Abstract
One of the key discussions in the doctrine of Imamate is the issue of "the Imam's knowledge," which has always been debated among Islamic theologians. Mufaddal ibn Umar is one of the well-known narrators who has transmitted traditions regarding the Imam’s knowledge in Al-Kafi. Among his narrations, two reports appear to be conflicting at first glance. The narration "...Indeed, the knowledge that emerges day after day and hour after hour..." explicitly speaks of the Imam's increasing knowledge, which is transmitted to him through angels as "Hadith." Meanwhile, the narration "...And we wished to seek permission from him, but we heard him speaking in a language that was not Arabic..." indicates the Imam's vast knowledge of all languages. Scholars of Hadith have proposed various solutions to resolve the apparent contradiction between these narrations, including methods such as rejection, suspension, and reconciliation between the reports. The author of the present study, through a textual analysis of the two aforementioned narrations using a descriptive-analytical approach and based on the well-known principle "Reconciliation, whenever possible, is preferable to rejection" (Al-Jam‘u Mahma Amkan Awla Min Al-Tarh), has chosen the third solution—reconciliation between the two reports. The study concludes that the contradiction between these two narrations is merely superficial and apparent. A deeper examination of the subject matter of each narration reveals that the knowledge of the Imams (peace be upon them) is not inherent but rather acquired and granted. This knowledge is continuously bestowed upon them by God through angels in specific circumstances, in both concise and detailed forms.
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