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Imams of the Shi'a: Difference between revisions
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These Imams (a) are appointed by [[God]] and have [['Ilm al-ghayb|divine knowledge]], [[infallibility]] and the right of [[intercession]] [for people] and one can get closer to God through making [[tawassul]] to them. In addition to religious authority, Imams (a) have the political leadership of the society. [[Verse]]s of the [[Qur'an]] have discussed the issue of [[imamate]] without mentioning the names of the Imams (a); such as the verses of [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli al-Amr]], [[Tathir Verse|Tathir]], [[al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilaya]], [[al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]] and [[Al-Sadiqin verse|al-Sadiqin]]. | These Imams (a) are appointed by [[God]] and have [['Ilm al-ghayb|divine knowledge]], [[infallibility]] and the right of [[intercession]] [for people] and one can get closer to God through making [[tawassul]] to them. In addition to religious authority, Imams (a) have the political leadership of the society. [[Verse]]s of the [[Qur'an]] have discussed the issue of [[imamate]] without mentioning the names of the Imams (a); such as the verses of [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli al-Amr]], [[Tathir Verse|Tathir]], [[al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilaya]], [[al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]] and [[Al-Sadiqin verse|al-Sadiqin]]. | ||
In some [[narration]]s from the Prophet (s), the qualities, the names and the number of Imams (a) have been mentioned; such as [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith of Manzila]], [[Hadith of Safina]], [[Hadith of Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith of Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]] and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. According to these narrations, all of Imams (a) are from [[Quraysh]] and they are the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] (household) of the Prophet (s) and the last Imam (a) is the [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|Promised Mahdi ( | In some [[narration]]s from the Prophet (s), the qualities, the names and the number of Imams (a) have been mentioned; such as [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith of Manzila]], [[Hadith of Safina]], [[Hadith of Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith of Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]] and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. According to these narrations, all of Imams (a) are from [[Quraysh]] and they are the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] (household) of the Prophet (s) and the last Imam (a) is the [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|Promised Mahdi (a).]] | ||
Also, there are many hadiths from the Prophet (s) in hadith references about the imamate of Imam Ali (a) who is the first Imam (a). Also, there are hadiths from the Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a) which have explicitly mentioned the imamate of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)|the second Imam (a)]]. Afterwards, every Imam (a) explicitly has introduced the Imam (a) after himself. According to these explicit mentioning, Imams (a) and the caliphs after the Prophet (s) are twelve. | Also, there are many hadiths from the Prophet (s) in hadith references about the imamate of Imam Ali (a) who is the first Imam (a). Also, there are hadiths from the Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a) which have explicitly mentioned the imamate of [[Imam al-Hasan (a)|the second Imam (a)]]. Afterwards, every Imam (a) explicitly has introduced the Imam (a) after himself. According to these explicit mentioning, Imams (a) and the caliphs after the Prophet (s) are twelve. Accordingly, the successors of the Prophet (s) are the following twelve individuals: Ali b. Abi Talib (a), … | ||
The majority of the Shiʿa maintain that the eleventh Imam (a) was martyred; the last Imam, the Promised Mahdi (a), is in occultation. He will return in future and establish justice on earth. | |||
== Position among Shi'a == | == Position among Shi'a == | ||
