who believe that, like other hadith books, it contains both authentic and weak narrations, and its reports should be treated accordingly based on established principles and scholarly frameworks.

While the evidence leans towards denial and this effort has been successful, it remains a specialized and intricate topic that requires careful examination.

Thus, we will limit ourselves to presenting the opinions on this matter.

Opinions of the Denying Scholars:

Among them is the religious authority Sayyid Al-Khoei, who stated: "The interpretation attributed to Imam Al-Askari is narrated by this man Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Siyyar and his companion Yusuf ibn Muhammad ibn Ziyad, both of whom are unknown in terms of their reliability... He further stated: Anyone who examines this interpretation cannot doubt that it is fabricated." (Majma' Rijal Al-Hadith, Vol. 13)

Another is Ibn Al-Ghadha'iri, author of the book "Al-Du'afa," who said: "Muhammad ibn Al-Qasim, the interpreter from Astaraabad, was narrated by Abu Ja'far ibn Babawayh, who is weak and a liar. He narrated an interpretation from two unknown men, one known as Yusuf ibn Muhammad ibn Ziyad and the other Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Yasaar, from their father, from Abu Al-Hasan Al-Third (peace be upon him), and the interpretation is fabricated from Sahl Al-Dibaji from his father with narrations of these fabrications." (Rijal Ibn Al-Ghadha'iri, p. 98)

Others include Allama Al-Hilli, Al-Muhaqqiq Al-Damad, and several other scholars.

Opinions of the Supporting Scholars:

Among them is Allama Al-Majlisi, author of "Bihar Al-Anwar," who stated: "The book of the Imam's interpretation is one of the well-known books, and Al-Saduq relied on it and took from it, although some narrators criticized it. However, Al-Saduq is more knowledgeable and closer in time to those who criticized it."

Others include Sheikh Al-Tabarsi, Al-Shahid Al-Thani, and it appears that the author of "Al-Wasa'il" and several other scholars support its authenticity.

May you remain under God's protection.