Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Explanation of Nabuwat (Prophet hood)

The word “nabi” comes from the word “naba”. It means one who brings a message. The literal meaning of nabi is one who delivers or receives a message. In Quranic terms nabi is one who delivers the message from Allah or whom Allah gives His messages to.

What is a message?

Usool e Kafi Kitab Tawheed chapter 22 hadith 7 , Muhammad (saw) is His slave and His messenger. Allah sent Him with haqq (truth). One who is from haqq (truth) and guides towards haqq. So follow this haqq and accept Him with a sincere heart. Accept this advice “help each other, and help your nafs (self), and keep on the Siratul Mustaqeem (true path), and recognize the attributes of those who were given these attributes by Allah.”

It has been proven from this hadith that haqq, advice, and Siratul Mustaqeem are all the same thing. All prophets brought the message of those who were given these attributes by Allah.

The Greatest Message

Sura an-Naba (The Announcement) 1-3: “Where of do they question one another? It is of the naba ul azeem (great message). Concerning which they are in disagreement.”

We will refer to the tafseer of Masoomeen (as) so that you will know what is the greatest message which all the prophets were ordered by Allah to deliver to the creation.

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 107 hadith 34 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said in the tafseer of this ayah, “This great message was wilayat of Moula Ali (as).” Narrator asked Imam (as), “Is it not the wilayat of Allah?”

      Imam (as) replied, “Wilayat of Ameerul Momineen (as). “

InUsool e Kafi , when Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) was asked regarding the tafseer of this ayah, Imam (as) said, “This is for Ameerul Momineen (as). He use to say “There is no ayah of Allah that is greater than Me. There is no message of Allah which is greater than Me. ” InTafseer Qumi , this same saying is narrated by Imam Riza (as).

The purpose of sending prophets

Because we are discussing nabuwat (prophet hood), it is necessary to know what is the purpose of a prophet. In this way we will be able to understand the message of nabuwat (prophet hood). We declared wilayat to be the main topic of this book. We want to clarify that the real religion is wilayat. Wilayat is the center of all other aspects of religion. Our purpose is to prove this claim. Now we will see through the sayings of Masoomeen (as) what is the purpose of prophet hood.

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 108 hadith 4 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “All the prophets teach their ummah (nation) regarding Our marifat (recognition)    and told of Our attributes.”

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 108 hadith 5 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“Our wilayat is the wilayat of Allah. Allah did not send any prophet without Our wilayat.”

Moula Ali (as) saysin Khutbat Bayan ,“I am the one who to whom Allah has ordered every ummah (nation) in My obedience.”

Imam Musa Kazim (as) said,“Allah has written wilayat of Ameerul Momineen (as) in the books of every prophet.” (Shahadatay Wilayatay Ali (as) page no. 85 ref Ikhtisas and Bisar ul Darajat)

Tabligh (Preaching)

We will look at this from another angle in the context of the purpose of a prophet. After reading Quran extensively, I realized every prophet was appointed only for tabligh (preaching). We must know it is not an ordinary word. In reality this was the purpose of prophet hood.

In Sura, al-A’araaf ayah 62 is in regards to the tabligh of Hz Nuh (as).

In Sura al-A’araaf ayah 68-69 is in regards to the tabligh of Hz Hud (as).

In Sura al-A’araaf ayah 79 is in regards to the tabligh of Hz Salih (as).

In Sura al-A’araaf ayah 193 is in regards to the tabligh of Hz Shoaib (as).

In Sura an-Nahl ayah 62, Sura Noor ayah 53, Sura Ankaboot ayah 18, Sura ash-Shura ayah 48, Sura Taghaabun ayah 12 are all in regards to the tabligh of our prophet Hz Muhammad (saw).

In these ayahs Allah has clearly said the responsibility of the prophets is only tabligh. This tabligh is the real spirit and purpose of prophet hood. Without it the purpose of prophet hood becomes worthless. Here comes a question. What is that tabligh? What does Allah mean by tabligh? We will present three hadiths and everything will become clear.

While delivering a sermon, RasoolAllah (saw) said, “O’People! I tell you that Imamate is associated with My Ahlul Bayt (as) until the day of judgement .

The order of Allah, regarding tabligh which I have conveyed to you, is a hujjah (proof) for those present as well as those not present here. The people who are present at this time it becomes their duty to convey the message of Imamate to others. To those who have already been born and those not yet born, it is the duty of the father to convey this message to his sons. This conveyance should never stop .”(Haqaiqul Wasayat First Edition page no. 373 ref Ahtejaj Tabrisi page no. 33)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“We have secrets and knowledge of Allah. Allah ordered its tabligh. Those things in which Allah ordered Us to do tabligh in, We have fulfilled the order of tabligh.” (Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 101 hadith 5)

Moula Ali (as) said in a gathering of companions, “Allah made Muhammad (saw) prophet and after Him (Muhammad saw), He (Allah) appointed Us as caliphs. Then He ordered RasoolAllah (saw) to do the tabligh regarding this matter. So RasoolAllah (saw) fulfilled the order of Allah by doing tabligh on this. Allah has ordered all the Muslims upon seeing other Muslims to do this tabligh that Aal e Muhammad (as) are the Imams. Their obedience is wajib (compulsory). Apart from this, Allah did not order the tabligh of any other matter.” (Haqaiqul Wasayat First Edition page no. 375 ref Ahtejaj Tabrisi page no. 74-75)

In Quran the testimony of these hadiths has been written in several places. We will mention only one ayah and there will be no doubt after this.Sura al-Maida (The Table) ayah 67: “O Messenger! Deliver what has been revealed to You from Your Lord; and if You do it not, then You have no delivered His message, and Allah will protect You from the people; surely Allah will not guide the unbelieving people.”

This ayah is the strongest proof that the only purpose of prophet hood was to convey the message of wilayat. If RasoolAllah (saw) had not conveyed this message, He would have lost His prophet hood.

If there had been any other purpose, then Allah would have made it known. The same warning would have also been given for that purpose as well. This ayah alone has proven us to be absolutely correct.

Prophet from birth

According to Shia beliefs, nabuwat (prophet hood) is not such a thing which can be gained through hard work. Allah did not do any experiment and then made a person become a prophet or imam. Allah was fully aware of the purpose of every creation before it came into being as a creation. Therefore one who is a prophet is a prophet by his creation. However the time when a prophet announces his prophet hood to his ummah (nation) is according to the orders of Allah. Caliph and guide are born with knowledge, noor, and as a masoom (infallible)

while humans are born with ignorance and impurities. No animal will become human even if it learns many human abilities. Due to the weaknesses in creation, there is not one of creation which can change itself into another kind of creation (i.e. animal into human or human into animal). In this same way a human can never become a guide, successor, caliph, imam, prophet, olil amr (absolute master), or wali simply by gaining a bit of knowledge. He cannot remove his inabilities of his humanity. It does not matter if he is a sahabi (companion) or scholar or Allama or mujtihid. Imam Musa Kazim (as) explained this in these words, “Allah created prophets based upon nabuwat (prophet hood). Therefore they became a “nabi” (prophet ).(Usool e Kafi Kitab Iman o Kufr chapter 310 hadith 4)

Removal of a doubt

Jewish created a belief that there was no prophet from the offspring of Hz Ismael (as). Muslims have adopted this same belief. Without thinking even some Shia also believe this to be true. This is due to the unawareness of the people regarding the status of prophet hood. There are two kinds of prophets. One who becomes prophet on a nation, and then He conveys Allah’s message to them.

These prophets are called “nabi al ghairhi”. The other kind of prophet is one who does not become a prophet on a nation. He is a prophet for only himself. Allah’s message comes to him and he conveys this message through his actions and character to the people. His obedience is not wajib on people. People are guided through his charismatic personality and his noble actions. These prophets are called “nabi al nafsihi”. It means the prophet who is a prophet only on his own nafs (self). In the offspring of Hz Ishaq (as) most of the prophets were nabi al ghairhi. In the offspring of Hz

Ismael (as) before RasoolAllah (saw) all the prophets were nabi al nafsihi. This is quite clear that only a prophet can bear the noor of RasoolAllah (saw). Only a noor can bear a noor.

Ideology of Ismat (Infallibility)

The infallibility of the prophets and aimmah is a very important issue. This is the distinguishing feature  of Shia religion. Ismat (infallibility) means you never refrain from any good deed and never commit any wrong deed. This only becomes possible at such time when you have knowledge of all the good deeds and all the evil deeds. Otherwise it

will happen a person will do something thinking he is doing good but in reality it is evil or he refrains from something thinking it’s an evil deed but in reality it is a good deed. Due to their own unawareness of the explanation of ismat, people think Masoomeen (as) naturally cannot commit sin. If They did not commit sins because of Their nature or because They were unable to do so, then it would affect the level of greatness which is ascribed to Them. This idea is absolutely wrong.Masoomeen (as) are not forced in any way to refrain from committing sins. One who is forced cannot be praised nor can he be condemned. Yet the whole Quran is filled with Their praise and admiration. This is a proof Masoomeen (as) are not forced. They have full authority. If They refrain from evil, then They do this through Their own will. If They do good, it is done by Their own will.

Due to Their knowledge, They do only those acts which are good and refrain from those which are bad. We will present an example. You acquire a teacher for your child. The teacher is not forced to accept the position. He has free will. If he chooses, he could teach wrong information to the child, but his knowledge will never allow him to do so. If a person goes to a doctor, the doctor also is not forced. He has free will. He could give the wrong medicines to his patient, but he will not do this because his knowledge will not allow it. In the same way, prophets and aimmah perform good deeds from their free will and refrain from evil deeds because of their knowledge. This is the reason for their greatness. This greatness is called “ismat” (infallibility). This is why the only people who will deny “ismat” are those who associate ignorance with their Prophet (saw). They have the belief (maaz’Allah) their Prophet (saw) was illiterate. He could not read or write. For forty years He had absolutely no idea what was iman (faith).

