View source for Religion:Imamate in Twelver doctrine

{{Short description|Concept in the largest branch of Shia Islam}}
{{hatnote |This is a sub-article to Imamah (Shia doctrine) and is specifically about the [[Religion:Twelver|Twelver]] [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia]] concept of the term.}}

[[File:Kerbela Hussein Moschee.jpg |thumb |right |260px |Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, where the Battle of Karbala took place]]
'''Imāmah''' ({{lang-ar|إِمَامَة}}) means "[[Religion:Islamic leadership|leadership]]" and is a concept in Twelver theology. The Twelve Imams are the spiritual and political successors to [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]], the Prophet of Islam, in the Twelver branch of [[Religion:Shia Islam|Shia Islam]].{{sfn |Britannica |2007}} According to Twelver theology, the successors to Muhammad are [[Religion:The Fourteen Infallibles|infallible]] human beings, who rule justly over the community and maintain and interpret [[Religion:Sharia|sharia]] and undertake the esoteric interpretation of the Quran. The [[Religion:Sunnah|words and deeds]] of Muhammad and the Imams guide the community. For this, the Imams must be free from error and sin and chosen by divine decree—[[Religion:Nass (Islam)|''nass'']]—through the Prophet.{{sfn |Tabatabaei |1979 |p=10}}{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=[{{google books |plainurl=y |id=B0OL5Z8S-V0C}} 173]}}

Shi'a believe that divine wisdom—[[Religion:'Aql|'Aql]]—is the source of the souls of the Prophets and Imams and gives them esoteric knowledge—''[[Philosophy:Hikmah|hikmah]]''—and that their suffering is a means by which their devotees may acquire divine grace.{{sfn |Britannica |2007}}{{sfn |Tabatabaei |1979 |p=15}}{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |pp=45–51}} The Imam is not the recipient of [[Religion:Wahy|divine revelation]], but has a close relationship with God, who guides him, allowing the Imam in turn to guide others. The Imamat, or belief in the divine guide, is a fundamental belief in Shia Islam and is based on the concept that God would not leave humanity without access to divine guidance.{{sfn |Martin |2004}}

According to the Twelvers, an Imam of the Age is always the divinely appointed authority on all matters of faith and law. [[Biography:Ali|Ali]] was the first Imam in this line and in the view of Twelvers the rightful successor to Muhammad, followed by the male descendants of Muhammad through his daughter [[Biography:Fatimah|Fatimah]]. Each Imam was the son of the previous Imam, with the exception of [[Biography:Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn ibn Ali]], who was the brother of [[Religion:Hasan ibn Ali|Hasan ibn Ali]].{{sfn |Britannica |2007}} The twelfth and final Imam is Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed by the Twelvers to be alive and in hiding.{{sfn |Martin |2004}}

==Imamah==
According to al-Mofid and Allamah Hilli, Imamate is a universal authority over the religious and secular matters of the community as the successor of the prophet{{sfn |Rizvi |2000}}{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1985 |p=21}} and in Shia theology it means the legitimate successor to the Islamic community who are just the family of the prophet (ahl al-Bayt).{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=20}} not because they are the prophet's family, but because they have the prerequisites of religious and political leadership.{{sfn |Vaezi |2004 |p=56}} Allamah Tabatabaei states that Imamate is under investigation from three perspectives: Islamic government, Islamic sciences and spiritual guidance.The Motahhari states that the term Imamate reflects spiritual and sociopolitical leadership.{{sfn |Rizvi |2000 |p=}} Shia theology, philosophy and mysticism, politics as well as historical progression derives from the doctrine of Imamah.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=2}}

==Necessity==
Two important functions of [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]] were to reveal the divine law to humans and to guide them towards [[Religion:Allah|God]]. Twelver Shia believe that with the death of Muhammad, the first function, [[Religion:Wahy|divine legislation]], is completed, but that the second, guiding people and preserving and explaining the [[Religion:Sharia|divine law]], is continued through the Imams.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=147}} Muhammad al-Baqir, the fifth Imam, explaining why the Imams are needed, states: "So that the world may remain in righteousness, thus Allah withholds chastisement from the world while a Prophet or Imam is upon it, for Allah has said 'Allah will not chastise them while you are among them' [http://tanzil.net/#8:33 8:33] and the Prophet had said ' the stars are safety for the people of the heaven and the members of my family are safety for the people of the earth. By ''members of my family'' is meant the Imams....Through them Allah gives sustenance (Rizq) to His servants and through them His lands prosper and the rain falls from the heaven and the earth gives out its blessings".{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=148}} The prophetic mission must be followed by a keeper of the [[Religion:Quran|Quran]] because it contains esoteric depth, superficial contradictions and hidden meaning. The meaning can be manifested not by ordinary knowledge, but by an inspired heir who is the Hujjah of Allah. Divine knowledge is attainable only through divine revelation or inspiration.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=46}} While the prophet was a "legislative prophet" (nabi al-tashri), the continuation of the "esoteric prophecy" (nubuwah al-batiniyah) is through [[Religion:Walayah|walayah]]. The role of the Imam in society is equivalent to the role of the mind in the body.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=159}}

===Theological aspect===

====The station of Imams====
Before the creation of the world, from His own light, Allah derived a light called light of Nubuwwa (prophethood) or exoteric and from that derived another light called Walaya (Imamah) or esoteric. Allah said "Here is a Light from my Light, its trunk is the prophecy and its branch is the Imamate; prophecy belongs to Muhammad, my servant and messenger and Imamate belongs to Ali, my proof and my friend. Without them, I would have created none of my creation..." The very names of prophecy and Imamate are derived from the names of Allah.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=30}} Allah has two kinds of attributes: Essence (Dhat) and Act (Fi'l); attributes of Essence exist in Allah Himself, not having its opposites, but attributes of the act, the Most Beautiful Names of Allah, are those which are manifested in His creatures, these creatures of manifestation of these attributes are Imams.Through these creatures, men could know His attributes.This is His plan to make Himself known.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=45}} By verse [http://tanzil.net/#2:124 2:124], Shia believe that the position of Imamate is not higher than prophethood.{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=306}}{{sfn |Kardan |2014 |}} Shia believe that Imam is God's Witness for the people, the Gate to God (bāb Allāh) and the Road (sabīl) and the Pillar of His Unity{{sfn |Nasr |2008 |p=318}} so he should be infallible and chosen by God.{{sfn |Nasr |2008 |p=318}} Allamah al-Majlisi, a Shia scholar of the Safawid era, states: "The Imams are superior to the prophets (except Muhammad) and the entire creation. The Covenant of the Imams was taken from the prophets, the angels and the entire creation. The major prophets called ulul-‘Azm (Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and ‘Isa ) attained the status of ulul-‘Azm on account of loving the Imams."{{sfn |Majlisi |pp=267–318–88}} Muḥammad al-Bāqir narrates that God chose Ibraham first as a worshipper (ʿabd), then a prophet (nabī), then a messenger (rasūl), then a friend (khalīl) and finally as an Imam over the people.{{sfn |Lalani |2010 |p=33}} The Imams in many passages of Quran are referred as the Light of God (Nur), His Witnesses among mankind (Shuhada), His Signs (Ayat), those firm in the knowledge (Rasikhun), the vicegerents of God on earth (Khulafa), the gates through which he is approached (Abwab), the heirs of the knowledge of the prophet.The Imam is endowed with the holy spirit (Ruh al-Kuds).{{sfn |Madelung |2015}} Shi'a Twelver believes that five ''Messengers'' achieved the rank of Leadership:Nuah, Ibrahim, Musa, [[Biography:Jesus in Islam|Isa]], [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]]

