The Toothworm in Tradition: Authenticity and Mythological Analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 پردیسان میدان شهرداری بلوار بصیرت بصیرت سوم کوچه اول سمت چپ مجتمع باران بلوک 5 واحد 29

2 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.

10.30512/kq.2025.22900.4022

Abstract

The existence of tooth worms and strategies for their prevention and removal have been among ancient medical notions and folkloric beliefs. Specifically, two narrations attributed to religious leaders have referenced tooth worms in Islamic hadith texts. These narrations have garnered attention in recent decades within circles of hadith studies and medical history. In this paper, employing a descriptive-analytical method and a historical-mythological approach, the idea of tooth worms in medical history is explored. Subsequently, the narrations concerning this concept are analyzed, including interpretations connecting tooth worms to bacteria causing dental decay. Finally, the authenticity of the narrations is examined in terms of their sources and chains of transmission. The findings indicate that the doctrine of tooth worms lacks grounding in reliable Imami narrations. It first appeared in the book Ṭibb al-Ṣādiqīn in an unverified or non-attributed form, later surfaced with distortions in the books Makārim al-Akhlāq and Ṭibb al-Aimmah and eventually made its way into contemporary Imami hadith sources. Alongside external critiques, established scientific evidence and undeniable human observations challenge the substance of these narrations. Investigating the origins of this doctrine reveals that such beliefs have a long history, tracing back to pre-Islamic myths.

Keywords

Ketab-E-Qayyem

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 June 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 16 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 22 May 2025

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