Abstract

Ahmad Beheshtimehr[1] Mahmud Taghizadeh Davari[2]Wilfred Madelung is one of the most prominent and influential specialists in the field of Shi‘a studies in contemporary world. Contrary to the most works of western specialists in the field of Islam and Shi’ism, his works are greatly successful in knowing and defining different aspects of Islam, such that they are welcomed and accepted even in Islamic and Shi’a societies. It seems that a considerable portion of this success is due to his attention to methodological points. His works related to Shi’a studies have particular merits or research features in comparison to the works of other western specialists in Shi’a studies, the most important of which are as follows: taking into consideration authentic and valid Islamic and Shi’ite sources, thematic and methodological differentiation of sources, taking into consideration the atmosphere and history of events and teachings, understanding the teachings along the line of a thinking system, a relatively complete mastery over different dimensions of Islam, exact knowledge of scientists and their valid works and mastery over Arabic language with which Madelung could attract the attention and even admiration of Muslims and Shi’as to his works. The observance of aforementioned points by Madelung has made scholars to differentiate him from ignorant and biased Orientalists and include him among just researchers. The present paper examines the methods and sources as well as research methods used by Madelung to introduce Shi’ism to western societies and tries to show the distinctiveness and superiority of his works by comparing them with the works of some other western specialists in Shi’a studies. [1]. Assistant professor of Qom University [2]. Associate professor of Qom University