====Vicegerent (Khalifat Allah)====
The Imam as vicegerent is the representative of all of God's attributes, whom he manifests. The Imam is God's image and face.{{sfn |Nasr |2008 |p=424,425}} It is the highest position for man that is mentioned, ([http://tanzil.net/#2:30 2:30]) which causes the angels to prostrate themselves before him ([http://tanzil.net/#15:30 15:30]).{{sfn |Javadi Amoli |2008 |p=92}} Khalifah is God's appointee ([http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.sahih/38:26 38:26]).{{sfn |Askari |1998 |p=71}} As God's best representative and sign, the vicegerent in the best way can contribute to God's goals. So every attribute which God owns by His [[Philosophy:Essence|Essence]], the vicegerent also owns by accident. The vicegerent is the epiphany (mazhar){{efn |like a mirror in which the image appears without being incarnate in it}} of God's divine names. In fact he is the soul of the universe which can cause [[Philosophy:Ontology|ontological]] changes in it.{{sfn |Javadi Amoli |2008 |p=93}}

====Mediator====
Allamah al-Majlisi states that the Imams are mediators between [[Religion:Allah|God]] and humankind and that through their intercession, man can escape the punishment of the last day. In addition to [[Biography:Muhammad|Muhammad]]'s role as intermediate between God and man, he is also a mediator before God on behalf of his followers. According to Shia belief, this idea of a religious mediator includes the Imams.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=103}} Al-Shaykh al-Saduq has recorded a tradition that the prophet told [[Biography:Ali|Ali]]: "There are three things that I swear to be true. The first is that you and your descendants are mediators for mankind, as they will not be able to know Allah except through your introduction. The second is that you are to present to Allah those who may enter Paradise, i.e. those who recognize you and those whom you recognize. The third is that you are the absolute mediators, for those who will go to Hell will only be those who do not recognize you and whom you do not recognize." Al-Baqir said, "through us God is known and is worshiped by human kind...whoever calls Allah through our mediation is blessed".{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=344,345}} Without Imam, [[Unsolved:Theophany|theophanic]] form (mazhar) and Face of Allah, no one can know Allah because through him, Allah manifests himself.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=170}} [[Biography:Mulla Sadra|Mulla Sadra]] explains that as the Imam is the perfect man—''insan al-Kamel''—is a higher-degree creature and the existence of the lower depends upon the higher degree, so the existence of the Imam is necessary.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=179}}

====Wali====
Shia believe that the Divine Truth or the True Religion has two aspects: exoteric ([[Religion:Zahir (Islam)|zahir]]) and esoteric ([[Religion:Batin (Islam)|batin]]). The exoteric side is revealed by the prophet and his Holy Book to the general people but the esoteric side is the mission of Imams and for the believers by the Esoteric interpretation of the Quran(Ta'wil).{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=29 }} As the exoteric speaks of Shariah and esoteric speaks of Haqiqah, it is not a matter of succession but a matter of simultaneity.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=27}} Haqiqah is based on the spiritual meaning of Quran.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=38}} The kinship between the prophet and Imams is the sign of their [[Religion:Walayah|walayah]], not the basis for their walayah.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=61}} According to Shia just those are the real faithful that "Allah has written faith upon their hearts" ([http://tanzil.net/#58:22 58:22]): only if Walayah is obtained the faith is perfect.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=63}} Shia theologians refer to the verse [http://tanzil.net/#5:55 5:55] as a proof for the Walayah of Imams.{{sfn |Vaezi |2004 |p=58}} According to Motahhari, Walayah has four dimensions: the right of love, loving the Ahl al-Bayt is obligatory for all Muslims, the authority of Alh al-Bayt in spiritual guidance, the authority of Ahl al-Bayt in socio-political guidance and the authority of the universal nature by the grace of Allah.{{sfn |Rizvi |2000}} By Shia, in fact, a guardian must protect the religion against any additions or subtractions after the prophet. According to al-Baqir, the prophet has revealed the religion but in every age there must be an Imam who leads to the religion and verse [http://tanzil.net/#13:7 13:7] refers to Imam.{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=308,309}} A [[Religion:Hadith|hadith]] narrates that "He who knows himself knows his Lord.",{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=168}} but knowing Allah without His theophanic form (Mazhar), the Face of Allah, is impossible. Imam is the one who carries the human knowledge of Allah, without him we will be trapped in ta'til or metaphysical idolatry (tashbih)."{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=170,171}} Numerous Shia hadith narrate: The Quran is the silent Imam, the Imam is the speaking Quran; Imam is the Guide by whom Quran remains alive. Regarding this matter, Mulla Sadra believes that the earth can not be without an Imam otherwise, the Quran will die.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=177,178}} By Shia, Wali is the one who has the most love and devotion to God, so God has bestowed His knowledge upon him.{{sfn |Nasr |2008 |p=316}}

====Hujjah====
The Hujja means the proof or God's guarantee to men; as the presence of the Hujja, whether hidden or apparent, is necessary for all times, this presence expresses the metaphysical reality of the Hujja and the inseparability of the prophetology from Imamology.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=40}} Al-Baqir stated, "...Imam is the Proof of Allah to His servants and the earth will not remain without the Proof of Allah to His servants".{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=148}} From the Time of [[Biography:Adam|Adam]], Allah has sent Imams to guide the people towards Him who are His Hujjah upon His worshippers.{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=83}} Khomeni described "Proof of Allah" as follows: "A ‘Proof of Allah’ is one whom Allah has designated to
conduct affairs, all his deeds, actions and sayings constitute a proof for the Muslims. If someone commits an offense, will be made to the ‘proof’ for adducing evidence and formulating the charge. If the ‘proof’ commands you to perform a certain act, to implement the penal provisions of the law in a certain way, or to spend the income derived from booty,
zakat and sadaqa in a certain manner and if you fail to obey him in any of these respects, then God Almighty will advance a ‘proof’ against you on the day of Judgment".{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1985 |pp=55}}

===Political aspect===
The Shia believe that only the divinely chosen one is the legitimate leader of the community who owns some spiritual gifts. The first of these leaders was Ali ibn Abi Talib and his successors were the descendants of the prophet and the heirs of the charisma of Ali.{{sfn |Dakake |2007 |p=3}} Imams possess all the attributes, duties, authorities of the prophet except receiving revelation. They are the political and religious guardians over the community.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1985 |pp=56}} Although Imam has a political role, his Imamah does not depend on this role.{{sfn |Madelung |2015}} According to verse [http://tanzil.net/#5:55 5:55], because absolute authority belongs to Allah, He can grant this authority to whomever He wishes as Guardians.{{sfn |Vaezi |2004 |pp=58,59}} Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr stated that the political and spiritual dimensions are inseparable.{{sfn |Mavani |2013 |p=11}}

==Necessary attributes of Imams==
According to Shia theology, Imam must display three attributes: divine appointment (nass), wisdom (hikmah), superiority (afdaliyyah). This right to authority is derived from the prophet and Quran and thereby [[Religion:Allah|Allah]].{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=4}}

