journeys of the ḥadīth scholars of nayshābūr in 3rd-6th /9th-12th centuries and their association with their livelihood

nayshābūr achieved considerable scholarly growth in the 3rd-6th/9th-12th centuries that was coupled with some ups and downs. this scholarly and academic growth was associated with desirable economic conditions. one of the instances of desirable economic conditions in nayshābūr was manifested in the scholars’ livelihood, and therefore, the scholars’ academic progress was to some extent dependent upon their livelihood. among the scholars of nayshābūr, the progress of ḥadīth scholars was more dependent upon their level of livelihood in comparison to other scholars, since this progress was mostly achieved through the journeys (riḥla), which involved relatively huge expenses for the students of ḥadīth, particularly in their widespread and long journeys for study and listening to the traditionists (muḥaddiths) in other cities. most of the eminent traditionists of nayshābūr enjoyed relatively desirable living conditions during these centuries and belonged to the wealthy or relatively well-to-do class.