I take full responsibility in saying that not only non Shia have this belief, but also some so called Shia scholars have this belief. These so called Shia scholars spread their evil ideologies through their writings. If you want to know what they have written in their books, then you must read “Kashaful Israr ” by Allama Muhammad Sibtain Sirsavi. In the chapter of Ghulu, you have read there are some very famous Shia scholars who have the  belief that Prophet (saw) or Aimmah (as) can make mistakes. It is very important you are aware of the true Shia beliefs. According to true Shia beliefs, nabuwat and imamate are worthless without knowledge. Nabi and Imam are born as alim (knowledgeable). So according to Shia belief, you cannot imagine nabuwat or imamate without their having “ismat” (infallibility). If there is even the minutest doubt of Them having made a mistake, then at that moment the whole religion will become false.

The religion will lose all of its credibility. In this case no one will ever know if the Prophet (saw) is speaking a truth or lie. No one will ever know if He is speaking from Allah or from Himself. Even when He says it is from Allah, it would still be impossible to trust His words because it could be possible He is mistaken or lying. So the intellect demands a nabi must be masoom. Without ismat, nabuwat becomes worthless.

The reality of Tarke Awla (abandoning that which is better)

The ideology of the prophets having ismat (infallibility) is stuck in the throats of Muslims in such a way that neither can they swallow it nor can they spit it out. If they deny it, they lose the credibility of religion. If they believe in it, then they have to face criticism from other religions. It becomes impossible for them to defend their religion because it has been completely proven from Quran and hadith that different prophets did tarke awla and they were punished for this. This is an absolute truth which no one can deny.

Non Shia developed a way of explaining this by dividing the life of the prophets into two parts. One is when they received their prophet hood. The second is they consider them as human. We have already explained this ideology. These non Shia hide their heads in the sand and by doing so they think they have fully proven their belief and denied the objections of others. However for shias, these “mistakes” prove to be a source of extreme difficulty. In the Shia religion “ismat” (infallibility) is one of the most important pillars of the religion. Shia believe in complete prophet hood. They can never deny this belief. When they find themselves speaking with one who has strong beliefs in the Tarke Awla, they then become unable to defend or explain their own beliefs.

When these  so called Shia found themselves in these debates, they started using their own opinions and unintelligible proofs and ideologies in order to explain the meanings of the so called “mistakes” which are written in Quran regarding the prophets. They changed the meaning of the word “masiat” (literally means “when a  child does a mistake or wrong, it is done out of innocence not out of evil intention) and created a new word which is Tarke Awla (abandoning that which is better). They started telling people they had found the answer to this issue. In reality, by creating this word, they have opened a door of insult towards the prophets. They explained Tarke Awla in this way; “doing such an act which is not according to that person’s level”. They give an example which is; “if a great scholar is standing in the street and eating aloo cholay (potatoes and chickpeas), even though this act is not haram, it is not according to his level. If you condemn him for doing this act, it is not because he has committed a sin, but because he held no regard towards his status. They have applied this same false theory to the prophets that (maaz’Allah) they were unaware of their status. This ideology brings about horrible conclusions. It proves prophets (maaz’Allah) were less than a common human. Look at the whole world. You will not find any religion, nation, religious scholars, political leaders, or respected elders doing such acts of irresponsibility that will harm their credibility. I am shocked by their thinking the prophets were unaware of things that even the most common of people are aware of. If a person is

either unaware of his status or has no knowledge regarding his status, then how can we give him the right to guide people and teach them about morality? This is a direct attack against the adl of Allah.

The foundation of this misconception is that people consider the prophets as normal humans. They give the prophets the same respect as they give to themselves. They do not realize that a prophet cannot have any sort of ignorance regarding any matter. Allah has blessed the prophets with knowledge. This knowledge is what keeps away the sins and every act which goes against their status. When they cannot associate this type of ignorance to the people of their own status, then how can one associate this type of ignorance to the prophets who are born as prophets with the blessing of full knowledge regarding all matters?

There is no doubt that the prophets did commit these “masiat” acts. It has been proven by Quran and hadith. We must understand the true meaning of the word “masiat”. We can never decide its true meaning on our own. It is our duty not to use our own intellect and opinion concerning this sensitive issue. We must consult Masoomeen (as) and see what They have to say about “masiat”.  Only a masoom can know and understand the reality of another masoom.

Whatever Masoomeen (as) have told to us is a proof the “masiat” of prophets is not related to sins or acts of immorality. The prophets are free from such things. Even if you imagine these things for the prophets, it is a proof of your own mental illness. It should  be very clear now that whatever “masiat” came from the prophets it was because of their carelessness in the marifat (recognition) of Ahlul Bayt (as). They were punished for this carelessness. All of the warnings given to the prophets by Allah was due to their carelessness in the marifat (recognition) of Ahlul Bayt (as). Now we will prove this statement for you.

Sura al-Ahzaab (The Clans) 7-8: “And when We exacted a promise of allegiance from the prophets, and You (Muhammad saw), and with Nuh and Ibrahim and Musa and Isa, son of Mariam, and  We made with them a solemn promise. That He may question the truthful of their truth, and He Has prepared for the unbelievers a painful punishment.”

From this ayah we can conclude the following points:

Allah took the promise of allegiance from all prophets, messengers, prophets who were given a sharia, and from RasoolAllah (saw) Himself.

Every prophet will be questioned regarding this promise of allegiance.

Allah issued the verdict of kufr (disbelief) for anyone who will break this promise.

This is proof that the scale which Allah will judge prophets upon does not contain issues regarding sharia, but is in regards to their promise of allegiance. We only need to know what the promise of allegiance was.

Anwar e Najaf Eleventh Edition page no. 161-162, Tafseer Qumi Second Edition, Tafseer Safi, Tafseer Burhan, and in all tafseers in regards to this ayah, Masoom (as) said, “This promise of allegiance which includes RasoolAllah (saw) is a promise of allegiance to the wilayat of Moula Ali (as) and all other Imams (as).” (Akmal ul Deen bay Wilayatay Ameerul Momineen (as) page no. 381 ). InShahadatay Wilayatay Ali (as) page no.

96 , there is a hadith from Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) which says,“Allah took the promise of allegiance of the wilayat of Ali (as) from all prophets.”

This narration is inUsool e Kafi .“A man asked Imam Jafar Sadiq (as), “Which was that tree who Allah asked Adam not to eat from?” Imam (as) replied, “That was the tree of envy.” Narrator asked, “Who was Adam envious of?” Imam (as) replied, “Adam was envious of Moula Ali (as). This thought came in his heart “I wish I had been among the Aleen (greatest)” or “I wish the Aleen had done sajda to me”.”

This narration is a proof that even just thinking they are equal in status to Moula Ali (as) that it becomes a “masiat” for the prophets.

Undeniable Proof

Now we will present such a proof which will end the need for all other proofs. After this, it will become absolutely clear.Manaqib ibn Shahr Ashoob Second Edition page no. 301, Abu Hamza Thumali narrates Abdullah ibn Umar came to Imam Zainul Abideen (as) and said, “O’Son of Hussain (as)! You are the one who says the Prophet Yunus (as) found himself in trouble because when the wilayat of Your Grandfather was presented to him, he delayed in his acceptance.” Imam (as)

replied, “Yes, this is true.” The man said, “If you are true in your claims, then show us a miracle.” Then Imam (as) ordered Abdullah ibn Umar and myself (Abu Hamza Thumali) to be blindfolded. After one hour Imam (as) ordered the blindfolds to be removed. We saw we were at the bank of a river whose waves were crashing onto the shore. Ibn Umar said, “O’My Master! My life is in Your custody. For the sake of Allah, please save my life.” Imam (as) called, “O’Fish!”  A fish raised its head from the river. Its head was the size of a mountain. The fish said, “O’Wali of Allah! I am before You.” Imam (as) asked it, “Who are you?” The fish replied, “O’My Master, I am the fish of Yunus (as).” Imam (as) said, “Tell Me your story.” The fish said, “O’My Master, Adam to Your Grandfather, Muhammad (saw), all the prophets were presented the wilayat of You (Ahlul Bayt as). They accepted and were forgiven. Allah sent wahi (revelation) to Yunus (as) to love Ali (as) and the Imams (as) who will be from His offspring

Yunus (as) said, “How can I love someone whom I have not seen?” Then Allah sent wahi (revelation) to me that I should swallow Yunus (as). So I swallowed him. When Yunus (as) accepted Your Ahlul Bayt (as), then Allah ordered me to spit him out on the bank of the river.” Upon hearing this, Imam (as) ordered the fish to return to its place, and the water became calm.”

I do not think there can be a stronger proof than this. It has been clearly stated that all the prophets were presented with the wilayat of Moula Ali (as) and the Imams (as). The prophet hood of every prophet and their forgiveness was dependent upon its acceptance. If they delayed slightly, they were warned and on some occasions punished. So delaying in the acceptance of the wilayat of Moula Ali (as) and Aimmah (as) is the “masiat” of the prophets.

Removal of another doubt

It is a common belief the prophets’ only purpose was simply to guide the people. If we accept this ideology, then we have to believe the people were the purpose of the creation of prophets. We also have to believe the people are greater than prophets are. The reason of creation is always greater than the reasoning. The existance of prophets would become as a common creation. As Allah has stated in Quran, “Everything in this universe is created for you. ” In reality the purpose of the creation of prophets is not people. It is their own

self. Allah created them for Himself. As Allah says for Adam (as), “O’Adam (as), I created you so that you would believe in My Oneness, pray to Me, recite My praise, believe in Me, do not associate kufr (disbelief) with Me, do not associate any others with Me.”

InSura Taha ayah 41 , Allah says to Hz Musa (as),“O’Musa (as)! I (Allah) selected you for My nafs (self) .” It is stated inHadith e Qudsi, “O’My Slave! O’My Beloved! You are the wish and the one is who wishes. You are My great creation. I swear by My glory, if it had not been for You, I would not have created the heavens .” So now we should understand Allah did not created prophets for the people. He created them for Himself.  If the people gain blessings from them, it is only due to the mercy of Allah. A person who lights a lamp does so for his own benefit. However, others will also take benefit from this light.

