Al-Kafi was compiled by Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Ya’qub al-Kulayni, during the Minor Occultation and is one of the most important Shi’a hadith collections, containing around 16,000 narrations. It is divided into three main sections: Usul (principles of belief), Furu’ (jurisprudence), and Rawda (ethics and miscellaneous topics).

The first section, Usul al-Kafi, includes hadiths focusing on Shi’a theological beliefs, the lives and roles of the Imams, and guidance on proper Muslim behaviour. Because it deals directly with the principles of faith, it has long held a central place in Shi’a scholarship. It has often been published separately, translated into various languages, and studied through numerous commentaries.

Al-Kulayni, the author, was a prominent hadith scholar during the early occultation of Imam al-Mahdi. He was known for his precision in narrating hadiths and had access to reliable transmitters who had heard directly from Imam al-Hadi and Imam al-‘Askari.

Al-Kafi is regarded as the authentic and comprehensive of the Four Books of Shi’a hadith.

Vol 1 (Usool E Kafi) – 980 pages
Vol 2 (Usool E Kafi) – 1074 pages
Vol 3 (Furu E Kafi) – 962 pages
Vol 4 (Furu E Kafi) – 1002 pages
Vol 5 (Furu E Kafi) – 978 pages
Vol 6 (Furu E Kafi) – 1004 pages
Vol 7 (Furu E Kafi) – 658 pages
Vol 8 (Rawzatul Kafi) – 594 pages