AUTHENTICITY OF DU'A' AL-'AHD (THE SUPPLICATION OF THE COVENANT)

[Taqavi]

Is Du'a' al-'Ahd Authentically Attributed to Imam Sadiq (AS)?

 

Du'a' al-'Ahd (the Supplication of the Covenant) is a well-known supplication among Shi'a Muslims, commonly recited during the era of the Occultation to renew our allegiance and covenant with Imam Mahdi (AJTF). We have recited this supplication and believe in its profound spiritual benefits. However, a question often arises: Is this supplication genuinely narrated from Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (AS), or is it a reliable tradition?

Scholars’ Perspectives:

Numerous scholars and religious authorities, including Sayyid Ibn Tawus in his book “Misbah al-Za’ir,”[1] Ibn Mashhadi in “Al-Mazar al-Kabir,” [2] Kaf’ami in “Al-Misbah” [3] and “Al-Balad al-Amin,” [4] and Allama Majlisi in “Bihar al-Anwar” and “Zad al-Ma’ad,” [5] have transmitted this supplication.

Allama Majlisi cites this supplication in three places within “Bihar al-Anwar.” In one instance, he attributes it to the book “Al-Atiq” (The Ancient Book), [6] which was written by an early scholar and seen by Allama Majlisi himself in Najaf. [7] According to him, Kaf’ami says “Al-Atiq” was authored by Sheikh Jalil Abu al-Hussein Muhammad bin Haroun Al-Talla'ukbari. [8] Agha Bozorg Tehrani also confirms this view. [9] In another narration, Allama Majlisi cites the supplication with a chain of transmission that begins with his own father. [10] Additionally, he quotes this supplication based on the narration of the late Sayyid Ibn Tawus. [11]

Therefore, scholars have relied on this supplication and attributed it to Imam Sadiq (AS).

Evidence for the Validity of the Du'a' al-'Ahd:

•          Reliable Narrators: The individuals who transmitted this supplication are prominent Shia scholars and experts in hadith.

•          Multiple Sources: This supplication appears in various books and has been transmitted by numerous scholars and narrators.

•          Content Consistency: The content of this supplication aligns perfectly with Shia beliefs and does not contradict any religious teachings.

While there may be some minor doubts regarding the chain of transmission (sanad) of this supplication, it is argued that given the trustworthiness of scholars who have transmitted it and the principle of tolerance in the evidence of traditions (as accepted by many scholars), [12] we can establish the recommendation (Istihbab) of reciting this supplication.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented, it is reasonable to conclude that the Du'a' al-'Ahd is an authentic supplication within the Shi'a tradition. Although minor doubts may persist regarding specific aspects of its chain of transmission,  the trust placed in religious authorities and the beautiful content of this supplication allow us to have confidence in its authenticity.

 

 

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[1] . Misbah al-Zaer: Sayyid Ali bin Musa bin Tawus, Vol: 1, p: 455.

[2] . Al-Mazar al-Kabir: Muhammad Bin Al-Mashhadi, Vol: 1, P: 663.

[3] . Al-Misbah: Al-Kaf'ami al-Amili, Sheikh Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 549.

[4] . Al-Balad Al-Amin and Al-Dara Al-Hassein: Al-Kafami Al-Amili, Sheikh Ibrahim, Vol: 1, P: 82.

[5] . Zad al-Ma'ad - Miftah al-Jinnan: Allama al-Majlisi, vol: 1, p: 542.

[6] . Bihar al-Anwar: Allama al-Majlisi, vol: 86, p: 284.

[7] . Ibid., vol: 1, p: 16.

[8] . Ibid., vol: 1, p: 33.

[9] . Al-Dhariyah 'iilaa tasanif Al-Shi'ia: Al-Tehrani, Agha Bozorg, Vol: 20, P: 323.

[10] . Bihar al-Anwar: Allama al-Majlisi, vol: 94, p: 41.

[11] . Ibid., vol: 102, p: 111.

[12] . Al-Hadaiq al-Nadrah in the rulings of Al-Utrah al-Tahira: Al-Bahrani, Sheikh Yusuf, Vol: 4, pp. 202-203.