===Nass (divine designation)===
One of the fundamental principles of Shia is that Imam is designated by the prophet and every Imam nominates his successor by divine designation ([[Religion:Nass (Islam)|nass]]).{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=314}}{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=147}}{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=153}} The divine designation is a logical necessity because Imam must be infallible and as this is a hidden virtue, known only to Allah. Thus this designation is expressed to the people only by an infallible: the previous Prophet or Imam.{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=314}}{{sfn |Momen |1985 |pp=154,155}} Al-Baqir stated that the prophet was commanded by Allah, before his death, to grant to [[Biography:Ali|Ali]] his knowledge, his faith and the Great Name (al-Ism al-A'zam), as well as the legacy of knowledge and prophethood so that the Divine Heritage would be continued through the prophet's progeny. So one of the fundamentals in the principle of Imamate was nass al-Jali (explicit designation) which was hereditary.{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=77}} Shia Muslims believe that Allah appointed leaders for those who practice the religion of Allah. When the prophet had taught the people the religion, he would then appoint a leader, in accordance with the orders of Allah, to guide believers towards perfection. Imamate is a universal authority and this right is derived from (niyabah) the prophet.{{sfn |Mashita |2013 |p=}} Allamah Majlesi stated that from the time of Adam, every prophet had a successor.{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=316}} Imam like the prophet had a perfect authority over the Muslim community including matters of religion and government.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |pp=105,106}}{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=317}} As the prophet is the representative of Allah, his successor is also a representative of Allah. If he is to represent Allah, he must be appointed by Allah.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=7}} Imam can not be distinguished except by designation.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=101}} Following verse [http://tanzil.net/#2:124 2:124] of [[Religion:Quran|Quran]], Shia believe that Imamah is something that is given by Allah and must be appointed by Him. The earth never can be without a true Imam.{{sfn |Ayoub |1984 |p=156,157}}{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=98}} The relation between Imams is spiritual, carrying the Muhammadan Light from one Imam to the other.{{sfn |Nasr |1994 |p=159}} The Shia idea that the succession should continue in the descendants of the prophet originates from the Quran as verse [http://tanzil.net/#4:54 4:54].{{sfn |Nasr |2008 |p=312}}

===Ismah===
{{Main |Religion:Ismah}}
Shia believe that Ismah is a logical prerequisite of Imamah as Allah has made their obedience necessary and the verse [http://tanzil.net/#33:33 33:33] proves Ismah of the fourteen infallible. Ismah in addition to sinlessness means infallibility, without error.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=155}} Imam by virtue of Nass based on Hikmah (wisdom) and Nur (light) becomes Ma'sum (Infallible).{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=82}}

===Hikmah (wisdom)===
The Imam has a perfect knowledge about religion and mankind.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=156}} The Imams are the most knowledgeable in religious law and the rewards and punishments of the next world. They understand the literal meaning and the internal meaning (Ta'wil) of the Quran.{{sfn |Martin |2004 |p=625}} Some [[Religion:Hadith|Hadith]]s state the link between Allah and the Imams is a pillar descending from the heaven.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=149}} The sources of the knowledge of Imam are the transmission from the previous Imam, inherited knowledge, acquired through angels and acquired from books whose contents are known only to the Imams.{{sfn |Arjomand |1988 |p=26}} According to some Hadiths, Imams possess several special books including Al-Jafr (The Divination), Al-Sahifa (The Book), [[Religion:Al-Jamia|Al-Jamia]] (The Compilation), [[Religion:Book of Fatimah|Book of Fatimah]] and a codex of [[Religion:Quran|Quran]] and its commentary ([[Religion:Mus'haf of Ali|Mus'haf of Ali]]) written by Ali.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=73,74}} He has the knowledge of the [[Religion:Names of God in Islam#The Greatest Name|Greatest Name]] of [[Religion:Allah|Allah]].{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=150}} As Imams are the manifestation of the attributes of act (fi'l) of Allah, their Knowledge is equivalent to the Knowledge of Allah.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=45}} Imams have all the revealed books of the prophets.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=73}} As Sayyid Haydar Amuli states: "All the Imams are one and the same Light (nur), one and the same Essence (haqiqah), exemplified in twelve persons."{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=48}} The hereditary character of nass embodied in itself a kind of exclusive Hikmah for its recipient which was traced back to [[Biography:Ali|Ali]] of whom the prophet told "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate".{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=78}} Ibn Babaway states that "the title Amir al-Momenin reserved for Imam indicates that he is the storehouse (mirror) of knowledge (mira't al-ilm) from whom people derived knowledge but he did not derive knowledge from anyone else."{{sfn |Afsaruddin |2015}} Only Imam has knowledge of Unseen (Ilm al-Qayb) and fully understands [[Religion:Quran|Quran]] and worldly matters, a knowledge that he received from Allah through Muhammad. Only Quran and Imam can truly manifest the Divine Truth.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=5}}

===Afdaliyyah (superiority)===
As the Imam is infallible (masum), he is the best of his age, otherwise, Allah would choose another.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=155}} Ontologically the fourteen infallibles are superior to prophets, since they are created from a nobler matter.{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=71 }} In Quran, with respect to kingship (Imamate) and wisdom (hikmah, book), the heirs of the prophets are their descendants and kin.{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=20}} Al-Baqir states that Imamate is among the progeny of Imams as indicated in verse [http://tanzil.net/#33:6 33:6] which its interpretation refers to the descendants of [[Biography:Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn ibn Ali]].{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=68}} He added that the light that is mentioned in verse [http://tanzil.net/#64:8 64:8] refers to Imams who are the light of Allah, this spiritual light which passes from the prophet to Imams is the symbol of eternal knowledge (hikmah). Referring to the light, he stated," the first beings that Allah created were Mohammad and his family, the rightly guided ones and the guides, they were the phantoms of light before Allah".{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=80}} Personal qualities are known only through Quran or hadith.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=21}} Although Imamate is not hereditary, Shia believe that Imamate are among the progeny of Muhammad.{{sfn |Pakatchi |Ansari |Naji |1988 |p=140}}

==The necessity of recognizing Imams==
According to Ja'far al-Sadiq: " We are the ones to whom Allah has made obedience obligatory. The people will not prosper unless they recognize us and the people will not be excused if they are ignorant of us. He who has recognised us is a believer (Momin) and he who has denied us is an unbeliever (Kafir)"...{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=150}} Al-Riza remarks that "....whoever tends not to be separated from Allah, he love the household of Mohammad ...and follow his Imam, whoever does this is under the mercy of Allah..."{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=353}} Kulaini, Na'mani attributed a tradition to al-Baqir that those who worship Allah without recognizing his righteous Imam are not accepted.{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=353}}

==The necessity of obeying Imams==
If the Imamate of Imams is not affirmed, one can not enter into heaven.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=159}} Al-Baqir states that according to verse [http://tanzil.net/#42:23 42:23], the believers must both obey and love the Imams.{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=66}} Shia believe that Imamah is inseparable from Wilayah,{{efn |wilayan with kasr of waw means authority but with fatha means love, devotion}} which involves loving [[Religion:Ahl al-Bayt|ahl al-Bayt]] (Imams), obeying them in their commands and prohibitions, recognising their rights and believing in their Imamat and that this is one of the five principles (usul) of Shia.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=96}} According to al-Khu'i: "the wilayat and imamate in the meaning of succession (khilafat) is an essential part (dharuriy) of Shi'ism; anyone who rejects this dimension of the wilayat would not be considered as a Shia".{{sfn |Rizvi |2000}} Muhammad Baqir Majlisi states: "All the Imamis agree that the spiritual validity of deeds and Allah's approval of them are conditioned by faith (Imam); this point is as integral a part of faith as is love for the Twelve Imams and their imamate."{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=169}} Sajjad, the fourth Imam, states that the religion is attained only through submission and whoever submits to  the Imams is guided and blissful. Obeying the Imams is obligatory because Allah has thus commanded.{{sfn |al-Qarashi |2014 |p=86,87}}