Levels of Prophet hood

InSura al-Baqarah (The Cow) ayah 253 , Allah says,“Of those messengers, some of whom We have caused to excel others, and of whom there are some unto whom Allah spoke, while some of them He exalted above others in degree. ” This ayah clearly tells each prophet has a different status. Allah Himself is the creator of these different levels of status. We cannot say Adl e Muttaliq (Allah) created these differences without some way of measuring their greatness. Allah announced these various statuses through Hz Isa (as) from the cradle. This isayah 30 of Sura Mariam , Hz Isa (as) said three sentences.

I am slave of Allah.

He gave to Me a book.

He made Me a prophet .

Hz Isa (as) announced His servitude and His book before He announced His prophet hood.

The foundation of the status of a prophet is servitude. How submissive a prophet is to Allah will determine what type of book is revealed through Him. The level of His prophet hood is based upon what type of book is revealed unto Him. It is quite clear here the word “book” is not one of the Four Scriptures (Tawrat, Zabur, Injeel, and Quran) which came from the heavens. First when Hz Isa (as) claimed He had a book, the Injeel (Bible) had not yet been revealed. It was not revealed until much later. Even if there was a book in the cradle, that would still not be what He was referring to because the real book is Hz Isa (as) Himself. InSura al-Hadid (The Iron) ayah 25 , Allah says, “Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear arguments, and sent down with them the Book ad the balance that men may conduct themselves with equity” . Even though it has been proven and every

person knows all the prophets were not given books or scriptures. Only certain prophets were blessed with this. So it has to be accepted the book which Allah has mentioned in Quran cannot be a written book. It is a “wajoodi” book.  It means that knowledge which Allah gives with their existance. The status of every prophet’s knowledge and nabuwat will be according to his servitude. This is the reason at the time of leaving Shaitan claimed he will cause everyone to go astray. Allah did not say you will not be able to cause any of My prophets, messengers, or imams to go astray. Allah said “Certainly those who are My “abd” (servants) will not be made to go astray .” (Bani Isreal ayah 65) .  “Ismat” (infallibility) proves the servitude of the prophets to Allah. If there is no ismat, then you cannot prove prophet hood. If there is no knowledge, then you cannot prove ismat. If there is no abdiat, then you cannot prove knowledge. This is the reason throughout the entire Quran Allah has called Our Prophet (saw) “Nabi or Rasool”, but when Allah mentioned the Miraj e Khatim e Nabuwat (ascension of the seal of prophets); He did not use the word nabi or Rasool. Allah said, “Glory be to Him who made His servant to go on a night from the Sacred Mosque to the remote mosque of which We have blessed the precincts.”

RasoolAllah (saw) obtained this status due to His great level of servitude. The result of which is He became blessed with a great book. Allah mentions this inSura an-Nisa (The Women) ayah 113, “He has taught You what You did not know” . It means there was not a single particle of the universe which was beyond the knowledge of RasoolAllah (saw). After this, He was given the status of the “Seal of All Prophets”. This is why Allah said for Imam Hussain (as),“O’My Hussain! Come be included amongst My Slaves.” Imam Hussain (as) was at such a level where no other word except “abd” (servant) can be used.

Now you can understand one who is at such a level of abdiat (servitude) how can His servitude be described in words. His level of servitude and His level of worship are beyond our comprehension. Neither can it be understood nor can it be explained. Through servitude the nearness of Allah can be gained. From this level we understand the meaning of “qurba” (Near Ones). This is that point where no one can make any difference between abd o Mabood (servant and master). He is His noor, His amr, His will, His kalima, His calipha, His face, His eyes, His hand, His tongue, and the wasila (intercessor) between Creator and creation. He Himself is the will of Allah. This is the level which caused Allama Iqbal to say, “Even if You (Allah) give me the glory of Your Divinity, I still would not give You my servitude.”

Imamate is a necessity of Prophet hood

Even if this is surprising for you, it is still very important that you know and understand it is necessary for every prophet to be an imam. We

will present some proofs in this regard. It is an absolute truth that all the attributes of commandment of the prophets are only due to their being an imam. If it were not like this, then non Shia would have proven their claim that (maaz’Allah) prophets were only like post men.

Their job was only to deliver messages. They delivered their message and left. The disassociation of imamate with prophet hood is the cause of the existance of the sect, Ahlul Quran. They completely deny hadiths because prophet and prophet hood have no value in their eyes. Commandment belongs to wilayat. Mahzer e Wilayat is Imam.

First Proof

Our first proof is based upon two ayahs of Quran. What we will conclude from these two ayahs, we will present that to you as our proof.

Sura Qaaf ayah 21: “And every soul shall come, with it a driver (saiq-hanknay wala) and a witness.”

According to the tafseer of Masoomeen (as), “saiq” (driver) is prophet of every nation. It also has been proven from this ayah that on the day of judgement every nation will appear with their own prophet.

Bani Israel ayah 71: “On the day when We shall summon all men with their Imam”

It has been proven from this ayah that all the people will be called with their Imam. We have completed our two points.

First every nation will appear on the day of judgement with their own prophet. Second all the people will appear with their own imams. Now either you must believe there is a contradiction in Quran or it is compulsory on every prophet to be an imam.

Second Proof

This is an absolutely uncontroversial hadith. “One, who dies without the marifat (recognition) of the Imam of his time, dies the death of an ignorant.” In this hadith, RasoolAllah (saw) did not mention a specific time. The period of this hadith is from Adam (as) until judgement day.

During this time, anyone who dies without gaining the marifat (recognition) of the Imam of his time will die the death of a kafir (disbeliever) and munafiq (hypocrite). If we did not believe every prophet is also an imam, then all the nations who were before Hz Ibrahim (as) would be considered as kafir and munafiq. Secondly on judgement day these nations will have an excuse and say to Allah, “O’Our Lord! There was no imam in our time. So whose marifat were we suppose to gain?” We have to accept it is wajib (compulsory) that every prophet is also an imam. Allama AbdulAli Hervi says in his book “Moizaul Hussna page no. 98 ”; “The meaning of the word imam is “min yaqda behi”. It means the personality which people follow and consult regarding religious matters and gain knowledge from. That personality must be the greatest among the people. He is one who receives messages from Allah and is called prophet. As a prophet he delivers the orders of Allah to his nation. As an imam he is a leader of his nation.” Allama Hashmat Ali KhairAllah Puri writes in his book“Ghayat ul Miram fi Zarooratul Imam”:

“By his creation, an imam is a hujjah (proof) upon the creation from Allah. When Allah appoints this imam to deliver His messages, then it is called “nabuwat” (prophet hood). Nabuwat begins from the beginning of the conveyance of the message and ends when the message has been conveyed. However, the necessity of an imam is from the beginning of the act until the

end of the act. What is meant by ‘act’ is the first action of the first creation until the last action of the last creation. I have presented my proofs and two undeniable witnesses. Now we will discuss the kinds of imamate in the chapter of Imamate.

Revelation of Wilayat-Imamate

Now we come to the issue which is the distinguishing feature of the Shia religion. Imamate is such a position of authority that from the beginning of creation until the day of judgement there will be no authority which is greater than it. This world is a place for us to gain its marifat (recognition) and obedience. On the day of judgement every soul will appear with it. Nabuwat (prophet hood) and risalat (messengers) are two branches of imamate which are given only when there is a specific need during a specific time. Once the need has been fulfilled, then nabuwat or risalat will end. Imamate however will

continue until the day of judgement.  In the way the wilayat is the revelation of wahadat (Oneness of Allah); imamate is the revelation of wilayat. Imamate is the only status of Allah which can be compared with wilayat. Imamate is the only power which is directly associated with Allah. When it appears from the Veil of Wahadat (as), it is wilayat. When it comes to the creation, it is called imamate. Imamate is the cause of the survival of the whole universe. All the blessings of Allah which reach to the creation do so through imamate. Every one’s religion and acts are dependent upon the marifat (recognition) of imamate. On the day of judgement every one will appear with their Imam. Who has the courage to even imagine what imamate is or even write concerning imamate? Whatever we say or write regarding imamate, it is only an expression of our love for Our Imams (as). Imamate is such a high status that no one can even imagine to reach it. Tongues become silent when speaking of imamate. We must accept our lowness. This acceptance of lowness is called marifat (recognition) of imam.

Kinds of Imamate

Allah described two kinds of imamate in Quran. One is the imamate which is exalted. The other is the imamate which has been accursed.

Sura al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 73: “And We made them Imams who guided the people by Our command,”

This is the imamate which is exalted by Allah. If one who claims to be an imam  is not in reality associated with this imamate, then he is of those who are accursed. There is no third kind of imamate.

Sura al-Qasas (The Stories) 41: “And We declared them as Imams who call to the fire,”

This is the imamate which was accursed by Allah. We, or any other momin, have absolutely nothing to do with this type of imamate. Now we will start upon our topic which is the imamate which is exalted by Allah.

Levels of Imamate

I realize we should have explained the meanings of the word “imamate”, but depending on which level of imamate we are discussing will determine which explanation we give for the word. So until we determine which level is our topic there is no point in defining the word “imamate’ as the meaning

can change. First we will decide which imamate is the purpose of our discussion. Because our beliefs are based upon intellect, it is absolutely necessary to ponder deeply upon these beliefs. We cannot only be dependent on books because we are the followers of the true religion not a false religion. When we read Quran we find three different levels of imamate. It has been proven that it is necessary for every prophet to be an imam. These are the three levels of imamate.

Imamate Sughra (small imamate): This imamate started with Hz Adam (as) and continued until Hz Tarikh (as).

Imamate Khubra (greater imamate): This is that imamate which was blessed to Hz Ibrahim (as) which was completely

different and very vast in its authority. It encompasses the whole of humanity. This imamate was given to Hz Ibrahim (as) and He asked for the same imamate to be given to His offspring. Allah blessed this imamate from Hz Ibrahim (as) to RasoolAllah (saw).

Imamate Mutalliqa (absolute imamate): After RasoolAllah (saw), the prophet hood ends. The purpose of prophet hood was to introduce Imamate Mutalliqa (absolute imamate). When prophet hood fulfilled its purpose, the chapter of prophet hood was closed. Now Imamate Mutalliqa has been revealed. Allah has calls it in Quran as “Imam e Mobeen” (manifesting imam). This imamate is specific to only twelve persons. They cannot be eleven or thirteen.

