Welcome to today’s episode of the series Let’s Know Islam.

The Islamic Ummah needed two things after the demise of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny). Firstly, they needed a comprehensive set of laws, which depict the personal and social lifestyle of the Islamic Ummah; and secondly those, who fully understand Quranic teachings and concepts, and are capable of leading the Islamic Ummah in the light of such a vast knowledge, while also turning into a role model for mankind.

Today, we continue to discuss the topic of Imamate and study the importance of Imamate within the Islamic beliefs.

We said that mankind, in his material and spiritual life is in need of a plan which would guide him toward prosperity and perfection. This plan should be comprehensive and should pay attention to the main needs of mankind. Obviously, mankind with his limited knowledge cannot set such plans and rules and regulations. So, materialization of the goals behind creation of mankind is tied to his guidance via divine revelations. God’s prudence necessitates the divine appointment of prophets, who display the path to prosperity of mankind in the material and spiritual worlds, and meet this human need.

Throughout the course of history, many prophets were appointed by God, inviting people to monotheism and the righteous path, until the divine appointment of the Last and Greatest Messenger of God, Prophet Mohammad.  Given that Islam is the last divine religion and no other prophet would be divinely appointed after the prophet hood of Prophet Mohammad, the topic of continued guidance of mankind to prosperity takes on new dimensions.

The Prophet of Islam knew that after his demise, the Islamic Ummah would face discord. History attests to break out of battles and skirmishes after the demise of Prophet Mohammad, while the uniformity of Islamic Ummah was shattered. In that phase in time, the Islamic community was threatened by internal hypocrites, and foreign enemies, namely the Roman and Persian Empires, which might have attacked the Islamic land. Now, given these acute and predicable problems, the Prophet of Islam would have surely delegated the responsibility of protection of the divine religion of Islam, and guidance of Islamic Ummah to merited figures.

Based on an important hadith, the Prophet of Islam introduces two important sources following his demise, which are Holy Quran and the Prophet’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them). This hadith points out that Holy Quran and Prophet’s Infallible Household are inseparable from each other, and if Muslims rely on these two sources, they will never derail from the righteous path.

Holy Quran, as a comprehensive and superior set of laws, is rendered to mankind. God has granted immunity of this Holy Book from any deviation and falsehood.

It should be noted that all religious rules and regulations are not extracted from the ayahs of Holy Quran. For example the terms of observance of daily prayers and many other Islamic rulings cannot be extracted from Holy Quran. God Almighty names the Prophet as the source of Islamic plans.

God in the 7^th ayah of Surat Al-Hashr notes: “…Take whatever the Apostle gives you, and relinquish whatever he forbids you…”

In addition to Holy Quran, mankind also always needs competent guides and leaders, who are capable of presenting Quranic teachings in an appropriate manner. This is because Holy Quran is a book of divine laws, and laws are in need of those, who are capable of interpreting them.

On this basis, the principle of Imamate has been taken into consideration by Islam, after the demise of Prophet Mohammad. Based on this principle, the Prophet introduces his merited and infallible successors on behalf of God. These successors should be infallible and should clearly and transparently display whatever Holy Quran and Prophet Mohammad have presented. These successors should also maintain the most elevated ethical virtues to turn into role models for the community. Naturally, these infallible figures make every effort to promote righteousness and justice, and if conditions are in place, establish a just ruling system, which is the age-old aspiration of mankind.

Now, we point out some of the Quranic facts about the issue of Imamate. In the 124^th ayah of Surat al-Baqarah in Holy Quran, God notes: “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.’

This ayah speaks of one of the most important developments in the life of Prophet Abraham, when he was tested by God, and when he emerged victorious from these difficult tests. In these tests, the grandeur of the status of Abraham and his profound belief in monotheism became evident. When Abraham emerged victorious from these divine tests, God noted that He was making Abraham the Imam of mankind.

This status was treasured by Abraham. So he asked God to also choose Imams from his descendants. In response, God noted that His pledge does not extend to the unjust. Only those in Abraham’s descendants who are infallible and chaste are merited for Imamate, and those who are corrupt and unjust are not merited for this status.

Imam grants a spiritual life to the community.

The 43^rd ayah of Surat al-Ahzab notes: “It is He who blesses you, and so do His angels, that He may bring you out from darkness into light, and He is the most merciful to the faithful.”

Based on this ayah, God’s mercy and angels’ assistance can guide the faithful from darkness into light. This fact is also true in regard to Imams. The spiritual grandeur of Imams plays an effective role in the upbringing of human beings and guides them from the darkness into light. The Infallible Imam should be determined by God.

MR/MG