===Guidance is only through Imams===
According to Tabatabaei ([http://tanzil.net/#21:73 21:73], [http://tanzil.net/#32:24 32:24]) the word guidance is used side by side by the word Imamah and is followed by "our command", a kind of guidance with a divine command that conveys humankind to the final truth, not just showing the way.{{sfn |Tabatabaei |1973 |p=78,79}} According to Mesbahyazdi, while Allah is the Creator, all praise is due to Him and He is the only ontological (takwini) and legislative (tashri'e) Lord. So everyone who wishes to be a servant and a monotheist should accept His legislative laws and accept the executer of His laws, because this is His Will (Iradah).{{sfn |Mesbahyazdi |2014}} A mutawatir hadith narrates that loving the prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt) is the sign of faith and enmity towards them is the sign of hypocrisy.{{sfn |Sobhani |2001 |p=114}} According to Mottahari, everyone who does not accept walayah, he is in enmity with walayah which causes his deeds to be worthless ([http://tanzil.net/#6:88 6:88], [http://tanzil.net/#18:105 18:105], [http://tanzil.net/#14:18 14:18],[http://tanzil.net/#3:117 3:117], [http://tanzil.net/#25:23 25:23]), because he is not humble before the Truth which is the basis of a pure deed.{{sfn |Motahhari |2003 |p=43}} Many hadith introduce Imam as the Guide because there is no knowledge of Allah accessible to man without the knowledge of Imam.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=177}} Through hadiths, in order to reach to Allah, man must pass the Path (Sirat) who are the Imams.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=184}}

==Imamate and revelation (Wahy)==
As Muhammad was the last person to receive revelation, the Imams receive divine inspiration (elham) and, as such, are in contact with the holy source of knowledge.{{sfn |Dabashi |1989 |p=116}} A hadith narrates that "Imam hears the voice of the Angel, but does not have his vision, either in sleep or in waking".{{sfn |Donaldson |1984 |p=306}}{{sfn |Kardan |2014 |p=}} Imams get Revelation but not like the prophets. They are called [[Religion:Hadith studies|Muhaddath]]<nowiki/>t and are spoken to by angels via sounds through their ears and are supported by the Holy Spirit. They receive additional information on the Night of Power [[Religion:Laylat al-Qadr|Laylat al-Qadr]]. They make Spiritual Ascension to the Divine Throne on Friday to add their knowledge.{{sfn |Mavani |2013 |p=52,53}} Regarding this matter, Shaykh al-Muzaffar explains: "We maintain that the powers of the Imams to receive inspiration have reached the highest degree of excellence and we say that it is a Divinely given power. By this means the Imam is able to understand information about anything, anywhere and at any time and he understands by means of this Divinely-given power at once, without recourse to methodological reasoning or guidance from a teacher. When he desires to know about some matter, it is reflected in his pure mind as if in a polished mirror. It is clear from the histories
of their lives that like the Prophet, the Imams were not trained or taught by anyone at all, not even in reading and writing, from their childhoods to the maturing of their minds. No author or teacher was seen to instruct one of them, but they were incomparable masters of knowledge so that they never asked
about any problem without being able to answer it immediately and they never said that they did not know. They never required time to consider a question before replying."{{sfn |Rizvi |2000}}

==Arguments==

===Shia view of Quran===
Shias claim the verse of Light ([http://tanzil.net/#24:35 24:35]) is attributed to The Fourteen Infallible.{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=48}} According to Shia sources on the nature and basis of Imamate, H al-Baqir emphasizes that verse [http://tanzil.net/#5:55 5:55] refers to [[Biography:Ali|Ali]].{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=58}} According to al-Baqir's interpretation of verse [http://tanzil.net/#trans/en.sahih/35:32 35:32], Imams are "Then we caused to inherit the Book those We have chosen of Our servants".{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=65}} Shias mind verse [http://tanzil.net/#4:59 4:59], which signifies a perfect love and obedience to divine guides.{{sfn |Mavani |2013 |p=11}}

Other Shia sources claim that Imams are expressed in Quran as: "the Supreme Sign" (al-Ayat al-Kobra) ([http://tanzil.net/#79:20 79:20]), "the August Symbol" (al-Mathal al-a'la) ([http://tanzil.net/#16:60 16:60]), "the Most Solid Handle" (al-Urwat al-Wuthqa) ([http://tanzil.net/#2:256 2:256]), ([http://tanzil.net/#31:22 31:22]).{{sfn |Amir Moezzi |1994 |p=45}} According to al-Baqir Imams are the Light of Allah ([http://tanzil.net/#64:8 64:8], [http://tanzil.net/#57:28 57:28]).{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=67,68}} These verses ([http://tanzil.net/#28:68 28:68], [http://tanzil.net/#2:30 2:30], [http://tanzil.net/#38:26 38:26], [http://tanzil.net/#2:124 2:124], [http://tanzil.net/#21:73 21:73]) state that Imamate is a divine appointment and a fallible person can not be an Imam.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1985 |pp=43–46}} Madelung, regarding the blood ties which is found in Quran, states the superiority of [[Biography:Ali|Ali]] for his succession.{{sfn |Mavani |2013 |p=33}} Regarding verse [http://tanzil.net/#2:124 2:124], Tabatabaei states that Imamah is a divine status, Imam must be Ma'sum (infallible), the earth can not be without an Imam, Imam have the complete knowledge which is related to this world and the next of the people, Imam excels all people in all virtues.{{sfn |Tabatabaei |1973 |p=83}} However it is argued by many scholars that the 12 Shia Imams have not been mentioned in the Quran and the Shia doctrine of Imamah is based heavily on interpretation based on weak hadiths.