Some people will become upset when they read my argument. There is nothing I can do about that. I must say the truth. When Allah has protected these figures, in such a way, that no one can enter them nor can anyone come out of them, then how is it possible to exaggerate the status of these figures in order to make myself or any other happy?

Importance of Twelve

Sura Tawba (The Repentance ) 36: “Surely the number of months with Allah is twelve month in Allah’s ordinance since the day when He created the heavens and the earth, of these, four being sacred; that is the true religion”

In this ayah, Allah is telling us the figure “twelve” is the true religion. Not only today but also from the beginning of the process of creation, these twelve were the name of the true religion.

Now tell me; is there any nation, territory, or country from the beginning of this universe until today that has more than twelve months in their calendar? If these twelve months are considered the true religion, then it has been proven a true religion for every nation, religion, and tribe. The figure of months in every calendar is twelve. We have to accept these twelve months which are the true religion are not the actual months of the calendar. They must be twelve of something else. We have only one way to find out the reality of these twelve. That way is Masoomeen (as).

Manaqib ibn Shahr Ashoob First Edition page no. 239 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“ Four sacred months are Moula Ali (as), Imam Hasan (as), Imam Hussain (as) , and Imam Mahdi (ajf).Allah has mentioned “deen e qeem” (true religion) in this ayah. ‘Whose believing is wajib (compulsory) and disbelieving is kufr’. There is no doubt that only two months among the

other months and years are wajib (compulsory) to recognize. One is the month of Ramadan. The other is Zil-Hajj. If someone died while not having marifat (recognition) of the months or years, he will not be accursed. If he died without gaining the marifat (recognition) of Aimmah (as), then he dies the death of an ignorant .” Allah has mentioned this true religion inSura ar-Room (The Romans) ayah 30 in such a way that He ordered RasoolAllah (saw) to hold onto this true religion:

“Then set thy purpose (O Muhammad saw) for religion in the right state- the nature made by Allah in which He has made men; there is no altering of Allah’s creation; that is the true religion but most men do not know.

I do not want my readers to be included amongst “most men who do not know”.

I present to you the tafseer of this ayah from Masoom (as) .Tafseer Safi page 390 ref Tafseer Qumi, Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) said, “That true religion which was mentioned in this ayah is wilayat of Ameerul Momineen (as) and Masoomeen (as ).”  It has also been proven from this ayah that the true religion is these twelve, Imams (as).

2 .Sura al-Baqarah (The Cow) 124: “And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with His commands, he fulfilled them. He (Allah) said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men.”

This ayah tells us that Hz Ibrahim (as) was tested with a few words, and when he fulfilled the orders of Allah, then Allah blessed him with Imamate Khubra (greater imamate). We must ponder upon the word “fatmahin” (tested). This same question Muffassal asked to Imam Jafar Sadiq (as),“What was that test?” Imam replied, “Ibrahim (as) said all twelve names of the Imams (as). ”(Manaqib ibn Shahr Ashoob First Edition page no. 235). Hz Ibrahim (as) was blessed with an imamate simply for recounting the names of these twelve, how can I even compare that imamate to the imamate of Masoomeen (as)?

 3. How can I change this figure that Allah has included as a part of His Kalima “La illha illala” in twelve letters?

لااله الا الله

How can I increase or decrease when Allah has included twelve letters in the kalima of His prophet RasoolAllah (saw) “Muhammad Rasool Allah”?

محمد رسول الله

5. Whoever is a momin, he has an ‘ameer’ (master) who is called “Ameerul Momineen (as)”. This word also has twelve letters.

امیر المؤمنین (ع)

6. The same Ameerul Momineen (as) whose name is Ali (as) ibn Abi Talib (as). His name also has twelve letters.

علی ابن ابی طالب (ع)

7. “Kitab la raiba fi” (the book in which there is no doubt) also contains twelve letters.

کتاب لا ریب فیه

8. There are twelve hours in the day and twelve hours in the night. The Ashari system has been established through out the world, but by the will of Allah, it has become suspended in regards to time. All the watches of the world announce these twelve continuously.

9. Hz Musa (as)’s nation had twelve tribes.

10. Hz Yaqoub (as) had twelve sons.

11. In “laitul uqba” RasoolAllah (saw) appointed twelve tribes amongst the Ansars (helpers).

12. InNajul Israr First Edition page no. 27 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) narrates,“Moula Ali (as) said “Allah put the noor of RasoolAllah (saw) into twelve veils”.

By now, it should have become quite clear the topic of our discussion is Imamate Mutalliqa (absolute imamate) which is associated with the twelve Imams (as). There is no thirteenth whatsoever. At this point it is compulsory on us to explain the true meaning of imamate. The next debates will be based upon this explanation.

Explanation of Imamate

The way we are able to recognize something in this world is through its explanation. According to this principle, if we examine those words, which are usually used in the explanation of imamate, then we would never know what kind of imamate it is we believe in. This is very funny because even though this is the only issue which is disputed between Shia and Sunni, it may be very surprising to know both use the same explanation of imamate.

The only difference in their explanations is personalities. We can never say Sunni scholars were such simpletons and ignorant that they explained imamate in such a way, which testifies to the Shia explanation of imamate. If you look at the history of beliefs you will see, Sunni have never derived their beliefs from Shia books, but Shia however have the great honor of deriving their beliefs from Sunni books and references. Both Shia and Sunni explain imamate in this way; “Imamate is the leadership of government. Imam is a “nayabat” successor of prophet in both religious and worldly matters.”

First point is this word nayabat. We have no idea who invented this word. Neither is it mentioned in Quran nor is it in the hadiths of Masoomeen (as). It makes imamate sound like it is a branch of nabuwat (prophet hood), and its only purpose is to fulfill the place of nabuwat. Otherwise it has no authority itself. We have completely proven this explanation of imamate to be false. We have also proven imamate has been in place from the beginning of creation and will remain so until the day of judgement. Nabuwat is a branch of imamate which temporarily is given to an imam. When it fulfills its purpose, then nabuwat finishes, but imamate continues. Nayabat e Nabi

has no relation with imamate because Hz Adam (as) was not successor nor nayab of any prophet nor was Hz Ibrahim (as). Tell us from which hadiths and which Quranic ayahs did these people get their explanation of imamate. When we do not have a true explanation of imamate, then whatever belief you have regarding imamate will be incomplete. This is the reason today the majority of Shia are very unaware of the reality and marifat (recognition) of imam.

When you base your beliefs upon the sayings and beliefs of others, then how can you gain the marifat (recognition) of imam? Especially if those you use as a base for your beliefs do not even believe imamate is from Allah. They believe in “ajma” (majority rule). This is why imamate is not a part of their Usool e deen. Due to this when anyone says a little thing about imamate, they become surprised and say, “What is this new thing?” If you write a book against Masoomeen (as), no one will take notice. If you describe even the minutest of attributes of Masoomeen (as), then you will hear the chants of “ghali ghali” surrounding you. It is compulsory to know what the true explanation of imamate is. On this basis, you will have the beliefs of true Shia. Otherwise there is no difference between you and others.

Republic

There is no doubt that imamate is related to republic. Every thing in the republic is under Their authority. Considering a republic as a form of worldly government is an invention of those people who think their imam can be ignorant. A wise person will take its meaning in its true sense. Every particle of this whole universe in fact every thing which is a thing is in obedience of imam. He is not a follower of the laws of creation. The laws of creation are a follower of him.

Nearness of Allah

That essence which gives the blessings of Allah to creation must have been the first existance. You have read in detail in our chapter Wilayat e Mutalliqa (absolute wilayat).

Knowledge

When He has a republic, which extends from the heavens to the earth and beyond, where nothing is out of his rule, then it becomes necessary that he not only has knowledge of all creation but is also aware of their necessities. When one of his creations asks him a question, it is not possible for him to say he does not know. In such a situation he cannot be an imam because ignorance is against imamate. He also cannot gain his knowledge from books. That knowledge must be directly from Allah. In other words his nature must have this knowledge. Because he is the knowledge of the Mahzer of Allah, so

there will be no fault or incompletion in his knowledge. If there were an incompletion in his knowledge, it would also mean there is an incompletion in the knowledge of Allah. “Mafer tana fil Kitab min shaye.” “Wa qulle shayn ahsaina fi imam mobeen.” These two ayahs are pointing towards the highest level of knowledge. So it is compulsory for an imam to have the knowledge of the whole universe.

Commandment

If he has nearness of Allah as well as knowledge but does not have commandment, then the first two become worthless. It is necessary for an imam to have full command.

Hukm (government, power, and full authority)

If he has knowledge and commandment but does not have power and full authority, then the first two become worthless. We have previously proven these issues from Quran and hadiths of Masoomeen (as). They are necessities of imamate and without them imamate cannot be proven.

Now we will explain the absolute true and authentic explanation of imamate. We took this explanation from Allama Syed Zakir Hussain’s book “Hamari Murtaza ki Shaan page no. 111”.

“Imamate is leader of the republic and the imam has full knowledge, commandment, rule, and absolute authority over the whole universe.” We can write the explanation in these words according to our topic, “Imamate is the starting point of zahooray wilayat. (revelation of wilayat).” Now it should be clear on which imamate we will discuss.”

Marifat (recognition) of imam

Although we have previously mentioned the explanation of marifat, we shall repeat it again for you. The meaning of marifat is recognizing those attributes and abilities in one which are superior and cannot be found in others. In the light of this explanation the meaning of marifat e imam is to recognize the imam with those attributes and abilities which can be seen only in him and cannot be found in others. In this way he becomes superior to others. Just knowing who the true imam is or having a little knowledge regarding him, this is not marifat of

imam. We will start our discussion with the importance of marifat. Because it is a very important issue. We will tell you every saying of the Masoomeen (as). Until you become fully aware of the importance of marifat, then any discussion on marifat will become worthless and you will not gain the full benefits from it.

