Divine Entity. This can only be fulfilled through the Divine Shari’a which needs a trustworthy person able to put it into practice in a way that pleases the Almighty Allah. This leads us to the fact that this man of Shari’a has to have certain characteristics that distinguishes him from others. We have already been through this when we were discussing Prophecy and Prophethood.
When he Prophet (PBUH) passed away like any other human being, there was a need for someone who could preserve the Shari’a and spread it over generations. So, the Imamate is a natural continuation of Prophethood and the Imams (PBUT) has the same attributes as the Prophets (PBUT) except the concept of prophecy.
Anwar:Can we conclude that the Imams (PBUT) are no different from the Prophets (PBUT) apart from the concept of prophecy?
Hasan:Yes, Exactly. The Imams are holy people who perfectly know what is good and what is bad for the people. To clarify this point, I will quote the description Imam Ali Bin Mosa Al-Riza (PBUH) gave about the Imamate and the Imams (PBUT). I beseech your patience as it is one wonderful and enlightening
description.
Imam Ali Bin Mosa Al-Riza (PBUH) says:
“Imamate is greater, more exalted, more glorified, stronger and deeper than people can comprehend with their reasoning or thoughts or choose an Imam on their own. The Most Gracious Allah bestowed Imamate upon Abraham, the Intimate Companion (PBUH) after naming him Prophet, and intimacy is the third in ranks and a quality that the Almighty Allah honored him with as He put it in the Noble Quran:
(…I have appointed thee a leader for mankind…)2;124, then the Intimate Companion (PBUH) says: (…and of my offspring?). The Almighty Allah responds: (My covenant includeth not wrongdoers).
Thus, this Holy Verse invalidates the Imamate of a wrongdoer till the Day of Resurrection; the Almighty Allah put it among the Chosen and the Pure of his offspring. That is why, He says:
(And We bestowed upon him Isaac, and Jacob as a grandson. Each of them We made righteous۞And We made them chiefs who guide by Our command, and
We inspired in them the doing of good deeds and the right establishment of worship and the giving of alms and they were worshippers of Us alone)21;72-73.
This stayed within his offspring to inherit from one another over centuries until the Glorious Allah bequeathed it to the Prophet (PBUH) as He says in the Noble Quran:
(Lo! Those of mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who believe with him; and Allah is the Protecting Friend of the believers)3;68.
Subsequently, the Prophet (PBUH) passed it to Ali (PBUH) with a command from the Almighty Allah to follow this path, and it moved to the Pure among his offspring who carried knowledge and faith: (But those to whom knowledge and faith are given will say: The truth is, ye have tarried, bu Allah’s decree, until the Day of Resurrection)30;56.
Therefore, it is specifically within the offspring of Ali (PBUH) until the Judgment Day. There is no prophet after Mohammad (PBUH), hence how would the
unenlightened choose a leader?!
The Imamate is of the same status of the Prophethood; it is the legacy of the Trustees. Imamate is the succession of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) as well as Ali (PBUH) and his sons, Hasan and Husain (PBUT). Imamate is the rising pillar of Islam and its lofty branch. The Imams (PBUT) complete Prayer (As-Salat), Fasting (As-Siam), Almsgiving (Az-Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Al-Haj) and Holy Wars (Al-Jihad).
The Imams (PBUT) provide aids and charities as they execute punishments and sentences; they prevent breaches and limitations, they permit the Halal and prohibit the Haram, they establish the Divine justice, they defend and protect the Shari’a of Allah, they wisely and kindly call upon working for the sake of the Lord. The Imams are like a rising lofty sun spreading its light; it is unreachable but visible to everyone.
The Imams (PBUT) are the shining full moon, the luminous lamp, the glaring glow and the guiding star in the darkness of life. The Imams are the fresh water to the thirsty for guidance and virtues; they are the saviors from evil. The Imams are like a fire on a hill that
warm people and guide them in dangerous situations.
The Imams (PBUT) are the rainy clouds and the falling rain. They are the radiant sun, the shady sky and the naturally humble earth. The Imams are the kind friend, the good companion, the affectionate father, the whole brother and the devoted mother. The Imams are God’s trustees over His creatures, God’s cogency to His slaves, God’s successors and heralds among the people.
The Imams are purified from committing sins and preserved from making flaws; they are distinguished with knowledge and forbearance. The Imams are the religion’s order, Muslims’ pride, hypocrites’ fury, the disbelievers’ destruction. There is no man parallel to their status; they are incomparable and unmatchable. The Imams are favored by Allah; they do not grow their position; it is bestowed upon them by the Lord.
The most eloquent scholars failed to even describe one aspect of their character; they all admitted their inability and weakness to comprehend the attributes of the Imams, so how would they be able to choose the Imams? This is evident in the Noble Quran:
(Thy Lord bringeth to pass what He willeth and chooseth. They have never any choice. Glorified be Allah and exalted above all that they associate with Him)28;68.
How would anyone choose them? The Imams are far from ignorance; they are the guardians that never retreat; they are of pure descendants, sanctity, piety, heavenly knowledge and devotions; they are descending from the noble Quraish, sons of Hashim, and most importantly offspring of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). Accordingly, the Almighty Allah distinguished them from others and bestowed His knowledge and wisdom to them; their knowledge always exceeds their time as we read in the Noble Quran:
(Is He Who leadeth to the Truth more deserving that He should be followed, or he who findeth not the way unless he himself be guided. What aileth you? How judge ye?)10;35.
They have the support of the Lord Who preserved them from any form flaws and sins so that they be His cogent reason and witness on earth: (That is the
bounty of Allah which He giveth unto whom He will. Allah is of infinite bounty)62;4.
Now, would they still be able to find such people to choose? Or would they just accept such chosen people?”
Anwar:This is an incredible description. It also proves the Imamate of Imam Al-Riza (PBUH) himself; what an eloquent and powerful account.
Hasan:After this long and beautiful account, I need a break to have a cup of tea.
Anwar:Well-said. Let’s go!
Symposium 45
Is Imamate One of the Pillars of Islam or
the Branches of the Pillars?
Anwar:We are back again!
Hasan:Yes, and I am all ready for your inquiries.
Anwar:Thanks a lot for your great information. Allah rewards you well, Akhi. I actually have a question in mind that might be of interest to many other young people.
Hasan:All right. Go ahead!
Anwar:Is Imamate one of the Pillars of Islam or one of its branches?
Hasan:It is an expectable and beautiful question! Here is the thing. Most of the the Sunnites agree that the