Abu Jafar Muhammad Ibn Hassan Tusi known as Shiekh Tusi and Shiekh al-Taʾifah was born in Tus, Iran in 996 AD. He is one of the prominent Shi'i scholars whose scope of knowledge encompassed Islamic history, fiqh and hadith.
He began his early study in Tus. At the age of 23 he left Tus to Bagdad to continue his study under Shaikh al-Mufid. Another great scholar, Shiekh al-Tusi used his teaching was Sharif al-Murtada. This companionship has lasted more than 28 years. During this time Sharif al-Murtada directed the growth of Sheikh’s academic talent to the extent that after him Shiekh gained the religious authority of Shi'i community.
His house in Bagdad was a place for students and scholars to gather and learn from his knowledge. In 1055 AD Saljuqid’s dynasty which was against Shi’ism dominated Bagdad and burned down Sheikh Tusi’s house and books. Seeing the danger Sheikh went to Najaf,Iraq, after 12 years living in Baghdad. In Najaf he has established Theological Center (Hawzah).
Sheik al-Tusi died in Najaf in 1067(the 22nd of Moharram, 460 A.H.).
His Books
1. Tahdhib al-Ahkam (a hadith collection) This book is among the Shi’i authentic hadith collections.
2. Al-Istibsar(a hadith collection) This book is also among the Shi’i authentic hadith collections.
3. Al-Nihayah (on Islamic Jurisprudence) this book was the text book in different seminaries for many years.
4. Al-Mabsut: (on Islamic Jurisprudence)
5. Al-Khilaf: (on Islamic Jurisprudence)
6. Iddat al-Usul (on principles of jurisprudence)
7. Al-Rijal (on knowing individuals the traditions has been narrated by to determine the authenticity of traditions)
8. Al-Fehrist (a collection of books and writers’ names in Shi’i world)
9.Tamhid al-Usul (on Shi’i doctorin and belief)
10. Al-Tibyan Fi Tafsir al-Quran
11. Kitab al-Ghaybah (on the occultation of Imam Mahdi)