Scholarly Approaches to Analyzing Problematic Hadiths on “Joining Offspring to Their Fathers” in the Exegesis of Verse 21, Surah At-Tur

Mirzaei, Pouran; Adineh Satri, Parisa; Maleklou, Sedigheh

doi:10.22054/rjqk.2025.82867.3038

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ Associate Professor, Faculty of Hadith Sciences and Education, University of Quran and Hadith, Tehran, Iran

² PHD student, Quran and Hadith School, University of Quran and Hadith, Tehran, Iran

³ PHD in Quran and Hadith School, University of Quran and Hadith, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/rjqk.2025.82867.3038

Abstract

According to the concept of *ilhāq* (joining) in the Qur'an and hadith literature, believing offspring are joined with their believing parents in the Hereafter, even if they have not reached the same level of piety or reward. Similarly, the children of disbelievers are joined with their parents. This joining does not reduce the reward or punishment of the parents. However, such interpretive hadiths are considered problematic (*mushkil al-hadith*) because they may discourage individuals from striving for personal piety and imply that outcomes are predetermined without regard to individual deeds. This study, using descriptive-analytical methods, aims to examine the different aspects and interpretations of these hadiths. It explores their sources, evaluates their reliability, classifies them, and considers the positions of scholars from both Sunni and Shia perspectives. Additionally, it analyzes alternative interpretive approaches within theological contexts, presenting solutions ranging from explanatory acceptance to outright rejection among scholars. One relatively uncontroversial interpretive solution is the concept of “conditional joining.” This interpretation suggests that the offspring’s reunion with their parents in Paradise is contingent upon their adherence to their parents' righteous path in worldly life. Thus, the joining of believing children with their parents is seen as a sign of divine grace rather than a direct transfer of reward or punishment. This concept emphasizes the completion of heavenly blessings and divine favor upon righteous families in Paradise without compromising divine justice.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Quran and Quranic teachings

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Quranic Knowledge Research

Scholarly Approaches to Analyzing Problematic Hadiths on “Joining Offspring to Their Fathers” in the Exegesis of Verse 21, Surah At-Tur

References

References

Volume 15, Issue 59
January 2025
Pages 53-82

Scholarly Approaches to Analyzing Problematic Hadiths on “Joining Offspring to Their Fathers” in the Exegesis of Verse 21, Surah At-Tur

References

References

Volume 15, Issue 59January 2025Pages 53-82

Volume 15, Issue 59
January 2025
Pages 53-82