| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
Abstract In the tradition of Shiite historiography, the chronicling of history goes beyond mere documentation of events; it reflects the intellectual frameworks and identity concerns of Shiite communities. Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi Kufi (died 283 AH) stands out as a pivotal figure in this tradition, presenting a distinctive approach to Imami historiography in his sole surviving work, Al-Ghārāt. This research employed narratological and content analysis methods to examine the structure of Thaqafi's historiography, while also highlighting the influence of specific sciences. The central inquiry focused on how these sciences shaped Thaqafi's historiographical perspective and function. The term "specific sciences" encompasses the fields of narration, jurisprudence, and theology, each serving as an epistemological tool within historical narratives. Initially, the analysis investigated the structural elements of Thaqafi's narrative, emphasizing the integration of narration with jurisprudential and theological doctrines. Subsequently, the study explored the reflections of his narratives across approximately 60 works spanning the 3rd to the 11th century AH. Only narratives imbued with historical or socio-political significance—particularly those related to the virtues of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.)—were scrutinized. The findings revealed that Thaqafi's historiography revolved around two principal axes: first, a virtuous depiction of Imam Ali (A.S.) and other Imams (A.S.) through the lens of narration and second, a critique of rival movements based on theological and jurisprudential insights. The incorporation of literary elements and epic interpretations further amplified the persuasive power of these narratives, culminating in a narrative-defensive historiography, in which historical accounts served as instruments for reinforcing Shiite identity and legitimacy. Keywords: Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi Kufi, Al-Ghārāt, Ulum Moin, Shiite Historiography, Narratology, Content Analysis. Introduction In Shiite historiography, writing of history is deeply intertwined with the religious and identity frameworks of the Imamiyya community. This historiographical process is shaped through the application of narration, theology, and jurisprudence, which work together to enhance legitimacy and facilitate the formation of identity. Taha Abd al-Rahman emphasizes this connection, suggesting that the interplay between religion and science gains significance within the moral and goal-oriented dimensions of religious thought (Abd al-Rahman, 2012, p. 227; Razavi, 2015, p. 61). Al-Ghārāt, written by Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi (d. 283 AH), exemplifies narrative-defensive historiography, aiming to clarify the position of Imam Ali (A.S.) while simultaneously critiquing rival factions. The thematic coherence in Thaqafi's reports highlights his skillful use of specific sciences in the narrative structure of his work. By employing both quantitative and qualitative content analysis methods, this research examined the role these sciences played in shaping Thaqafi's historiographical perspective and function, ultimately presenting a model of early Shiite historiography. Materials & Methods This research employed a data-driven and thematic content analysis framework, starting with an examination of the narrations attributed to Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi in Al-Ghārāt. Particular emphasis was placed on "narrative sciences" and the interconnected domains of "kalam" and jurisprudence, which had significantly influenced the structure of Thaqafi's narrations in accordance with Imamiyya teachings. The role of literary elements was also investigated as they had enhanced the overall tone and impact of the narratives. In the subsequent phase, the reflections of these narrations were analyzed across approximately 60 Shiite sources spanning the 3rd to the 11th century AH. Utilizing the "Sulgan" database, the narratives were categorized according to specific sciences. The data were divided into the two main categories of "narrative sciences" and "kalam and jurisprudence" and interpreted through a combination of quantitative and thematic analysis (Maarofi & Yousefzadeh, 2009; Sarmad et al., 2007; Mohammadi Mehr, 2019). This analytical approach clarified how specific sciences had shaped Thaqafi’s historical perspective and their reverberations within Imamiyya memory. Research Findings The findings indicated that Thaqafi's historiography was deeply anchored in specific sciences and revolved around two primary axes. The first axis focused on virtuous portrayals of Imam Ali (A.S.) and other Imams (A.S.) expressed through the lens of narrative sciences. The second axis addressed the articulation of political positions against rival factions grounded in theological and jurisprudential discourse. Additionally, the incorporation of literary and epic elements enhanced the persuasive power of Thaqafi's work, resulting in a narrative-defensive historiography. Within this framework, the historical narrative served as a powerful vehicle for affirming Shiite identity and legitimacy. Discussion of Results & Conclusion Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi's historiography from the 3rd century AH was marked by a deliberate and ideologically driven structure aimed at defending the identity of the Imamiyyah and reinforcing the legitimacy of Shiite discourse. By integrating narrative, theological, and jurisprudential sciences, Thaqafi had skillfully organized his narratives around two central axes: the ideals championed by Imam Ali (A.S.) and the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S.), while also clarifying the political positions of Shiism. Moreover, literary devices, such as rhetoric, epic poetry, and religious supplications, had been employed to enhance persuasive appeal and historical resonance. Consequently, Al-Ghārāt transcended the status of a mere historical document; it emerged as a crucial identity artifact and a prominent example of Imamiyyah historiography centered on the concept of wilayah. The lasting impact of Thaqafi's narratives was evident in their continued presence and influence in Shiite works up to the 11th century AH, reinforcing their vital role in shaping historical memory. By synthesizing these elements, this research highlighted the intricate relationship between historiography and the construction of identity within Shiite communities. The significance of Thaqafi’s work lay not only in its historical content, but also in its function as a tool for community cohesion, identity affirmation, and theological discourse. The implications of this study extended beyond mere historical analysis, inviting further exploration into how narratives shaped communal identities and how historiographical practices could serve ideological purposes. In conclusion, the historiographical contributions of Ibrahim ibn Muhammad Thaqafi stood as a testament to the power of narrative in constructing and preserving identity within the Shiite tradition. The methodological framework established in this study offered a lens through which to examine other historical narratives, shedding light on the broader dynamics of memory, identity, and legitimacy within religious communities. Future research may build upon these findings, exploring the intersections of historiography with social and political movements, thereby enriching our understanding of the multifaceted nature of historical narratives in shaping collective identities. |