The College of Islamic Sciences at the University of Karbala witnessed the defense of a master’s thesis by student Hawraa Ismail Ibrahim Mohammed, titled:
“Imam al-Ridha’s (peace be upon him) Narrations in Refuting Doubts.”

The thesis presented an analytical and critical study of the authentic narrations attributed to Imam al-Ridha (peace be upon him) concerning the refutation of theological doubts related to the five principles of religion: Tawhid (Divine Unity), Divine Justice, Prophethood, Imamate, and Resurrection.

The study employed both analytical and critical methodologies, with a focus on tracing relevant chains of transmission and narrations, extracting rational and textual proofs, and examining the mechanisms used to refute intellectual and doctrinal misconceptions, highlighting their role in strengthening and supporting the theological framework of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The thesis concluded that Imam al-Ridha’s (peace be upon him) narrations represent a comprehensive methodological model in defending Islamic belief, combining rational argumentation with the reinforcement of ethical values. This makes them an important intellectual resource in the fields of debate and contemporary interfaith dialogue.

The thesis was structured into an introduction, preface, three chapters, and a conclusion, providing a well-rounded historical and doctrinal presentation. It included definitions of the concepts of narrations and doubts, an overview of Imam al-Ridha’s (peace be upon him) life during the Abbasid period, and an in-depth analysis of the most significant doctrinal doubts within each of the five principles of religion, paired with Imam al-Ridha’s (peace be upon him) narrations in addressing them.

The defense committee praised the student’s scholarly efforts and methodological rigor, considering the thesis a valuable contribution to doctrinal and theological studies within the framework of the Imamiyyah school.