The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) is among fundamental beliefs of the [[Twelver Shi'a]] and many reports from the [[the Prophet (s)|Prophet (s)]] and Imams (a) in available [[hadith]]s references support it. Shi'a exegetes and theologians believe that the [[Qur'an]] has referred to this belief<ref>Makārim Shīrāzī, ''Payām-i Qurʾān'', vol. 9, p. 182.</ref> implicitly in the [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli l-Amr]], [[al-Tathir verse|al-Tathir]], [[Al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilayah]], [[Al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]], and [[Al-Sadiqin Verse|al-Sadiqin]] verses. | The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) is among fundamental beliefs of the [[Twelver Shi'a]] and many reports from the [[the Prophet (s)|Prophet (s)]] and Imams (a) in available [[hadith]]s references support it. Shi'a exegetes and theologians believe that the [[Qur'an]] has referred to this belief<ref>Makārim Shīrāzī, ''Payām-i Qurʾān'', vol. 9, p. 182.</ref> implicitly in the [[Uli al-Amr Verse|Uli l-Amr]], [[al-Tathir verse|al-Tathir]], [[Al-Wilaya Verse|al-Wilayah]], [[Al-Ikmal Verse|al-Ikmal]], [[al-Tabligh Verse|al-Tabligh]], and [[Al-Sadiqin Verse|al-Sadiqin]] verses. | ||
According to Twelver Shi'a beliefs, the [[imamate]] of the Twelve Imams (a) began with demise of the Holy Prophet (s) in 11/632 and the imamate of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and have continued until now without interruption. Since [[260]]/874, after [[Imam al-'Askari (a)|Imam al-'Askari's (a)]] demise and transition of Imamate to his son, [[Imam al-Mahdi (aj)]], the imamate turned from apparent state to occultation and the long term imamate of Imam al-Mahdi's ( | In the Shiite view, the Imams (a) have the duties of the Prophet (s) such as explaining the Quran, teaching religious rulings, training the members of society, answering religious questions, establishing justice in society, and protecting Islam. The difference between them and the Prophet (s) is only in receiving [[revelation]] and divine law. | ||
According to Twelver Shi'a beliefs, the [[imamate]] of the Twelve Imams (a) began with demise of the Holy Prophet (s) in 11/632 and the imamate of [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] and have continued until now without interruption. Since [[260]]/874, after [[Imam al-'Askari (a)|Imam al-'Askari's (a)]] demise and transition of Imamate to his son, [[Imam al-Mahdi (aj)]], the imamate turned from apparent state to occultation and the long term imamate of Imam al-Mahdi's (a) has been in [[occultation]]. | |||
Shi'a believe that Imams (a) are [[infallible]] and have [[knowledge of the unseen]];<ref>''Tarjuma-yi al-mizan''. vol. 13, p. 474</ref> and also believe that one can get close to [[God]] through making [[tawassul]] to them. Visiting the graves of Imams (a) is among Shi'a traditions and they are known to have the position of making [[shafa'a]] (intercession).<ref>Al-Tusi, ''al-Tibyan fi tafsir al-Qur'an''. vol. 1, p. 214</ref> | Shi'a believe that Imams (a) are [[infallible]] and have [[knowledge of the unseen]];<ref>''Tarjuma-yi al-mizan''. vol. 13, p. 474</ref> and also believe that one can get close to [[God]] through making [[tawassul]] to them. Visiting the graves of Imams (a) is among Shi'a traditions and they are known to have the position of making [[shafa'a]] (intercession).<ref>Al-Tusi, ''al-Tibyan fi tafsir al-Qur'an''. vol. 1, p. 214</ref> | ||
==Characteristics== | |||
In the view of the majority of the Shiʿa, the Twelve Imams (a) have the following characteristics: | |||
* Infallibility. The Imams (a), like the Prophet (s) are immune to all sins and mistakes | |||
* Superiority. The Imams (a) are superior to all prophets (except Prophet Muhammad [s]), angels, and the rest of people. The hadiths that indicate the superiority of the Imams (a) to all creation are considered to be massively transmitted. | |||
* Knowledge of the Hidden. God has bestowed upon the Imams (a) the knowledge of Hidden realities (ʿilm al-ghayb). | |||
* Cosmic and legislative authority. Most Twelver Shiite scholars maintain that the Imams (a) have cosmic authority (wilaya takwiniyya), and they also agree that the Imams (a) have legislative authority in the sense of having control over the lives and properties of people. According to some hadiths, the Imams (a) also have legislative authority in the sense of having the right to legislate religious rulings. | |||
* Intercession. Like the Prophet (s), the Imams (a) have the position of intercession. | |||
* Religious and scholarly authority. According to a number of hadiths like Hadith al-Thaqalayn and Hadith al-Safina, the Imams have religious and scholarly authority, and people must refer to them in religious matters. | |||
* Leadership and society. The leadership of the Muslim society after the Prophet (s) belongs to the Imams (a). | |||
* Obedience. According to Quran 4:59, it is obligatory on people to obey the Imams (a), as it is obligatory to obey God and the Prophet (s). | |||
The majority of Shiite scholars maintain that the first eleven Imams (a) were martyred and the Twelfth Imam (a) too will be martyred. They adduce some hadiths in this regard, such as the one which reads, “By God, there is none of us but murdered and martyred.” | |||
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Proving the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) based on hadith has also been a focus of Twelver Shi'a theologians and many important theological works have been dedicated to this topic.<ref>Al-Sharif al-Murtada. ''al-Dhakhira fi 'ilm al-kalam'', p. 502-503; Al-Hilli, ''Kashf al-murad fi tajrid al-i'tiqad'', p. 314</ref> Among the most famous of these [[hadith]]s are [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith al-Manzila]], [[Hadith al-Safina]], [[Hadith Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]], and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. | Proving the imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) based on hadith has also been a focus of Twelver Shi'a theologians and many important theological works have been dedicated to this topic.<ref>Al-Sharif al-Murtada. ''al-Dhakhira fi 'ilm al-kalam'', p. 502-503; Al-Hilli, ''Kashf al-murad fi tajrid al-i'tiqad'', p. 314</ref> Among the most famous of these [[hadith]]s are [[Hadith al-Thaqalayn]], [[Hadith al-Manzila]], [[Hadith al-Safina]], [[Hadith Yawm al-Dar]], [[Hadith Madinat al-'Ilm]], [[Hadith al-Tayr al-Mashwiy]], [[Hadith al-Rayat]], [[Hadith al-Kisa']], [[Hadith of Jabir]], and [[Hadith of the Twleve Caliphs]]. | ||
==The Hadith of Jabir== | |||
After the revelation of Quran 4:59, Jabir b. Abd Allah al-Ansari asked the Prophet (s) about the meaning of the expression “those vested with authority among you.” The Prophet (s) responded, “Those are my successors and the leaders of Muslims after me; the first of them is Ali b. Abi Talib, and after him … and after him, his son who has the same name and teknonym as me.” | |||
===Hadith of the Twelve Caliphs=== | ===Hadith of the Twelve Caliphs=== | ||
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==Introducing the Imams (a) of Shi'a== | ==Introducing the Imams (a) of Shi'a== | ||
Twelver Shiites believe that based on rational arguments as well as traditional evidence, such as the massively transmitted Hadith al-Ghadir and Hadith al-Manzila, the immediate rightful successor of the Prophet (s) was Ali b. Abi Talib (a). After Imam Ali (a) the divinely appointed leaders of the Muslim ummah were … | |||
{{Imams of Shi'a}} | {{Imams of Shi'a}} | ||
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# The [[Minor Occultation]], which began in 260/874 and finished in 329/940 (lasted 70 years in Hijri calendar). During this period, the Imam (a) communicated with people through his special deputies.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 230</ref> | # The [[Minor Occultation]], which began in 260/874 and finished in 329/940 (lasted 70 years in Hijri calendar). During this period, the Imam (a) communicated with people through his special deputies.<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 230</ref> | ||
# and the [[Major Occultation]] which began in 329/940 and continues until now. In a [[hadith]] which is accepted by both [[Shi'a]] and [[Sunni]], the Prophet (s) said that, "If there is nothing left from the life of this world but only one day, [[God]] will prolong that day until [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|al-Mahdi (a)]] from among my children reappears and fills the world with [[justice]] just like it is filled with injustice and oppression. "<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 231</ref> | # and the [[Major Occultation]] which began in 329/940 and continues until now. In a [[hadith]] which is accepted by both [[Shi'a]] and [[Sunni]], the Prophet (s) said that, "If there is nothing left from the life of this world but only one day, [[God]] will prolong that day until [[Imam al-Mahdi (a)|al-Mahdi (a)]] from among my children reappears and fills the world with [[justice]] just like it is filled with injustice and oppression. "<ref>Tabataba'i, ''Shi'a dar Islam'', p. 231</ref> | ||
==The Place of the Imams of the Shiʿa in the Eyes of Sunnis== | |||
