Abstract

Among the problematic topics in the field of religious narrations is the apparent meaning of well-known hadiths from both Shia and Sunni sources that indicate the "Deprivations of illegitimate children." According to these narrations, illegitimate children cannot enter Paradise, do not taste the sweetness of faith, and are worse than their parents. Condemning an illegitimate child and stating their deprivation, solely for an act in which they had no role, seemingly contradicts both the justice of God and the verses and narrations indicating that the reward in the afterlife corresponds to actions in this world, rendering the obligation of such individuals futile and meaningless. The present study, through typology, document analysis, attention to the origin of issuance and writing, validation of sources, and analysis of the solution-oriented approaches of scholars from both Shia and Sunni schools of thought, aims, using an analytical-deductive method, to arrive at a convincing answer regarding each type of this collection of narrations. The result of this research is the identification of eight types of transmission. The challenge posed by some types is resolved by interpreting them as external propositions (Khārijīyyah); some are real propositions (Ḥaqīqīyyah) that will be resolved by interpreting them metaphorically, including through allusion and warning; and some types, which are intended to express the truth and constitute the main challenge in this area, can be resolved by offering acceptable and interpretive justifications. Among the interpretive justifications, "A predisposed ground for sin and indication of an incomplete cause" seems to provide a more convincing answer; meaning that being born out of wedlock is not a complete cause, and an illegitimate child, like others, is obligated. Of course, the role of environmental factors, heredity, etc., is undeniable; however, at the same time, it does not force a person to commit an act, but only makes their task more difficult. Therefore, the effect of heredity on the fate of individuals is confirmed, but this heredity acts as an incomplete cause and not a complete cause. This approach demonstrates the acceptance of the relative influence of heredity on an individual's personality. Divine justice is also applied differently, considering the specific circumstances of each individual, such as illegitimacy or other environmental factors.