Importance of Marifat

According to Quran, obedience to Aimmah (as) is wajib (compulsory) on us. It is quite clear man cannot be obedient to one he does not recognize. In the same way according to Quran loving Aimmah (as) is also wajib on us. It also becomes quite clear no one can love another until he gains the recognition of his love. This is why the true religion was declared Marifat e Imam (recognition of Imam). Allah has put great emphasis on this. No other orders of Allah have had such emphasis placed upon them the way marifat e Imam has had on it. You should never forget this most important point. You will need Imam more on the day of judgement than in this world. On the day of judgement man will be fully dependent upon his Imam. If the Imam is true, then your end will also be comfortable. If your Imam is false, then your destruction is certain. This is why RasoolAllah (saw) said,

“Your Imams will take you to Allah. Think where you are going. ” (Yanabiul Muwaddah page no. 439 ). Now we will mention the importance of marifat e Imam in the eyes of Masoomeen (as). We will start with a very

famous hadith. It is not only in Shia books but also in the books of every Sunni sect. Allama Hilli wrote this hadith in his book “Ahsan ul Aqaid page no. 118 ”; “One who dies without gaining the recognition of the Imam of his time dies the death of a jahilyat (ignorant), kafir (disbeliever), and nafaq (hypocrite). ” This hadith is so vast in meaning it reveals many important points.

Imamate is from Usool e Deen

There must be an Imam for every time.

We have been ordered to gain the marifat of Imam not to create an Imam.

 Therefore, if someone creates an Imam or accepts a false Imam, then he should be ready to appear on the day of judgement with his so-called Imam. Now we will present a few hadiths fromUsool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat . We have mentioned chapter number and hadith as reference with the hadiths.

2. Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “No excuse will be accepted regarding Our marifat. One who recognizes Us is a momin. One who denies is a kafir .” (chapter 8 hadith 11 )

In this hadith, “recognize” means to accept Their marifat. One who does not recognize is a kafir (disbeliever).

Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) said,“No one can become momin until he recognizes Allah, His Rasool (saw), and all Imams (as) which includes the Imam of his time. Consult Them regarding all your matters. Let Them decide for you. ”(chapter 6 hadith 7 )

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“Recognize those who are the pillars of guidance. Gain the marifat (recognition) of Imams so that your iman (faith) will become true. Then you will become a momin .”(chapter 7 hadith 6)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “We are those whom Allah will present on the day of judgement on ‘pul e sirat’ (bridge between heaven and hell). No one will be able to enter jannah until They recognize Us and they are one whom We recognize.” (chapter 7 hadith 9 )

Moula Ali (as) said, “Upon you lies the obedience of the one about whom you cannot plead the excuse of His ignorance .”(Najul Balagha saying 155 )

Therefore, you must be fully aware that marifat of Imam is not a small thing. This is the foundation and purpose of humanity. It cannot be gained simply by praying or by saying “Ali (as) Ali (as)”. You have to attach yourself with it. You have to think deeply upon its meaning. Moula Ali (as) says, “One who ponders deeply upon any matter gains its marifat. ” (Najul Israr First Edition page 172 )

Marifat is such a thing that is not limited to one’s own self. It makes you socialize. InNajul Israr Second Edition, page no. 56 , Moula Ali (as) said,“Keep visiting those who have marifat. Leave those who deny it. ” Here the word deny is referring to those who deny the marifat of Imam. It is not referring to those who deny imamate itself. Moula Ali (as) is speaking about the acceptance of marifat in this hadith not the acceptance of imamate. If you did not gain the marifat, then you will go so far from the truth, and no one wants that for themself. RasoolAllah (saw) has said, “One who does not recognize Ali (as) will have one of these three characteristics- he is a munafiq, illegitimate, or was born while his mother was in the state of menses.”

When we have understood the importance of marifat of Imam, now we will turn our attention towards the attributes of imamate and find those attributes of the Imams (as) which makes Them superior to others. By doing this, we take the first step in gaining the marifat (recognition) of our Imam (ajf). However, before doing this, it is necessary we mention these three points.

There has always been a hujjat (proof ) of Allah upon the earth

This is one of the basic beliefs of Shia. Aimmah (as) have mentioned two of its benefits. For the explanation of this, we are writing two hadiths fromUsool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 5.

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “There is always a hujjat (proof) of Allah upon the earth. There is always an Imam. If people try to add to the religion, He rejects it. If the people deny something of the true religion, He corrects it. ”(hadith 2)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“This earth cannot survive without a Hujjat (proof) of Allah upon it.” (hadith 4 )

From these hadiths, two benefits can be gained regarding the essence of Imam. One is to guide the creation. The other is the survival of the earth. It means that an Imam regardless if he is present or in ghaybat (occultation) will do both of these.

Imam is the one who will give reward and punishment

As we previously mentioned, man is dependent on Imam more on the day of judgement than he is in this world. So forget about the amals of man. The first question asked will be “Who was your Imam?” If your Imam is true, then you will have no fear on the day of judgement. If your Imam is false, then you will be thrown into jahannum for eternity. If you do not realize the importance of imamate, then you are playing with your afterlife. We will present only two hadiths in the favor of our claim.

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 90 hadith 6, Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) said, “Allah says ‘I will punish those people who are by appearance only included as Muslims. They worship such an Imam who was an oppressor of the people (ghair masoom). He was not from Allah. Even though they appear by their actions to be very pious. I will forgive that Muslim who will pray under a Masoom Imam who is from Allah. Even if that Muslim did not perform his amals (prayer, fasting, etc) properly.”

Haqqul Yaqeen Second Edition page no .225 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“Verily Allah does not hesitate to punish that group who believes in an imam who is not from Allah even if by their actions, they are very pious. Verily Allah hesitates to punish that group who believes in an Imam which is from Allah even though their amals are not done properly.”

Those who claim to be Imam falsely

Before we describe the attributes of imamate, we think it is necessary to introduce those who falsely claim imamate for themselves and those who follow these false imams through the sayings of Masoomeen (as). Then it shall become clear, and we can gain the marifat (recognition) of imam easily. In total, there are five hadiths. Four of them are regarding those who

falsely claim the imamate for themselves. The last hadith is in regards to those who follow them.

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 84 hadith 2, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“One who falsely claims imamate is a kafir.”

Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 84 hadith 12 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“On the day of judgement Allah will not look at three kinds of people. Neither will their sins be forgiven. There is a horrible wrath awaiting them. One who falsely claimed the imamate and said he was from Allah. One who denied the Imam (as) which was from Allah. Third who claimed the ‘Masoom (as) and ghair masoom’ (true imam and false imam) both are a part of the Islamic belief.”

Haqaiqul Wasiyat First Edition page no. 157 ref Ahtejaj Tabrisi , a sentence from Imam Zamana (ajf);

“A person which is cruel, deviant, and rebellious who is arrogant in his defiance and fights against his Lord and claims such a status which does not belong to him and denies the One whose obedience Allah has declared as wajib. This type person is an oppressor. I am patient the way the Daughter (as) of RasoolAllah (saw) showed Her patience. Very soon this ignorant will stand before Allah and be punished for that knowledge which he wrongly followed. ” It should be clear that the character of a person is praised not the people. Whatever Masoom (as) have said, it applies to every person who has such a character.

Yanabiul Muwaddah page no. 750 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “On the day of judgement there will be many imams who will be cursing their companions and their companions will be cursing on them.”

These are those hadiths regarding those who claim the imamate falsely. Now read that hadith regarding those people who accept and believe their false claims and then follow them. Although I am sure, very few people will accept this hadith.

Bihar ul Anwar Ninth Edition page no. 309 , Imam Hasan Askari (as) said, “Do not have relations with them. Do not go to visit their sick. Do not read the funeral prayers over them. If one from them dies, do not attend his funeral. Those who deny the Imam whose imamate is from Allah or create an imam that is not from Allah but they include him with those true Imams (as). This is the same as denying Allah or believing that Allah is one of three equal parts. Remember who denied the Imamate of Our Qaim (ajf) has denied the first imamate. One who creates another imam and associated him with Us is like that person who denies Our Imamate.”

After mentioning these important points, we will now present the attributes of imamate.

Attributes of Imamate

The foundation of marifat is not giving your own opinion regarding the Imam (as). Do not consider Him a human like us. Do not consider the way we see, hear, smell, eat and drink to be the same as the Imam (as).Do not consider our physical form to be the same as the Imam (as). Do not consider our body to be the same as Imam (as). How can our body be like Imam (as) when flies sit on our body while they do not sit on the body of Imam (as)? Our body has a shadow, but the body of the Imam (as) does not have a

shadow. If I write each of the senses one by one of humans, it will take a very long time. However, I will mention some individually in my next topic. In order to explain its importance Moula Ali (as) says, “There is not one among the people who can use ‘qiyas’ (conjecture) in regards to Us.” How can we use ‘qiyas’ (conjecture)? If a person does this, then there will be no difference between imam and normal humans. When there is no difference, then how do we gain marifat?

Now we will mention a few attributes of the Imams as told to us by the Imams (as) Themselves. Now it will depend on your own struggle and desire as to which level of marifat (recognition) you wish to gain. Imam Riza (as) explains a few of the attributes of imamate.

“Imamate does not allow a false imam to enter it .” It means no thirteenth can become a part of imamate regardless of who that person is.

“Namaz (prayer), zakat (poor tax), fasting, hajj, and jihad (struggle in the cause of Allah) are all related with the Imam (as)”. It means Imam (as) is the true essence of these acts of worships. These acts of worship are worthless if there is no recognition of Imam (as) while performing these acts. Without the recognition of Imam (as) these acts are only for boasting to others and shaitani activities. For example if you buy an apple and you have no idea about its zahir (apparent self) or batin (hidden self). It means you have no idea regarding its taste or the benefits it will give to you. This act is that of a crazy person.

“An Imam (as) is associated with Allah and His attributes. Allah blesses Them with His attributes”. It means His attributes are a creation unlike normal creation. They do not ask Allah to bless Them with these attributes. Allah Himself blessed Them with these attributes. This is adl. Secondly, Imam (as) is greater in every attribute than any other. These attributes are only associated with Imam (as). They can never be present in any other.