===By Hadith===
{{QuoteHadith |Ali al-Ridha |matn=" ...[[Religion:Allah|Allah]] did not cause His Prophet to leave this world before completing for him the religion...The issue of Imamat (leadership) is part of the completion of the religion..."Do they realize the value and the status of the Imamat (leadership) of the ’Umma (the nation) to justify their selection? Imamat (leadership) in fact, is far sublime in values, greatest in position, highest in status, the most exclusive issue in all aspects, the most profound and deep for the intellect of the people to reach and grasp it in their opinions, or to appoint an Imam through their selection. Imamat (leadership) is that particular distinction which Allah, has distinguished Ibrahim, the very close friend (al-Khalil), after Prophethood(2;124). This close friendship is the third stage (in the progression of spiritual degrees)... Allah bestowed him more honors in establishing Imamat (leadership) in purified and clean persons of his offspring. "We granted him Isaac and Jacob as a gift and helped both of them to become righteous people (21:72)..."So the Imamat (leadership) remained in his offspring inheriting it from each other, generation after generation until Allah made Prophet Muhammad to inherit...So the Imamat belonged to him particularly, and he then, entrusted Imam Ali, with it by the command of Allah, as He had made it obligatory. It then came to be in his (Ali's) purified and clean of sins offspring, to whom Allah has given knowledge and faith...Imamat (leadership) will remain in the sons of Imam Ali exclusively, till the Day of Judgment and there will no prophet after Muhammad. Wherefrom then have these ignorant people received the right to select Imams?
" Imamat (leadership) is, certainly, the position of the prophets, and the inheritance of the successors. Imamat (leadership) indeed, is the representation (khilafa) of Allah and the deputy of the Messenger, and the office of Amir al-mu'minin and the inheritance of Imam al-Hasan and al-Husayn. "Imamat (leadership) is, in fact, the reins of the religion, the social system of the Muslims. It is best for the world, and honor for the believers. Imamat (Islamic leadership) is Islam's maturing root, and its towering branch. Through the Imam prayers are complete, Zakat, (charity) is paid, fasting, is maintained, Hajj is performed and Jihad, proper defense is exercised, the wealth of the nation (fay') and charity (sadaqat) are increased, the laws are enforced and the frontiers are protected and defended. "The Imam declares as lawful what Allah has done so and prohibits what Allah has prohibited...The Imam is as crystal-clear water to thirst, an indicator of true guidance and the protector against destruction. The Imam is as fire of a lighthouse that provides warmth and guidance for those who seek heat protection against fatalities. Whoever would depart him would perish...The Imam is as a comforting friend, a very kind father, a real brother, a tender-hearted mother of a small child, a refuge for people in disastrous conditions. The Imam is Allah's trustee over His creatures, His authority over His servants, His representative in His lands, the preacher of His cause and the defender of His sanctuary."The Imam is clean of sins, free of faults, possesses special knowledge and is distinguished in forbearance. The Imam maintains law and order in religion... The Imam is the peerless person of his time, no-one can reach even near his rank in virtue and no scholar is comparable to him... in fact, his virtues are all from bestowed up on him by the source of all virtue, the Generous One. Who is he that can know all about the Imam, or can select him?... The Imam is a scholar that is not ignorant of any thing... the mine of holiness purity, of worship and restraint from sins and Knowledge and worship. He (enjoys) the blessings of the exclusive prayers of the Messenger of Allah and of being of the progeny of the Holy Lady, al-Batul. There is no doubt about their genealogical purity...Allah grants success and support to the prophets and the Imams through His treasured knowledge and command in a way that is granted to no one else...When Allah chooses a person for the affairs of His servants, He opens his heart for the task, places in it the fountains of wisdom and inspires him with knowledge... He is infallible, Divinely supported, successful and guarded... Allah has granted him this exclusively so that he would serve as the Divine authority over His servant, as a witness over them and this is the grace of Allah that He grant to whoever He wills and Allah’s grace is the greatest. Can one among the people have such things so they would choose him as the Imam or can their selected person have such distinctions to be preferred over the others?
...May Allah grant blessings up on Prophet Muhammad and his family and may He grant them peace, a great deal of peace."{{efn |1ـ أَبُو مُحَمَّدٍ الْقَاسِمُ بْنُ الْعَلاءِ رَحِمَهُ الله رَفَعَهُ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ بْنِ مُسْلِمٍ قَالَ كُنَّا مَعَ الرِّضَا (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) بِمَرْوَ فَاجْتَمَعْنَا فِي الْجَامِعِ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ فِي بَدْءِ مَقْدَمِنَا فَأَدَارُوا أَمْرَ الامَامَةِ وَذَكَرُوا كَثْرَةَ اخْتِلافِ النَّاسِ فِيهَا فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَى سَيِّدِي (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) فَأَعْلَمْتُهُ خَوْضَ النَّاسِ فِيهِ فَتَبَسَّمَ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) ثُمَّ قَالَ يَا عَبْدَ الْعَزِيزِ جَهِلَ الْقَوْمُ وَخُدِعُوا عَنْ آرَائِهِمْ إِنَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمْ يَقْبِضْ نَبِيَّهُ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) حَتَّى أَكْمَلَ لَهُ الدِّينَ وَأَنْزَلَ عَلَيْهِ الْقُرْآنَ فِيهِ تِبْيَانُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ بَيَّنَ فِيهِ الْحَلالَ وَالْحَرَامَ وَالْحُدُودَ وَالاحْكَامَ وَجَمِيعَ مَا يَحْتَاجُ إِلَيْهِ النَّاسُ كَمَلاً فَقَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ ما فَرَّطْنا فِي الْكِتابِ مِنْ شَيْءٍ وَأَنْزَلَ فِي حَجَّةِ الْوَدَاعِ وَهِيَ آخِرُ عُمُرِهِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الاسْلامَ دِيناً وَأَمْرُ الامَامَةِ مِنْ تَمَامِ الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يَمْضِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) حَتَّى بَيَّنَ لامَّتِهِ مَعَالِمَ دِينِهِمْ وَأَوْضَحَ لَهُمْ سَبِيلَهُمْ وَتَرَكَهُمْ عَلَى قَصْدِ سَبِيلِ الْحَقِّ وَأَقَامَ لَهُمْ عَلِيّاً (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) عَلَماً وَإِمَاماً وَمَا تَرَكَ لَهُمْ شَيْئاً يَحْتَاجُ إِلَيْهِ الامَّةُ إِلا بَيَّنَهُ فَمَنْ زَعَمَ أَنَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمْ يُكْمِلْ دِينَهُ فَقَدْ رَدَّ كِتَابَ الله وَمَنْ رَدَّ كِتَابَ الله فَهُوَ كَافِرٌ بِهِ هَلْ يَعْرِفُونَ قَدْرَ الامَامَةِ وَمَحَلَّهَا مِنَ الامَّةِ فَيَجُوزَ فِيهَا اخْتِيَارُهُمْ إِنَّ الامَامَةَ أَجَلُّ قَدْراً وَأَعْظَمُ شَأْناً وَأَعْلَى مَكَاناً وَأَمْنَعُ جَانِباً وَأَبْعَدُ غَوْراً مِنْ أَنْ يَبْلُغَهَا النَّاسُ بِعُقُولِهِمْ أَوْ يَنَالُوهَا بِآرَائِهِمْ أَوْ يُقِيمُوا إِمَاماً بِاخْتِيَارِهِمْ إِنَّ الامَامَةَ خَصَّ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِهَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْخَلِيلَ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) بَعْدَ النُّبُوَّةِ وَالْخُلَّةِ مَرْتَبَةً ثَالِثَةً وَفَضِيلَةً شَرَّفَهُ بِهَا وَأَشَادَ بِهَا ذِكْرَهُ فَقَالَ إِنِّي جاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِماماً فَقَالَ الْخَلِيلُ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) سُرُوراً بِهَا وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي قَالَ الله تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى لا يَنالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ فَأَبْطَلَتْ هَذِهِ الايَةُ إِمَامَةَ كُلِّ ظَالِمٍ إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَصَارَتْ فِي الصَّفْوَةِ ثُمَّ أَكْرَمَهُ الله تَعَالَى بِأَنْ جَعَلَهَا فِي ذُرِّيَّتِهِ أَهْلِ الصَّفْوَةِ وَالطَّهَارَةِ فَقَالَ وَوَهَبْنا لَهُ إِسْحاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ نافِلَةً وَكُلاً جَعَلْنا صالِحِينَ. وَجَعَلْناهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنا وَأَوْحَيْنا إِلَيْهِمْ فِعْلَ الْخَيْراتِ وَإِقامَ الصَّلاةِ وَإِيتاءَ الزَّكاةِ وَكانُوا لَنا عابِدِينَ فَلَمْ تَزَلْ فِي ذُرِّيَّتِهِ يَرِثُهَا بَعْضٌ عَنْ بَعْضٍ قَرْناً فَقَرْناً حَتَّى وَرَّثَهَا الله تَعَالَى النَّبِيَّ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) فَقَالَ جَلَّ وَتَعَالَى إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِإِبْراهِيمَ لَلَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ وَهذَا النَّبِيُّ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَالله وَلِيُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَكَانَتْ لَهُ خَاصَّةً فَقَلَّدَهَا (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) عَلِيّاً (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) بِأَمْرِ الله تَعَالَى عَلَى رَسْمِ مَا فَرَضَ الله فَصَارَتْ فِي ذُرِّيَّتِهِ الاصْفِيَاءِ الَّذِينَ آتَاهُمُ الله الْعِلْمَ وَالايمَانَ بِقَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى وَقالَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَالايمانَ لَقَدْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِي كِتابِ الله إِلى يَوْمِ الْبَعْثِ فَهِيَ فِي وُلْدِ علي (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) خَاصَّةً إِلَى يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ إِذْ لا نَبِيَّ بَعْدَ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) فَمِنْ أَيْنَ يَخْتَارُ هَؤُلاءِ الْجُهَّالُ إِنَّ الامَامَةَ هِيَ مَنْزِلَةُ الانْبِيَاءِ وَإِرْثُ الاوْصِيَاءِ إِنَّ الامَامَةَ خِلافَةُ الله وَخِلافَةُ الرَّسُولِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) وَمَقَامُ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) وَمِيرَاثُ الْحَسَنِ وَالْحُسَيْنِ (عَلَيْهِ السَّلام) إِنَّ الامَامَةَ زِمَامُ الدِّينِ وَنِظَامُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَصَلاحُ الدُّنْيَا وَعِزُّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِنَّ الامَامَةَ أُسُّ الاسْلامِ النَّامِي وَفَرْعُهُ السَّامِي بِالامَامِ تَمَامُ الصَّلاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالصِّيَامِ وَالْحَجِّ وَالْجِهَادِ وَتَوْفِيرُ الْفَيْءِ وَالصَّدَقَاتِ وَإِمْضَاءُ الْحُدُودِ وَالاحْكَامِ وَمَنْعُ الثُّغُورِ وَالاطْرَافِ الامَامُ يُحِلُّ حَلالَ الله وَيُحَرِّمُ حَرَامَ الله وَيُقِيمُ حُدُودَ الله وَيَذُبُّ عَنْ دِينِ الله وَيَدْعُو إِلَى سَبِيلِ رَبِّهِ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَالْحُجَّةِ الْبَالِغَةِ الامَامُ كَالشَّمْسِ الطَّالِعَةِ الْمُجَلِّلَةِ بِنُورِهَا لِلْعَالَمِ وَهِيَ فِي الافُقِ بِحَيْثُ لا تَنَالُهَا الايْدِي وَالابْصَارُ الامَامُ الْبَدْرُ الْمُنِيرُ وَالسِّرَاجُ الزَّاهِرُ وَالنُّورُ السَّاطِعُ وَالنَّجْمُ الْهَادِي فِي غَيَاهِبِ الدُّجَى وَأَجْوَازِ الْبُلْدَانِ وَالْقِفَارِ وَلُجَجِ الْبِحَارِ الامَامُ الْمَاءُ الْعَذْبُ عَلَى الظَّمَإِ وَالدَّالُّ عَلَى الْهُدَى وَالْمُنْجِي مِنَ الرَّدَى الامَامُ النَّارُ عَلَى الْيَفَاعِ الْحَارُّ لِمَنِ اصْطَلَى بِهِ وَالدَّلِيلُ فِي الْمَهَالِكِ مَنْ فَارَقَهُ فَهَالِكٌ الامَامُ السَّحَابُ الْمَاطِرُ وَالْغَيْثُ الْهَاطِلُ وَالشَّمْسُ الْمُضِيئَةُ وَالسَّمَاءُ الظَّلِيلَةُ وَالارْضُ الْبَسِيطَةُ وَالْعَيْنُ الْغَزِيرَةُ وَالْغَدِيرُ وَالرَّوْضَةُ الامَامُ الانِيسُ الرَّفِيقُ وَالْوَالِدُ الشَّفِيقُ وَالاخُ الشَّقِيقُ وَالامُّ الْبَرَّةُ بِالْوَلَدِ الصَّغِيرِ وَمَفْزَعُ الْعِبَادِ فِي الدَّاهِيَةِ النَآدِ الامَامُ أَمِينُ الله فِي خَلْقِهِ وَحُجَّتُهُ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ وَخَلِيفَتُهُ فِي بِلادِهِ وَالدَّاعِي إِلَى الله وَالذَّابُّ عَنْ حُرَمِ الله الامَامُ الْمُطَهَّرُ مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ وَالْمُبَرَّأُ عَنِ الْعُيُوبِ الْمَخْصُوصُ بِالْعِلْمِ الْمَوْسُومُ بِالْحِلْمِ نِظَامُ الدِّينِ وَعِزُّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَغَيْظُ الْمُنَافِقِينَ وَبَوَارُ الْكَافِرِينَ.
الامَامُ وَاحِدُ دَهْرِهِ لا يُدَانِيهِ أَحَدٌ وَلا يُعَادِلُهُ عَالِمٌ وَلا يُوجَدُ مِنْهُ بَدَلٌ وَلا لَهُ مِثْلٌ وَلا نَظِيرٌ مَخْصُوصٌ بِالْفَضْلِ كُلِّهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ طَلَبٍ مِنْهُ لَهُ وَلا اكْتِسَابٍ بَلِ اخْتِصَاصٌ مِنَ الْمُفْضِلِ الْوَهَّابِ فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَبْلُغُ مَعْرِفَةَ الامَامِ أَوْ يُمْكِنُهُ اخْتِيَارُهُ هَيْهَاتَ هَيْهَاتَ ضَلَّتِ الْعُقُولُ وَتَاهَتِ الْحُلُومُ وَحَارَتِ الالْبَابُ وَخَسَأَتِ الْعُيُونُ وَتَصَاغَرَتِ الْعُظَمَاءُ وَتَحَيَّرَتِ الْحُكَمَاءُ وَتَقَاصَرَتِ الْحُلَمَاءُ وَحَصِرَتِ الْخُطَبَاءُ وَجَهِلَتِ الالِبَّاءُ وَكَلَّتِ الشُّعَرَاءُ وَعَجَزَتِ الادَبَاءُ وَعَيِيَتِ الْبُلَغَاءُ عَنْ وَصْفِ شَأْنٍ مِنْ شَأْنِهِ أَوْ فَضِيلَةٍ مِنْ فَضَائِلِهِ وَأَقَرَّتْ بِالْعَجْزِ وَالتَّقْصِيرِ وَكَيْفَ يُوصَفُ بِكُلِّهِ أَوْ يُنْعَتُ بِكُنْهِهِ أَوْ يُفْهَمُ شَيْءٌ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ أَوْ يُوجَدُ مَنْ يَقُومُ مَقَامَهُ وَيُغْنِي غِنَاهُ لا كَيْفَ وَأَنَّى وَهُوَ بِحَيْثُ النَّجْمِ مِنْ يَدِ الْمُتَنَاوِلِينَ وَوَصْفِ الْوَاصِفِينَ فَأَيْنَ الاخْتِيَارُ مِنْ هَذَا وَأَيْنَ الْعُقُولُ عَنْ هَذَا وَأَيْنَ يُوجَدُ مِثْلُ هَذَا أَ تَظُنُّونَ أَنَّ ذَلِكَ يُوجَدُ فِي غَيْرِ آلِ الرَّسُولِ مُحَمَّدٍ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) كَذَبَتْهُمْ وَالله أَنْفُسُهُمْ وَمَنَّتْهُمُ الابَاطِيلَ فَارْتَقَوْا مُرْتَقاً صَعْباً دَحْضاً تَزِلُّ عَنْهُ إِلَى الْحَضِيضِ أَقْدَامُهُمْ رَامُوا إِقَامَةَ الامَامِ بِعُقُولٍ حَائِرَةٍ بَائِرَةٍ نَاقِصَةٍ وَآرَاءٍ مُضِلَّةٍ فَلَمْ يَزْدَادُوا مِنْهُ إِلا بُعْداً قَاتَلَهُمُ الله أَنَّى يُؤْفَكُونَ وَلَقَدْ رَامُوا صَعْباً وَقَالُوا إِفْكاً وَضَلُّوا ضَلالاً بَعِيداً وَوَقَعُوا فِي الْحَيْرَةِ إِذْ تَرَكُوا الامَامَ عَنْ بَصِيرَةٍ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فَصَدَّهُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَكَانُوا مُسْتَبْصِرِينَ رَغِبُوا عَنِ اخْتِيَارِ الله وَاخْتِيَارِ رَسُولِ الله (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) وَأَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ إِلَى اخْتِيَارِهِمْ وَالْقُرْآنُ يُنَادِيهِمْ وَرَبُّكَ يَخْلُقُ ما يَشاءُ وَيَخْتارُ ما كانَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ سُبْحانَ الله وَتَعالى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ وَقَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَما كانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذا قَضَى الله وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْراً أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ الايَةَ وَقَالَ ما لَكُمْ كَيْفَ تَحْكُمُونَ أَمْ لَكُمْ كِتابٌ فِيهِ تَدْرُسُونَ إِنَّ لَكُمْ فِيهِ لَما تَخَيَّرُونَ أَمْ لَكُمْ أَيْمانٌ عَلَيْنا بالِغَةٌ إِلى يَوْمِ الْقِيامَةِ إِنَّ لَكُمْ لَما تَحْكُمُونَ سَلْهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ بِذلِكَ زَعِيمٌ أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكاءُ فَلْيَأْتُوا بِشُرَكائِهِمْ إِنْ كانُوا صادِقِينَ وَقَالَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ أَ فَلا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلى قُلُوبٍ أَقْفالُها أَمْ طُبِعَ الله عَلى قُلُوبِهِمْ فَهُمْ لا يَفْقَهُونَ أَمْ قالُوا سَمِعْنا وَهُمْ لا يَسْمَعُونَ إِنَّ شَرَّ الدَّوَابِّ عِنْدَ الله الصُّمُّ الْبُكْمُ الَّذِينَ لا يَعْقِلُونَ وَلَوْ عَلِمَ الله فِيهِمْ خَيْراً لاسْمَعَهُمْ وَلَوْ أَسْمَعَهُمْ لَتَوَلَّوْا وَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ أَمْ قالُوا سَمِعْنا وَعَصَيْنا بَلْ هُوَ فَضْلُ الله يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشاءُ وَالله ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ فَكَيْفَ لَهُمْ بِاخْتِيَارِ الامَامِ وَالامَامُ عَالِمٌ لا يَجْهَلُ وَرَاعٍ لا يَنْكُلُ مَعْدِنُ الْقُدْسِ وَالطَّهَارَةِ وَالنُّسُكِ وَالزَّهَادَةِ وَالْعِلْمِ وَالْعِبَادَةِ مَخْصُوصٌ بِدَعْوَةِ الرَّسُولِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) وَنَسْلِ الْمُطَهَّرَةِ الْبَتُولِ لا مَغْمَزَ فِيهِ فِي نَسَبٍ وَلا يُدَانِيهِ ذُو حَسَبٍ فِي الْبَيْتِ مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ وَالذِّرْوَةِ مِنْ هَاشِمٍ وَالْعِتْرَةِ مِنَ الرَّسُولِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) وَالرِّضَا مِنَ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ شَرَفُ الاشْرَافِ وَالْفَرْعُ مِنْ عَبْدِ مَنَافٍ نَامِي الْعِلْمِ كَامِلُ الْحِلْمِ مُضْطَلِعٌ بِالامَامَةِ عَالِمٌ بِالسِّيَاسَةِ مَفْرُوضُ الطَّاعَةِ قَائِمٌ بِأَمْرِ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ نَاصِحٌ لِعِبَادِ الله حَافِظٌ لِدِينِ الله إِنَّ الانْبِيَاءَ وَالائِمَّةَ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) يُوَفِّقُهُمُ الله وَيُؤْتِيهِمْ مِنْ مَخْزُونِ عِلْمِهِ وَحِكَمِهِ مَا لا يُؤْتِيهِ غَيْرَهُمْ فَيَكُونُ عِلْمُهُمْ فَوْقَ عِلْمِ أَهْلِ الزَّمَانِ فِي قَوْلِهِ تَعَالَى أَ فَمَنْ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْحَقِّ أَحَقُّ أَنْ يُتَّبَعَ أَمَّنْ لا يَهِدِّي إِلا أَنْ يُهْدى فَما لَكُمْ كَيْفَ تَحْكُمُونَ وَقَوْلِهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى وَمَنْ يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْراً كَثِيراً وَقَوْلِهِ فِي طَالُوتَ إِنَّ الله اصْطَفاهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزادَهُ بَسْطَةً فِي الْعِلْمِ وَالْجِسْمِ وَالله يُؤْتِي مُلْكَهُ مَنْ يَشاءُ وَالله واسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ وَقَالَ لِنَبِيِّهِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) أَنْزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَعَلَّمَكَ ما لَمْ تَكُنْ تَعْلَمُ وَكانَ فَضْلُ الله عَلَيْكَ عَظِيماً وَقَالَ فِي الائِمَّةِ مِنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتِ نَبِيِّهِ وَعِتْرَتِهِ وَذُرِّيَّتِهِ (صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِه) أَمْ يَحْسُدُونَ النَّاسَ عَلى ما آتاهُمُ الله مِنْ فَضْلِهِ فَقَدْ آتَيْنا آلَ إِبْراهِيمَ الْكِتابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَآتَيْناهُمْ مُلْكاً عَظِيماً فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ آمَنَ بِهِ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ صَدَّ عَنْهُ وَكَفى بِجَهَنَّمَ سَعِيراً وَإِنَّ الْعَبْدَ إِذَا اخْتَارَهُ الله عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لامُورِ عِبَادِهِ شَرَحَ صَدْرَهُ لِذَلِكَ وَأَوْدَعَ قَلْبَهُ يَنَابِيعَ الْحِكْمَةِ وَأَلْهَمَهُ الْعِلْمَ إِلْهَاماً فَلَمْ يَعْيَ بَعْدَهُ بِجَوَابٍ وَلا يُحَيَّرُ فِيهِ عَنِ الصَّوَابِ.
فَهُوَ مَعْصُومٌ مُؤَيَّدٌ مُوَفَّقٌ مُسَدَّدٌ قَدْ أَمِنَ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا وَالزَّلَلِ وَالْعِثَارِ يَخُصُّهُ الله بِذَلِكَ لِيَكُونَ حُجَّتَهُ عَلَى عِبَادِهِ وَشَاهِدَهُ عَلَى خَلْقِهِ وَذلِكَ فَضْلُ الله يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشاءُ وَالله ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ فَهَلْ يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَى مِثْلِ هَذَا فَيَخْتَارُونَهُ أَوْ يَكُونُ مُخْتَارُهُمْ بِهَذِهِ الصِّفَةِ فَيُقَدِّمُونَهُ تَعَدَّوْا وَبَيْتِ الله الْحَقَّ وَنَبَذُوا كِتَابَ الله وَرَاءَ ظُهُورِهِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لا يَعْلَمُونَ وَفِي كِتَابِ الله الْهُدَى وَالشِّفَاءُ فَنَبَذُوهُ وَاتَّبَعُوا أَهْوَاءَهُمْ فَذَمَّهُمُ الله وَمَقَّتَهُمْ وَأَتْعَسَهُمْ فَقَالَ جَلَّ وَتَعَالَى وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ اتَّبَعَ هَواهُ بِغَيْرِ هُدىً مِنَ الله إِنَّ الله لا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ وَقَالَ فَتَعْساً لَهُمْ وَأَضَلَّ أَعْمالَهُمْ وَقَالَ كَبُرَ مَقْتاً عِنْدَ الله وَعِنْدَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كَذلِكَ يَطْبَعُ الله عَلى كُلِّ قَلْبِ مُتَكَبِّرٍ جَبَّارٍ وَصَلَّى الله عَلَى النَّبِيِّ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ تَسْلِيماً كَثِيراً.
}}{{sfn |Rafia'a |Derayati |2003 |pp=590–599}} Imamology}}

