Imamate: Difference between revisions

Another criterion which necessitates the existence of imam and is mentioned among philosophies of the existence of imam is guarding religion. Accordingly, existence of imam helps religion to be saved from [[alteration]]s, because the [[Qur'an]] has neither explained the details of rulings, nor does it speak by itself and needs interpretation. However since people's understanding of the Qur'an would be wrong, there is a need for those whose understanding of the Qur'an would be free from error or alteration. Their existence is a standard for recognizing others' misunderstandings and it would be what guards religion.

Moreover, rulings and teachings which have been narrated as agreed by consensus or by many people are few and do not cover all the rulings of religion. Also, consensus alone, without referring to the ideas of the [[Infallible]] (a) is invalid. Therefore, the only way left is that religion would be guarded by an [[infallible imam (a)]], because then his opinion is all right due to his infallibility and through which other opinions interpreting the Qur'an and explaining religion can be evaluated.