Journeys of the Ḥadīth Scholars of Nayshābūr in 3rd-6th /9th-12th Centuries and their Association with their Livelihood

تاریخ و فرهنگ

Article 2, Volume 43, Issue 2, March 2012   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/history.v0i0.12051

Authors

hamid reza sanaei^* ; Aḥmad Bādkūba Hazāva

Abstract

Nayshābūr achieved considerable scholarly growth in the 3rd-6th/9th-12th centuries that was coupled with some ups and downs. This scholarly and academic growth was associated with desirable economic conditions. One of the instances of desirable economic conditions in Nayshābūr was manifested in the scholars’ livelihood, and therefore, the scholars’ academic progress was to some extent dependent upon their livelihood. Among the scholars of Nayshābūr, the progress of ḥadīth scholars was more dependent upon their level of livelihood in comparison to other scholars, since this progress was mostly achieved through the journeys (riḥla), which involved relatively huge expenses for the students of ḥadīth, particularly in their widespread and long journeys for
study and listening to the traditionists (muḥaddiths) in other cities. Most of the eminent traditionists of Nayshābūr enjoyed relatively desirable living conditions during these centuries and belonged to the wealthy or relatively well-to-do class.

Keywords

journey; traditionists; Nayshābūr