In Ghadir Khum, when Ali was appointed Imamate, verse [http://tanzil.net/#5:3 5:3] was revealed, which expresses that the religion had become perfect because of the appointment of Ali to Imamate.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=27}} and obedience to him had become obligatory upon Muslims.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=38}} Hadith of Two Weighty Things reflects the proximity of the Imams to the Quran.{{sfn |Rizvi |2014 |p=}} Addressing Hussain, the prophet said:" you are Imam, the son of the Imam, the brother of the Imam, nine of your lineal descendants will be pious Imams, the ninth of them being their Qa'im.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=26,27}} The Shia scholar 'Allamah Kashif al-Ghita said about the Imamah: "Imamah is a divine station, just like Nubuwwah. Just as Allah chooses whomsoever He wants to for Nubuwwah and Risalah … similarly, for Imamah, too, He selects whomsoever He wishes."<ref>Asl ash-Shi'a wa Usuluha p.58 by Allamah Muhammad Hussayn Kashif al-Ghita (Mu'ssasat al-A'lami, Beirut)</ref>

===By reason===
Al-Baqir states that while people need a guide for their journey to a strange place, their journey to heaven is stranger and more in need of a guide.{{sfn |Lalani |2000 |p=75}} Al-Mufid states that an Imam is necessary for defining the exact laws that are obligatory upon the Muslims.{{sfn |McDermott |1978 |p=385}} Many verses in Quran are ambiguous, revelation of Quran without further explanation is unlikely from Allah.{{sfn |Momen |1985 |p=159}} While Imamate brings the people nearer to obedience and away from disobedience, it is Grace (Lutf) that is incumbent of Allah.{{sfn |Akhtar Rizvi |1988 |p=12}} Regarding rejecting the Imamah-doctrine, {{PresentScholar |Allamah Al-Hilli|14th |Shi'a |Twelver}}, writes: "Imamah is a universal grace (lutf ‘amm) while Nubuwwah (prophethood) is a special grace (lutf khass), it is possible that a specific period in time can be void of a living Nabi while the same is not true for the Imam. To reject universal grace is worse than to reject any special grace.<ref>al-Alfayn pp.3 by Ibn Mutahhar al-Hilli (al-Maktabah al-Haydariyyah, Najaf, 3rd ed. 1388)</ref> The prophet founded an eternal Shari'ah for all the times and this eternal religion could not continue without a leader.{{sfn |Sobhani |2015}}