“Poets became weakened, writers became bewildered, and speakers became silent, and still no one was able to describe even one attribute of Imam (as).” When they could not praise even one attribute of Imam (as), they admitted their defeat. When no one can describe even one attribute of Imam (as), then who has this courage to describe all the attributes of Imam (as)? No one will ever be able to understand the secrets of imamate. There is no other creation like imamate. Read this sentence repeatedly. Then accept your inability and admit there are no words already in existance or that will come into existance that can describe the attributes of Imam (as). Whatever words of praise we recite for Imam (as), it is not the limit of the attributes of the Imam (as). It is simply the limit of our ability to praise.

That praise can never be ghulu (exaggeration). Anyone who considers the words of praise which have been written for Imam (as) as ghulu (exaggeration), then he is from the most ignorant and lowest level of mankind. The sayings of Imam (as) regarding there is nothing like imamate reveals there is nothing greater in status than imamate.

“Imam (as) is the most knowledgeable and there is nothing in the whole universe which is beyond His knowledge” . It means Imam (as) has full knowledge regarding the matters of the whole universe that which has been created and has yet to be created. This is such a level where ignorance

ceases to exist. It is a necessity of iman (faith) to disassociate any kind of ignorance with Imam (as).

“His obedience is wajib upon the creation.” In this saying, there is no specific time nor any conditions mentioned regarding the presence or occultation of the Imam (as). This obedience is wajib (compulsory) in all times, during every age, and in every moment. The rules and laws They have given to us must be followed and obeyed until the day of judgement. If you include someone other than the true Imam (as) in this obedience, then this is shirk fil ibadat.

“An Imam (as) is from Allah and has the wisdom of Allah.” It means the conditions that are compulsory for an Imam (as) are from Allah not from any worldly institute. Secondly, He has the wisdom of Allah not the so-called wisdom of the followers of the politics of so-called ayatollahs.

“There is no question to which He does not know the answer. ” Anyone could ask any question at any time. It could be about a past event or a future one because there is nothing beyond the knowledge of the Imam (as).(Usool e Kafi Kitab Hujjat chapter 15 hadith 1)

Sheik Sadooq in “Min hazarah ul faqeeh ” narrates from Imam Riza (as) and mentions these attributes of imamate:

1. Knowledge

2. Patience

3. Bravery

4. Purity

5. Purifies

6. Owner of the whole universe and time itself

Owner is one who has full authority over his creation. It is in His power that whenever He wants He can increase or decrease the time. He can make the past become future or turn the future into past. Being the owner of the universe means that whenever He wishes He could change any thing within the universe. Whenever He wants, He could destroy the whole universe.

7. He has no shadow

8. His eyes sleep but not His heart.

The sayings of Imam Riza (as) are written in these books;Siratul Savi Ahwal al Mahdi (ajf) page no. 193 ref Akmal ul Deen ,Ayon al Riza (as), Amli Mafi ul Akbar ,and Usool e Kafi . “Verily the greatness of imamate and its attributes and its depth and its secrets are much more in greatness and above the intellect of people.”

 This is why I am introducing imamate through the sayings of Masoomeen (as) because our intellects are unable to explain or recognize the status of the Imams (as). This belief is enough for our iman that the Imams (as) have such greatness that our intellects are unable to comprehend its truth. We have no right to attempt to explain the truth of imamate by our own opinions. Moula Ali (as) Himself says, “We are the secret of Allah. We were put in physical form. We do not die. None of Our ‘ghayab’ (occultation) remains hidden. Lower Us from the status of tawheed. Remove all the aspects of humanity from Us. We are free from those attributes that are exclusive to man. After this however you may describe Our attributes according to the limit of your intellect. You cannot empty the ocean with

only your hands. No one can know the secret of Allah. There are no words that can praise the “Kalimatullah” (sign of Allah). (Haqaiqul Wasiyat Second Edition page no. 124 ref Tawal ul Anwar).

We only know that all the attributes of Allah were revealed through these sacred Imams (as).  There is no blessing of Allah that can reach to humankind without Their wasila (intercession). There is no such attribute of Allah, which has not been revealed from Them.  This is the status of ‘Caliphatul Ilahiya’ (absolute caliphate of Allah). This is the meaning of the successorship of Allah. Without this, caliphate becomes worthless. It is such a caliphate that He has full command over His people. It is compulsory on Him to be aware of His people completely. This caliph of Allah takes care of His people’s needs in such a way that He even takes care of those ignorant followers who deny His caliphate. The attributes of Allah are revealed from Him. He is the Lord of the whole universe. Without Him the whole system of the universe would be destroyed as well as its existance. Such an authority is called Wilayat e Mutalliqa (absolute wilayat) which is revealed through the Imam (as). The wilayat of Allah can never be discontinued. The Mahzer of His name ‘al wali’ which is Imam (as) has been in existance before the very first creation and has always been present. There is not a single attribute which Imam (as) does not possess. In reality an attribute can never be proven until it is proven from the essence of Imam (as). This is the level of Mazheriat where the boundaries of imamate and wilayat combine. He is the first and the last. He is present and hidden. He possesses both abdiat (slaveness) and rubuviat (lordship). Abdiat is for Him because He is dependent upon Allah. He bears hardships and sufferings, but He is the Lord of the whole universe. He is the creator of the whole universe. There is not one thing that is outside His obedience. The whole of creation receives the blessings of Allah through Him. He is the Lord of the whole of creation.

Sabr (Patience)

Patience is an attribute of Imam (as). As Allah says inSura Sajda ayah 24, “And when they became steadfast and believed firmly in Our revelations, We appointed from among them Imams who guided by Our command.” This ayah mentions two attributes of

Imam (as). The first is patience and the other is ‘yaqeen’ (unchangeable faith). We will briefly discuss yaqeen, but first we will discuss the patience of Imam (as). It has been proven from Quran that the foundation of patience is knowledge. InSura Kahf it is written once Hz Musa (as) went to a slave of Allah for gaining knowledge. In the same ayah, the slave of Allah replies to Hz Musa (as). He says, “Certainly you will not be patient with me. How will you be patient with such a thing which you have no knowledge? ” Therefore, we know the level of one’s knowledge determines their level of patience. If you want to know about the knowledge of someone then you must look at his patience. Here I shall remain silent and leave the decision for your own intellect. Now search for yourself on which occasion patience was at its highest level. I will not say anything further for I am not responsible for the result that will come about.

Yaqeen (Unchangeable Faith)

As you know there are three kinds of yaqeen; Ilm ul yaqeen, ain ul yaqeen and haqqul yaqeen. The greatest level is haqqul yaqeen. One who has this yaqeen has lost His own identity in such a way that no one can tell the difference between the two of Them. This is why one

who has haqqul yaqeen on Allah is also considered to be Allah. What level of yaqeen Imam (as) has you will fully understand after reading this saying of Moula Ali (as).

“If all the veils are removed, then My yaqeen would not increase or decrease even the slightest .” Who can imagine the yaqeen of the one “touched” in Allah? There is an even greater status than yaqeen. It is called ‘itminan’ (satisfaction). Hz Ibrahim (as) asked for this ‘itminan’ from Allah, but that was the itminan of the heart (satisfaction of heart). It was not ‘itminan’ of nafs (self). The status of absolute imamate is such that He has ‘itminan’ of nafs (self). As Allah is calling Imam (as) by this name inSura Fajr ayah 27-30, “O’Nafs e motmannia! Return to Your Lord content in His pleasure. So enter among My servants and enter into My garden .” This is the level where intellect becomes suspended. Even if a human wants to say something, he is unable to find the words. If he finds something to say, he becomes too afraid to say it because ignorance and hypocrisy will attack him. Therefore, silence becomes an act of worship at this point.

Fortune and Will

In hadith of Muffassil, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says, “If We were allowed, We would have told you such things regarding status and greatness which Allah has blessed Us with. However, people could not bear it. Muffasil asked, “Are you talking about knowledge?” Imam replied, “No, Muffasil, knowledge is a very easy thing. Verily the will of Allah is in the hand of Imam (as). The will of Imam (as) is the same as the will of Allah. ” In reality Imam (as) is the will of Allah, fortune of Allah, and amr of Allah.

Wahi (revelation) is from Imamate

Sura Anbiyaa ayah 73: “And We made them Imams who guided people by Our command, and We revealed to them the doing of good (that act which is the most important; preaching wilayat of Moula Ali as)and the right establishment of worship (i.e. Wilayat of Moula Ali (as))and the giving of the alms (being steadfast in the wilayat of Moula Ali (as)),and Us alone did They serve”

According to this ayah, wahi (revelation) is from imamate. Every saying and act of Imam (as) is a representation of ‘wahi illahi’ (revelation of Allah). – (I want to make it perfectly clear that the wahi (revelation) of the Absolute Wilayat is different from the wahi (revelation) which the prophets use to receive. The prophets received wahi indirectly while Imam (as) has a direct relationship with Allah. He receives directly from Allah. This is the meaning of ‘wahi’ for imamate. Imam Mobeen (as) is one who is the representative of Wahi Khuda (revelation of Allah). We will prove this through the hadith of Masoomeen (as)).

It is possible that some people will try to create doubts. They say this ayah is related to the prophets of Bani Israel not with our Imams (as). You should know this is not a new objection. In all times shaitan and his followers have been creating doubts. Yet every time shaitan and his followers are refuted. After some time they bring the same objections back again. Falsehood has no dignity. This is why they feel no shame. Therefore, we do not have to waste our time on these people. Quran has both a zahir (apparent) and batin (hidden). This ayah can be applicable on the prophets of Bani Israel, but its batin (hidden) is only for Imamate e Mutalliqa (Absolute Imamate). Masoomeen (as) have mentioned this ayah in the favor of Their imamate on various occasions.

We are presenting hadiths fromBihar ul Anwar Seventh Edition page no. 12 , which will prove our claims. Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “When an Imam (as) is born, a proclaimer from Allah comes between the earth and heavens, and calls the name of the Imam (as) and His father (as) and then says, “I have suggested three things for Your greatness. One is I have chosen You out of My whole creation. You are the treasure of the secrets of My knowledge. You are the trustee of My wahi. You are My caliph on this earth. ” (Everyone can understand the meanings of trustee of wahi. We all believe the trustee of wahi can be only one who sends wahi. He is not one who receives wahi from angels. Every one believes that wahi comes from Sidrat ul Mintaha. This wahi reaches to Sidrat ul Mintaha from Barzakh e Khubra. This point is a veil between Allah and His creation. This veil is wilayat which is Imam Mobeen as).

