Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of “A Selection of Oyun Akhbar al-Ridha (AS)”, Dr. Qaramelki, said: “This priceless book was authored by the great traditionalist, Sheikh Saduq, through gathering authentic documents, multiple travels, and meticulous precision in selecting narrations”.
He stated: “This book is a comprehensive and multi-layered work covering various topics such as life of Imam Reza (AS), theological discussions on monotheism, Imamate, jurisprudential and ethical issues, historical accounts, and miracles reported at Imam Reza Shrine. The breadth and diversity of topics in this book have always made it not easily accessible or simple for the general public to study; hence, the necessity for a practical and scholarly selection was felt”.
Head of Islamic Research Foundation added: “Approximately one-quarter of narrations from the original book have been selected in this new work. These narrations were not chosen based on subjective criteria, but with a specialized approach and for the benefit of the pilgrims”.
He added: “Selecting narrations was entrusted to Hoj. Mohammad Hakimi, a prominent traditionalist and one of the authors of the monumental series of Al-Hayat”.
Qaramaleki continued: “Translation of this work was done by Hamidreza Sheikhi, a distinguished and experienced translator with numerous translated works, including Mafatih al-Jinan”.
He stressed: “Several prominent tradition experts and scholars of biographical evaluation, including Hoj. Seyyed Mohammad Javad Shobeiri have thoroughly reviewed the text, the selection, the translation, and even the chain-of-narration details. Additionally, Dr. Mahmoud Maleki, a prominent traditionalist, has played a significant role in the scholarly supervision of this work”.
Qaramaleki went on to say: “Published version of this book is presented in a two-page format; one page contains the Arabic text and the front page features a fluent Persian translation, making it easy and usable for pilgrims”.
Dr. Maleki also spoke at the ceremony, stating, “The original book contains nearly 960 reports, including historical news and traditions from or about Imam Reza (AS). In preparing this work, efforts have been made to select from this vast collection those narrations that are most useful and beneficial for the general public”.