Sheikh-e Sadūq, Abū Ja''far Muhammad son of Ali son of Husain son of Bāb-e Weyh-e Qummī (305-381 H.), one of the great Shiite Jurisprudents (Faqīhs) and Narrators (Muhaddethīn) of the fourth century Hegira.
Riwāyāt (Narrations/Traditions) concerning moralities, principles of Islamic belief, and other issues of Islamic and human interest are quoted in this book. Their treatment is unique, in that they are categorized and numbered according to the numerics associated with specific ethical qualities. The Traditions are arranged numerically based on numbers, from one to one thousand.
Sheikhe Sadūq says about his motivation in this regard, as follows: "The works of the great learned men I studied showed the need to quantify and juxtapose specific human traits, as there was no book or writing on the correlation between numbers and good/evil qualities. Considering the immense usefulness of this approach to a seeker after knowledge, I decided to write such a book. This I did with the intention of seeking closeness to God and achieving deliverance and God''s recompense and mercy; and I do pray to the Almighty that He fulfils my hope, as verily He is Omnipotent."
Al-Khisāl'' is not voluminous; yet, it is encyclopedic in significance. It introduces Islamic concepts, such as Halāl'' (lawfulness) and Harām'' (unlawfulness), to the extent that every Islamic Jurisprudent (Faqīh) or literary man would need to refer to this book. Furthermore, this book discusses historical topics, Qur''anic exegesis, philosophical points and political matters. The contents are very useful and the discussions enlightening. It is actually a precious collection of narrations form the Ahl-ul Bayt (the Household of the Holy prophet S.A.).
The credibility of the book is indicated by the fact that the Shiite Ulamā/Jurisprudents have treasured Sheikh Sadūq''s books. The Traditions in the book are quoted in other Shiite books like Kutub-e Arba-ah'' (the four reference books of Shi''a sect) and Bihār-ul Anwār''; and Al-Khisāl has served to enhance the value of the latter books.
The book contains 1255 Hadīths (Traditions) in 26 distinct chapters with specific headings arranged serially and numbered according to the qualities and characteristics of a homogenous nature and content. Where a single trait is indicated, it is grouped in one chapter; if two qualities are signified, they are placed in the following chapters; if more than two qualities are involved, they are dealt with in the subsequent chapters.
The ethical qualities and principles of Islamic belief are supported by the relevant Traditions, which are somehow correlated with numbers, such as:
- Love of the world'' is assigned to the chapter consisting of the single attributes
- Two attributes of Shi''a.''
- One cannot be a Mu''min without having three attributes'';
- Four things are not accepted in four cases''
- Five things (attributes) denote one''s faith.''
- Anyone performing six acts deserves to go to Heaven.''
- The Holy prophet (S.A.) has forbidden seven things''.
- Prayers by eight groups of people are not accepted (by God).''
- Hazrat-e Fātimah (S.A.) bears nine names in Divine Proximity.''
- An (Infallible) Imam(A.S.) has ten attributes.''; and
- One hundred and twenty groups of people can be vouchsafed to dwell in Heaven.''