True (sidq)

Sura Tawba (The Repentance) 119: “O you who believe! Be careful of your duty to Allah and be with the true ones.”

Tafseer Safi page no. 219, Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) said, “We are those true ones.” Imam Riza (as) said, “Aimmah (as) are the true ones .” Imam Muhammad Baqir (as) says inTafseer Majma ul Bayan , “The true ones are those of Aal e Muhammad (as) which the momineen follow.”

It proves from this ayah that the true ones are in reference to some special personalities whom Allah ordered Momineen to follow. If there is a period when these true ones are not present, then it means there is a contradiction in Quran. Therefore, They must be present during every age. The company of Masoomeen (as) is not a temporary existance. It is everlasting. To be in the company of these true ones is the greatest blessing and honor one can receive.

The truth of these true ones is not like us. They are such “Sadiq” (truthful) that whatever They say becomes the truth. There are many examples of this throughout history

Arrangement of the Universe

When it has been proven, there is no direct relation between Allah and His creation, then it becomes impossible to limit the Imams (as) simply to matters of sharia (laws). We cannot receive the orders of Allah without a wasila (intercessor). In the same way we cannot gain His blessings without a

wasila. That ‘amr’ which is between us and matters of sharia is also between us and the blessings of Allah. Allah associates guidance to the Imams (as) in the same way as He associates guidance to Himself. Imams (as) are not only a source of conveying the sharia (laws), but They are also are the source for the matters regarding the universe. Their sayings and actions are the will of Allah. The way They are ‘amr’ of Allah in matters of sharia, They also are the ‘amr’ of Allah in the process of creation. We call Masoomeen (as) as ‘hadi’ (guide). Yet Allah has associated this title of ‘hadi’ (guide) with Himself. If both Allah and Masoomeen (as) are guides and both are associated with the title of hadi, then why can we not also say Masoomeen (as) are the Creators because They create by the will of Allah?Sura Inna Anzalanna (Qadr ) is a witness in Shab e Qadr (Night of Power) angels and spirits bring all the matters to Imam (as) (or come to receive orders from Imam (as) regarding all matters.)

Imam (as) issues orders concerning all the matters of the universe.

When the meaning of ‘amr’ was asked to Moula Ali (as), He replied, “It means creation, rizq (sustenance), death, age, life and death, knowledge of the unseen, earth and heavens, and those miracles which are associated only with Allah and Aimmah (as).” (Haqaiqul Wasiyat First Edition page no. 236 ref Usool e Kafi ). Therefore, we must accept the one who will be ‘Sahib ul Amr’ will have full command over the whole universe, and will be the creator of the universe. Moula Ali (as)’s title ‘LisanAllah’ (Tongue of Allah) is an ultimate proof that Moula Ali (as) said “Kun” (Be), and Moula Ali (as)’s title ‘Yadhullah’ (Hand of Allah) is another ultimate proof that Moula Ali (as) is creator and raziq. We will prove this through the sayings of Masoomeen (as).

Moula Ali (as) said, “He created trustees for His ‘amr’. When Allah created Them, He gave Them power from His own self. They are above the whole universe, and certainly the act of Allah is Their act.” (Haqaiqul Wasiyat First Edition page no. 115 ref Ahtejaj Tabrisi)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “Do you not know this whole universe and day of judgement are for Imam (as)? It is the will of Imam (as) what He does with it, and whomever He wills, He blesses. Allah blessed Them with this attribute.” (Haqaiqul Wasiyat First Edition page no. 236 ref Usool e Kafi)

InGhara ul Hukam and Darar ul Kalam , there is a saying of Moula Ali (as), “We are His heart, His hand, His tongue, His amr, His order, His knowledge, His rights (those things which you consider to be “haqooq e Allah” are also “haqooq” of Imam (as)). Our will is the will of Allah. Our decision is the decision of Allah. So We are that will of Allah which when it walks on the earth among you rules according to Our will. The one who gains Our marifat has gained iman (faith). The one who does not gain Our marifat remains as a kafir. If it was Our will, We could rend asunder the earth and return to the heavens. Verily this whole creation will return to Us. We are those the creation will have to face on the day of judgement.”

Imam is present at all times in every place and has full knowledge of unseen

I have realized some people become hesitant regarding these issues. The reason is the meanings that have been imposed on them regarding presence and knowledge of unseen are absolutely wrong. A common belief about omnipresent is that Imam (as) is standing and watching over. That one can have such a belief and be amazed by it is amazing in itself. Because this is not the way to describe the attributes of Imam (as), in reality you are insulting Imam (as). An ordinary worker or mechanic could do this so easily. Simply standing in his daily duties and watching to ensure the work is done in a proper fashion. Imam (as) is far above such thoughts. The truth is when knowledge comes from examination; it is called knowledge of hazoori. This is the state when every thing is present at all times in front of his master. The meaning of Imam (as)  being present in all places at all times is that everything is in front of Imam (as)  and within His reach. He has full command over everything that is in His presence. An ordinary servant of the Imams (as) is Malik ul Mowt (angel of death). Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says regarding Him inKokab Durri page no. 33 ,

“When RasoolAllah (saw) ascended to the heavens during Miraj, He asked Malik u Mowt (as), do you take the soul from the body?” He replied, “Yes, O’RasoolAllah (saw).” Then RasoolAllah (saw) asked, “Are you present at that time?” He replied, “Yes, this world is like a coin which sits in the palm of your hand. This whole world is always in front of me.”

 This is the true meaning of present at all places in all times. See what Imam (as) says regarding this.Haqaiqul Wasiyat  First Edition page no. 181 ref Bihar ul Anwar Seventh Edition, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) says, “To Imam (as), this whole universe, heavens, and earth is like (then Imam (as) pointed towards His palm and said ) this (palm). He has full knowledge of the universe and heavens. Those things that can be seen and those that are hidden. Those which enter into it (born) and those which leave it (die).”   These are the true attributes of Imam (as). For Malik ul Mowt (as) this world is like a coin in his hand, he has to “play” with that coin in order to achieve any results, but for Imam (as) this world is like the palm that has to do nothing in order to create or accomplish any result. Imam (as) simply has to will for it to be and it will be. It is very strange people believe in Quran but also disbelieve in it at the very same time. They believe shaitan can lead you astray while remaining in the “ghayab” (hidden), but they refuse to believe Imam (as) can guide this world while being in the “ghayab” (occultation). Another very interesting point is that people so easily believe shaitan is present in every place at all times because they have read that inSura al-A’araaf (The Heights) ayah 27: “O children of Adam! Let not the shaitan cause you to fall into affliction as he expelled your parents from the garden, tearing off from them their robe (of innocence) that he might show them their evil inclinations, he surely sees you, he surely sees you, as well as his tribe, yet you see him not. We have made the Shaitans to be the wali of those who do not believe.”

In this ayah, Allah is addressing the whole of humanity. He is saying every person regardless of their location, even if he is hidden in the deepest darkest part of the earth, but he is not hidden from the eyes of shaitan and

his tribe. I have never heard or read that anyone has an objection to shaitan and his tribe being present everywhere at all times.

As soon as we read this ayah ‘Wal qulle shayn ahsana fil Imam Mobeen’, they immediately say “How is this possible?” In reality, people whose wali is shaitan can never accept the attributes of the Wali of Allah. They must think when did Allah say Masoomeen (as) have these attributes Themselves. Allah said I have given Imam Mobeen (as) every power and full command. We also say Allah gave Them knowledge and authority over the whole universe. You can reject our claim only when you can prove Allah did not give this knowledge to Them. This is why if you do not believe Imam (as) is present in every place in all times and has full knowledge of the unseen, then not only are you denying imamate but you are denying Quran. When it has been proven They are the “Eyes of Allah”, and you believe there is something that is not within Their sight, then you are attributing this inability to Allah Himself.

Sura an-Naml (The Ant) 75: “And there is nothing concealed in the heaven and the earth but it is in ‘kitab mobeen”

Sura Yunus ayah 61: “and there does not lie concealed from your Lord the weight of an atom in the earth or in the heaven, nor anything which is greater than or less than that, but it is in kitab mobeen.”

In both ayahs it has been proven that from the smallest to the largest even every single particle of the universe regardless if it is seen or hidden, every single thing is in kitab mobeen. The one who has full knowledge of this book is in reality this book Himself. If anyone denies He is present in all places, at all times ,and has full knowledge of unseen, it is the same as if you insulted Quran and Allah.

By the permission of Allah (bay Izn Allah)

People also believe Masoomeen  (as) can do everything by the permission of Allah, but without permission They cannot do anythin

Because we are discussing attributes of imamate, it would be better to remove this doubt. I will explain the meaning of “izn” in a few brief words. Can this be used for Imam Mobeen (as)? I am taking this fromUsool e Kafi where the process of creation was discussed. The first thing that Allah revealed was His Mashiat (will). We have previously proven that the Wali e Muttaliq of Allah is His Mashiat (will). The process of creation was established from Mashiat (will). The Mashiat created the ‘iradah’ (fortune) and then

‘amr’. This amr is ‘Izn’ (permission). Now the Olil Amr (absolute master) who established the ‘amr’ will become the will and fortune of Allah. Therefore, the Olil Amr (absolute master) is one who will give permission. He is not dependent upon permission. Permission is dependent upon Him. Hz Isa (as) use to perform miracles by “izn” (permission), but Imam Mobeen (as) performs miracles by Mashiat (will) and as the ‘nafs (self) of Mashiat. He does not do this by “izn” (permission).

Occultation of Imam

When something reaches the highest level of nearness, then it becomes beyond the reach of all the senses of man. This is what we call “ghayab” (hidden). Imamate is the greatest of all greatness. The ghayabat (occultation) is compulsory for imamate. There are two kinds of ghayabat.