==History==
Dakake believes that the doctrine of Imamate was established in the time of Ja'far al-Sadiq, while Kohlberg states that the Twelver Shi'ism dates back not much before the beginning of the "Major Occultation".{{sfn |Dakake |2007 |p=2}}

Muhammad is reported to have said that the Islamic leadership is in Koreish (i.e., his tribe) and that 12 “Imams” shall succeed him. Sunni and Shiite sects differ as to whom Muhammad was referring. Muhammad stated (authenticated by Sunnis and Shiites), that “Whoever does not know the Imam of his Lifetime (Hadith of the Current Imam: i.e., recognizes same) has died the death of Ignorance”.{{sfn |Nasr |Dabashi |Nasr |1989 |p=96}}{{sfn |Corbin |1993 |p=49}} The idea of a prophet appointing a successor is found in the Old Testament where Joshua son of Nun is declared [[Biography:Moses|Moses]]’ successor or manager of his affairs after his death.
				
*Before conception, the preceding the Imam is sent through a heavenly syrup which he drinks. 
*The Imam is born pure and circumcised. ([http://tanzil.net/#93:5 93:5])
*The Imam's mother experiences light and noises before the birth of the Imam. 
 
Shias believe that just as Moses appointed Aaron as his successor on Bani-Israel, ([[Religion:Hadith of position|Hadith of position]]), in accordance with God's order, Muhammad, the final prophet, appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib to be the leader of the believers.

The Shi'a [[Religion:Twelver|Twelver]] denomination of [[Religion:Islam|Islam]] consider it to be the highest level of responsibility given by God to a human.

==List of the Twelve Imams==
#Ali ibn Abi Talib
#[[Religion:Hasan ibn Ali|Hasan ibn Ali]] 
#[[Biography:Husayn ibn Ali|Husayn ibn Ali]] 
#Ali ibn Husayn 
#Muhammad al-Baqir 
#Jafar al-Sadiq 
#[[Biography:Musa al-Kadhim|Musa al-Kadhim]] 
#Ali al-Rida 
#Muhammad al-Taqi 
#Ali al-Hadi 
#Hasan al-Askari 
#Muhammad al-Mahdi

== See also ==
* Sayyid imam Muhammad al-Askari al-Baaj Saba' al-dujail
*Hadith of Mubahela
*[[Religion:Hadith of position|Hadith of position]]
*[[Religion:Ahl al-Kisa#Hadith of The Cloak|Hadith of The Cloak - Hadith Al Kisa]]
<!-- **Hadith of the Current Imam -->
*Hadith of the pond of Khumm
*Hadith of the Twelve Successors
*[[Religion:Islamic leadership|Islamic leadership]]
*Theology of Twelvers
*Signs of the reappearance of Muhammad al-Mahdi
*Reappearance of Muhammad al-Mahdi

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==Footnotes==
{{reflist |20em}}

==References==
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==External links==
*[http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/shiite-doctrine Shi'ite Doctorine] by MOHAMMAD ALI AMIR-MOEZZI an article in Encyclopædia Iranica
*[http://slaveofali.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/imamah-in-the-quran-p1-introduction/ Imamah in the Qur'an]
*[http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/hojjat Hujjat] by Maria Dakake an article in Encyclopædia Iranica
*[http://al-islam.org/twelve/7.htm A brief introduction of Twelve Imams]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080329020223/http://www.balagh.net/english/shia/shia/10.htm#00011 A Brief History Of The Lives Of The Twelve Imams] a chapter of Shi'a Islam (book) by Allameh Tabatabaei
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20010422001750/http://www.geocities.com/ahlulbayt14/12imams.html The Twelve Imams] Taken From "A Shi'ite Anthology" By Allameh Tabatabaei
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080618012237/http://www.ummah.net/khoei/imam.htm#12 A Short History of the Lives of The Twelve Imams]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060211091253/http://www.answering-ansar.org/answers/creed_of_shia_explained/en/chap6.php The Shi'a concept of Imamate]
*[http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter6b/9.html Imamat vs. Prophethood (Part II)]


[[Category:Islamic terminology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Imamate in Twelver doctrine}}