Imamate: Difference between revisions

== Imamate in the View of shi'a ==

shi'a regards imamate one of the Islamic doctrines of faith, but Mu’tazilites, Asharites and other Islamic schools consider it among Furu’ [secondary beliefs]. Accordingly, shi'a have a more prominent position for imamate comparing with Sunnis. In shi'a culture, imamate includes more affairs than c'Aliphate alone. Its importance can be clearly understood from verses of the Qur’an and hadiths about imamate because according to shi'a, imamate is in fact a matter similar to prophethood.

=== Imamate and C'Aliphate ===

The special position of imamate is obvious among Muslims also when historically studied. After the Prophet (s) passed away, the most important and critical issue among Muslims was imamate. No other religious teaching has ever been argued over like imamate has.

Leadership of Islamic society after the Prophet (s) is also called both c'Aliphate and imamate and the one who take over this position is called both c'Aliph and imam. From the point that people have to follow him, he is called imam and from the point that his leadership is in succession of the Prophet (s), he is called c'Aliph. Therefore in Islam, Imam is the c'Aliph and successor of the Prophet (s). However, about the question whether he can be called as Kh'Alifatallah [vicegerent of Allah], there are two opinions among Sunni scholars; some regarded it permissible and some others considered it impermissible. Ahl al-Bayt (a) have also regarded imamate as vicegerency of God and His Prophet (s).

The glorious Qur’an has regarded Imamate higher than prophethood, because about the Prophet Abraham (a), it has mentioned that after he (a) achieved the position of prophethood and was successful in trials and divine tests, the position of Imamate was granted to him.

“And when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words, and he fulfilled them, He said, ‘I am making you the Imam of mankind.’ Said he, ‘And from among my descendants?’ He said, ‘My pledge does not extend to the unjust.’” (2:124)

Moreover, in this verse, God refers to Imamate as His promise. Therefore, this position is not a choice of people. This has also been mentioned in hadiths.

=== Imamate as the Cause of Religion’s Perfection ===

One of the hadiths which have been mentioned as the cause of revelation from the verse Ikmal al-din [perfection of religion] is the great position of imamate. According to these hadiths, the mentioned verse has been revealed about the event of Ghadir Khumm when by the order of God, the Prophet (s) introduced 'Ali (a) as the leader of Islamic society after himself. Accordingly, Islam reached its desired perfection through Imamate.

The verse of Tabligh is also referring to the same issue; since, according to this verse and the hadiths about the cause of its revelation, Imamate has such a great position that if the Prophet (s) did not announce it, it was as if he (a) had not accomplished his mission and his efforts would be lost.

According to the glorious Qur’an, on the Day of Judgment, everyone goes to his own leader:

“The day We shall summon every group of people with their imam” (17:71)

This is also mentioned in a hadith both shi'a and Sunnis have narrated from Imam al-Rida (a). it says that on the Day of Judgment, every group is summoned by their divine book and the tradition of their prophet and leader.

Imam 'Ali (a) said, “Imams (a) are God’s guides and leaders for His servants and no one will enter the paradise unless he knows them and they know him and no one will enter the hell unless he rejects them and they reject him.”

In many hadiths narrated from Imams (a), it is mentioned that prayer, Zakat, fasting, hajj and Wilayah are the pillars of Islam, among which Wilayah has a better position because it is the key and guide to the rest.