Ghayabat e Zahiri (apparent occultation)

Ghayabat e Batini (hidden occultation)

Even though every Imam (as) was apparent (seen) by the eyes of people, but They were hidden from the intellects of people. As Imam Riza (as) said, “Not a single attribute of Imam (as) can be described nor can anyone know its truth.” This is Ghayabat e Batini (hidden occultation). We associate ghayabat with our Imam e Zamana (ajf). The reason is there are two ghayabats (occultation) for Imam (as), zahiri (seen) as well as batini (hidden). This is a brief introduction of ghayabat. We will not go into its details. Our purpose is explaining those questions that disturb people, particularly the young generation.

For example, what was the purpose of ghayabat (occultation)? Was Imam (ajf) afraid? Did Imam (ajf) not have the power to overcome His enemies? Why does Imam (ajf) not have contact with the Shia of today who have become so worried and are unable to find their way? For the satisfaction of those who have these questions, we will discuss the reasons of ghayabat e Imam (ajf).

Reasons for Ghayabat (occultation)

If Allah had wanted, He could have overcome the enemies of Imam (ajf) and killed all the oppressors. If Allah had done this, then He would have usurped the rights of others. Allah gave humans free will. If Allah had usurped the rights of humans, then they could not be punished for their acts.  The first reason was to give a chance to the oppressors.

Punishment cannot be given without a reason. For the same reasons, reward also cannot be given without any reason. The time of the ghaybat (occultation) of Imam (ajf) is a time of difficulties, troubles, and it is also a test to see who will guard the sayings of Masoomeen (as) and will show his steadfastness and stay on the straight path. The second reason for ghayabat (occultation) of Imam (ajf) is a test to see who will ignore the sayings of Masoomeen (as) and instead follow others.

Allah did not send His wrath upon the nation of Nuh (as) until there were no longer any momins in the generations of upcoming offspring amongst the kafirs (disbelievers). It is the same as when Moula Ali (as) killed anyone during a battle, He would look to see if there was any momins in the offspring of his enemy. If there were even one, He would not kill that person. This is the third reason of ghayabat. Until all the momin have been born from the offspring of kafirs, only then will Imam (ajf) reappear.

The fourth and final reason is Mashiat (will) of Allah.

A new book and new sharia will be revealed through Imam Zamana (ajf)

We will present five hadith in total, which we took from different editions of Bihar ul Anwar.

Twelfth Edition page no. 259, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“I can see Him (Imam Zamana ajf) is standing between the people at Rukn o Makam and taking their bayat (allegiance) upon His book.”

Twelfth Edition page no. 153, Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said,“I can see the people of heavens are giving their bayat (allegiance) on a new amr, book, and king .”

Twelfth Edition page no. 347 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “Knowledge is based upon twenty-seven words. All the prophets and messengers brought only two words. All the people have knowledge of only these two words. When Imam Zamana (ajf) will reappear, He will reveal the other twenty-five words, and they will be included with the previous two words. He will spread the knowledge of all twenty-seven words.”

Twelfth Edition page no. 353 , Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said, “When Imam Zamana (ajf) will reappear, He will establish a new order as RasoolAllah (saw) did in the beginning of Islam.”

Seventh Edition page no. 117 , A Christian asked Imam Musa Kazim (as) several different questions. When he received the answers, he became Muslim. One of his questions was , “Tell me about those eight words; four of which were revealed in the earth and four of which were kept hidden in the heavens. Those four which were kept hidden in the heavens, who were they revealed for and who will interpret these four words?” Imam (as) replied, “He will be Qaim e Aal e Muhammad (as) from whom these four words will be revealed. He will interpret their meanings. There will be such a revelation revealed through Him the likes of which has never been revealed through any prophet, true one (Sadiq), or any guide of the religion.”

Hadith Tareeq

All of this hard work was done so we could present to you this writing regarding imamate. I wanted to be able to mention an extract from this great sermon of Moula Ali (as) which is the foundation of marifat (recognition) of Imam (as).  This is famously known asHadith e Tariq or Khutbat e Tariq . I have given a separate number to every sentence so that you can understand easily and gain the marifat (recognition) from this great sermon according to your intellect.

This khutba is inNajul Israr First Edition page no. 115 ref Mushariq ul Anwar and Bihar ul Moarrif. Moula Ali (as) said to Tariq bin Shahab:

“O’Tariq! Imam is Kalimatullah (word of Allah), Hujjatullah (proof of Allah), Wajjahullah (direction of Allah), Hijabullah (veil of Allah), and Ayatollah (signs of Allah).

He is chosen by Allah who bestows onto Him whatever (attributes) He (Allah) chooses, and makes it compulsory on all His creatures to obey Him (Imam as).

Imam (as) is the wali of Allah on the heavens and earth.

Allah took the promise of allegiance from His slaves. So the one who will break his promise has done kufr (disbeliever; denied) against Allah.

An Imam (as) can act as He finds it appropriate, however His actions only correspond to the will of Allah.

Imam (as) is truth (Sadiq) and adl (justice).

He knows what is in the hearts and has knowledge of the unseen.

Imam (as) has been entrusted with full absolute commandment.

He beholds all that rests between the dominions of the East and the West.  (He is present at all times in every place.)

Nor is anything from the realms of ‘Mulk and Malakoot’ hidden from Him. (He has the full knowledge of unseen.)

Imam (as) is the one whom Allah has chosen for His wahi (revelation) and has approved for Him knowledge of His (Allah) Amr e Ghayab (knowledge of the unseen).

Allah declared the heart of an Imam (as) as His Mashiat (will). (This is the difference between Imam’s (as) and our hearts. Our heart is a place of intellect while Imam’s (as) is the place of the will of Allah)

They are the rulers over the whole creation of Allah. Allah made Them as “olil amr” (absolute master) and has ordered all of creation to obey Them.

Imam (as) is an honor for momineen, intercession for the sinful, forgiveness for friends, and the greatest hope for the repentant, because Imam (as) is the head of Islam. He is  the greatness of the faith and marifat (recognition).

Imam (as) is one who is free from all sins and has knowledge of the unseen.

He is the center of the sphere of iman (faith). He is the height of generosity and all blessings come from Him.

He is the way of Allah.

He is such an ocean that will never become dry, and has such dignity that cannot be admired.

His Zahir (apparent self) is such amr that cannot be recognized. (It means we can never gain the full marifat (recognition) of apparent imamate)

Who has the ability and perception to recognize even one Divine attribute of Imam (as)? The Imam (as) who is the “nuqta” (dot; focal point) of the universe, the pivot of all that revolves, secret of all that is possible to exist, the majesty of Divine Creator, and the honor of the heavens and earth.

The level of Aal e Muhammad (as) is exalted above the descriptions of the describers and the qualifications depicted by the highly qualified They are beyond the imaginings of man.

He is the first noor, the word of Allah, the names of Allah, and His oneness.

One who denies Them has indeed denied the oneness of Allah for They are the greatest veil of Allah.

Those who think imamate can be found in other than Aal e Muhammad (as) are liars who have gone astray from the righteous path. They have chosen to worship idols as their Lord and have joined in the ranks of shaitan. This is all due to their animosity of “Bait ul Safaw” (House of Divine Qualities) and infallibility of Masoomeen (as). They are jealous of blessings of greatness bestowed upon the family of the Prophet (saw). Shaitan has made them believe their devious actions are honorable. (It means they have abandoned their wajibats (prayers, fasts etc) and are proud of their wrong doings.)

Imam (as) is the scale, Sirat ul Mustaqeen (true path) ,remembrance of Allah, and the path that leads to Allah.

These Imams (as) are great, honorable, caliphs of RasoolAllah (saw). They are the sons of RasoolAllah (saw), and trustees of Allah who is the greatest of the greats.

Allah created Them from His noor and made Them  Wali over His kingdom and all the matters within.

Imams (as) are the hidden secrets of Allah. They are the closest ones to Allah. Allah’s command is  between the letter kaaf and the letter noon. In fact, They are kaaf and noon.

The knowledge of all the prophets, the divine mysteries of the messengers, power and glory of saints,  in comparison with Them, is like a drop in the ocean and grain of sand in the dessert.

Indeed, the heavens and the earth to the Imam (as) are like the hand and its palm. He knows their apparent (visible) as well as their hidden. He knows the pious amongst the sinners. He has knowledge of the whole universe. One who denies this is a cruel and cursed wretch, and as such is cursed by Allah as well as by all those who also send curse in the obedience of Allah.

Verily a single word uttered (in Quran) in the praise of Aal e Muhammad (as), exceeds seventy dimensions (of knowledge). How often in the verses of the Noble reminder, the blessed book, the eternal words are mentioned in Our praise,al-Ayn (eye), al-Wajh (face), al-Yadh (hand), and al-Janb (side).They are these wali because They are Face of Allah, Eyes of Allah, Truth of Allah, Knowledge of Allah, and Hands of Allah.

Their apparent is batin (hidden) of the attributes of Allah. (Imam (as) is the truth of all of those attributes of Allah which are apparent) Their batin (hidden) is apparent of hidden attributes of Allah. (Hidden of Imam (as) has the attributes of wahadat (oneness)). They are zahir of batin and batin of zahir.

Imams (as) are the noor of Allah. His power and His will.

They are the seal of the book and protector of His wahi (revelation). (They established wahi as Allah says inSura Ash-Shura ayah 51: “And it is not for any mortal that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger and revealing by His permission what He pleases; surely He is ‘Ali (Highest) and Hakeem (wise) .) Imams (as) are the trustees and narrators of His remembrance. Every revelation comes by Their wasila (intercession).

They are the secrets of Allah appearing in the form of human.

Their names are etched on stones, on the leaf of the trees, on the wings of every bird, on the gates of jannah (paradise) and jahannum (hell), heavens, on the wings of angels, and on the veils of majesty and on the canopies of glory and beauty. With Their name, the birds glorify Allah and the fish in the depths of the ocean ask for the forgiveness of Their Shia.

Allah did not create any creation until after the promise of allegiance was taken in regards to His Oneness, wilayat of Masoomeen (as), and disassociation from Their enemies. The Throne of Allah did not attain

stability until it was inscribed with Divine Noor (light); “La illaha illallah Muhammad RasoolAllah Ali un Wali Allah”