Kitab-e-Sulaym (The book of Sulaym Bin Qays Hilali)Category: QuestionsKitab-e-Sulaym (The book of Sulaym Bin Qays Hilali)
guest asked 2 years ago

What is your opinion on Kitab-e-Sulaym (The book of Sulaym Bin Qays Hilali). Is it the earliest shia book ?
Do you have Sayyid Khoei opinion on the book and Sulaym Bin Qays Hilali. ?

1 Answers
mehdi answered 2 years ago

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

As Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

We hope this answer reaches you in good health and Islamic spirit.

Based on your specific question and information provided.

This is not a Islamic Law / Fiqh / Jurisprudence question. As such no Taqlid on this issue, in general – you will investigate all available opinions and read to formulate a view.

Kindly, read the entire subject discussed by Sayyid Al-Khoei -pages 230 – 238.

(1)

 أن سليم بن قيس – في نفسه – ثقة جليل القدر عظيم الشأن، ويكفي في ذلك شهادة البرقي بأنه من الأولياء من أصحاب أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام

معجم رجال الحديث – السيد الخوئي – ج ٩ – الصفحة ٢٣٠

Rough English translation : that Salim bin Qais – in himself – is a trustworthy one of great destiny, and the testimony of Al-Barqi that he is one of the companions of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be upon him.

(2)

 إن اشتمال كتاب على أمر باطل في مورد أو موردين لا يدل على وضعه، كيف ويوجد ذلك في أكثر الكتب حتى كتاب الكافي الذي هو أمتن كتب الحديث وأتقنها.

معجم رجال الحديث – السيد الخوئي – ج ٩ – الصفحة ٢٣٤

Rough English translation : If a book includes an invalid matter in one or two sources that does not indicate its status, how can this be found in most books, even the book of al-Kafi, which is the most powerful and perfect book of hadith.

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Regarding the question of early Shia historical works. Refer to “The book of Salim bin Qais – investigation by Muhammad Baqir Al-Ansari al-Zanjani –

(3)

كتاب سليم بن قيس الهلالي أول مصنف عقائدي حديثي تاريخي وصل إلينا من القرن الأول تأليف التابعي الكبير سليم بن قيس الهلالي (2 قبل الهجرة – 76 هجرية) من خواص أصحاب الإمام أمير المؤمنين والإمامين الحسنين والإمام زين العابدين والإمام الباقر عليهم السلام تحقيق محمد باقر الأنصاري الزنجاني

كتاب سليم بن قيس – تحقيق محمد باقر الأنصاري – الصفحة ١

The book of Salim bin Qais – investigation by Muhammad Baqir Al-Ansari – page 1

Rough English translation :The book of Salim bin Qais Al- Hilali, the first historical ideological work that came to us from the first century, was written by the great follower Salim bin Qais Al- Hilali (2 before the migration – 76 AH) from the characteristics of the companions of the Imam, the Commander of the Faithful, the two Imams, Imam Zain al-Abidin, and Imam al-Baqir, peace be upon them, achieved by Muhammad Baqir al-Ansari al-Zanjani.

والله العالم‎
(and Allah(awj) Knows best)

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(1) Dictionary of Men of Hadith – Al-Sayyid Al-Khoei – Volume 9 – Page 230

(2) Dictionary of Men of Hadith – Al-Sayyid Al-Khoei – Volume 9 – Page 234

(3) The book of Salim bin Qais – investigation by Muhammad Baqir Al-Ansari al-Zanjani.- page 1