Sunnis do not regard the Twelve Imams of the Shiʿa as the rightful successors of the Prophet (s) but nevertheless love them as his descendants. According to a hadith, quoted in their sources, the Prophet’s relatives whom are to be loved according to Quran 42:34 are Ali (a), Fatima (a), and their children. Based on this verse and other evidence, Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, the great Sunni theologian and exegete of the sixth century AH, maintained that it is obligatory to love Ali (a), Fatima (a), and their children. | |||
Some Sunni scholars would visit the graves of the Imams of the Shiʿa seeking their intercession, such as Abu Ali Khallal in the third century AH who said, “Whenever I had a problem, I would visit the grave of Musa b. Jaʿfar and ask him for intercession, and thus my problem would be solved.” It is reported that Abu Bakr Muhammad b. Khuzayma, the Sunni jurist, traditionist, and exegete of the third and fourth centuries AH, visited the grave of Imam al-Rida (a) many times and the degree of respect that he showed to the Imam (a) there would surprise people. | |||
Ibn Habban, a prominent Sunni traditionist in the third and fourth centuries AH, is reported to have said, “When I was in Tus, whenever I had a problem, I would visit the grave of Ali b. Musa al-Rida [a] and pray there. Then my prayer would be answered and my problem would be solved.” | |||
According to Ayatollah Ja’far Sobhani, many Sunni scholars accepted the Shiite Imams as religious and scholarly authorities. For instance, it is reported that Abu Hanifa, the founder of the Hanafi legal school, said, “I never saw anyone more knowledgeable in religion than Ja’far b. Muhammad.” The same statement is reported to have been said by Muhammad b. Muslim b. Shihab al-Zuhri, an outstanding Sunni jurist and traditionist of the first and second centuries AH, with regard to Imam al-Sajjad (a). | |||
Abd Allah b. Ata’ al-Makki, a Sunni traditionist and contemporary of Imam al-Baqir (a) said, “I have not seen scholars in such a lower level than anyone as I have seen them before Muhammad b. Ali (a). Hakam b. Utayba [the Kufan jurist] was like a student before him.” | |||
==Bibliography== | |||
Regarding the biography of the Imams and their virtues, many works have been written by both Shiite and Sunni authors. | |||
===Shiite Books=== | |||
Among the books written by Shiite writers on the Imams and their virtues are the following: | |||
* ''[[Dalaʾil al-imama]]'', written in Arabic and attributed to Muhammad b. Jarir al-Tabari al-Saghir (d. 310 AH) on the life, miracles, and virtues of Fatima al-Zahra (a) and the Imams (a). | |||
* ''[[Al-Irshad fi maʿrifat hujaj Allah ʿala al-ʿibad]]'', a theological and historical work in Arabic, written by al-Shaykh al-Mufid (d. 413 AH). This book relates the biography and virtues of the Imams (a) on the basis of hadiths. | |||
* ''[[Manaqib āl Abi Talib]]'', an Arabic book on the virtues of the Fourteen Infallibles by Ibn Shahrashub Mazandarani (d. 588 AH). | |||
* ''[[Iʿlam al-wara bi-aʿlam al-huda]]'', a book in Arabic by Fadl b. al-Hasan al-Tabrisi (d. 548 AH) on the life of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a). | |||
* ''[[Kashf al-ghumma fi maʿrifat al-aʾimma]]'', an Arabic book on the biography, virtues, and miracles of the Fourteen Infallibles, written by Ali b. Isa al-Irbili (d. 692 AH). | |||
* ''[[Rawdat al-waʿizin wa basirat al-muttaʿizin]]'', by Fattal Nisaburi (d. 508 AH) on the history of the Prophet (s) and the Ahl al-Bayt (a). | |||
* ''[[Jalaʾ al-ʿuyun]]'', a Farsi book written by Allama Majlisi (1110 AH) on the life of the Fourteen Infallibles. | |||
* ''[[Muntaha al-amal fi tawarikh al-Nabi wa al-āl]]'', by Shaykh Abbas Qummi (d. 1359 AH) which provides a detailed account of the life of the Fourteen Infallibles. | |||
==Sunni References== | ==Sunni References== | ||