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What is the reason for the superiority of the Imams over the previous prophets? In the beginning, it is stated that the Prophet (s) is superior to all human beings and even the previous prophets of God. The Prophet himself said: "God has given me superiority over all His prophets and messengers."[1] It is also narrated from Imam Sadiq (a) that he said: "God, the Exalted, has composed His Greatest Name of seventy-three letters, and of those letters He gave two letters to Jesus, and with those two letters Jesus raised the dead, healed the blind from birth, and cured leprosy. He gave four letters to Moses, eight letters to Abraham, fifteen letters to Noah, and twenty-five letters to Adam, but He taught seventy-two letters of those letters to the Messenger of God Muhammad (s) and did not teach one letter to anyone."[2] With reference to this introduction, it is stated in numerous narrations that everything that God bestowed upon His Prophet (s) was later given to his successors, except for prophethood, and the infallible Imams (a) have all the virtues of the Prophet except that they are not prophets. The noble Prophet (s) himself addressed Imam Ali (a), saying: "You see what I see, and you hear what I hear, except that you are not a prophet."[3] Imam Hassan (a) says: "No one from the predecessors and no one from the future has surpassed Imam Ali (a) in any virtue"[4] It is important to note that the position of Imamate is higher than the position of prophethood[5] and the Imams, although they were not prophets, but they had the position of Imamate. Imam Sadiq (a) said: "The Prophet (s) was both an Imam and a prophet, but Ali (a) was an Imam but not a prophet."[6] Therefore, just as the noble Prophet Muhammad (s) is superior to all other prophets, the infallible Imams (s) are also superior to all prophets except the last Prophet (s), and whatever God had given to His previous prophets, has been inherited by the infallible Imams. Imam Sadiq (a) says: "Every prophet who has inherited knowledge or otherwise, it has ultimately reached the Imams (a)."[7] In conclusion, mentioning this narration is very appropriate: Sa'asa'a bin Sohan entered the Commander of the Faithful when he had been struck and said: "O Commander of the Faithful, are you superior, or Adam, father of mankind?" Imam Ali (a) replied: "It is not good for a person to boast of himself, God said to Adam: "'O Adam, dwell with your wife in paradise..."[8] and God made many things lawful for me that I did not approach and abstained from. Then he asked: Are you superior, or Noah? Imam Ali (a) replied: Noah cursed his people, and I did not curse my oppressors; Noah's son was an infidel, but my two sons are the masters of the youth of paradise. He asked: Are you superior, or Moses? He replied: God sent Moses to Pharaoh, and he said: "I fear they will deny me,"[9] until God said, "Do not fear, for no prophet in My presence shall fear.[10]" And Moses said, "My Lord, I have killed a soul, so I fear they will kill me."[11] But I did not fear when the Prophet of God (s) sent me to recite Surah Bara'at to Quraysh during the Hajj season, despite the fact that I had killed many of their leaders, yet I went to them, recited the Surah, and did not fear them. He asked: Are you superior to Jesus, son of Mary? He replied: Jesus' mother was in Jerusalem, when the time of her delivery came, she heard a voice saying: Go out, this house is a place of worship, not a place of childbirth. But my mother, Fatima bint Asad, when her time of delivery was near, she was by the Ka'ba, the wall of the Ka'ba split, and a voice told her to enter. So she entered the Ka'ba and I was born there, and this virtue has not been for anyone, neither before me nor after me.[12] According to the stated contents, it is clear evident that the infallible Imams (a) had a higher position than all past prophets. [1] . Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Quran; Al-Bahrani, Al-Sayyid Hashim Vol: 1 P: 205. [2] . Al-Kafi Vol: 1 Page: 230 Hadith 2. [3] . Sayyid Razi, Nahj al-Balagha, Khutba 192 (Qasida). [4] . Al-Kafi Vol: 1 Page: 457." "قَدْ قُبِضَ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ رَجُلٌ مَا سَبَقَهُ الْأَوَّلُونَ وَ لَا يُدْرِكُهُ الْآخِرُونَ [5] . For more information refer to " Is the position of imamate higher than the position of prophethood and risalat?". [6] . Al-Ilal Al-Shara’i, Sheikh Saduq, vol. 1, p. 175. [7] . Al-Kafi Vol: 2 Page: 232 [8] . Al-Baqarah: 35 " "يا آدم اسكن أنت وزوجك الجنة [9] . Al-Shu'ara: 12 " "إني أخاف أن يكذبون [10] . Al-Naml: 10 " "لا تخف إني لا يخاف لدي المرسلون [11] . Al-Qasas: 33 " "رب إني قتلت منهم نفسا فأخاف أن يقتلون [12] . Al-Lameat al-Bayda; Al-Tabrizi Al-Ansari, vol. 1, p. 220.

How can we reconcile the concept of free will with the Imams' infallibility status? It is important to note that the term "infallibility" comes from the Arabic root "عصم" which means to prevent or restrain something.[1] In this context, infallibility refers to a divine grace that prevents a person from sinning against God. The terms "choice" and "option" refer to the act of making a selection or decision. When someone has a choice, it means they are able to make a decision. It should be acknowledged that the two powers of choice and status granted by God do not contradict each other. The status granted by God is a result of knowing God, having certainty, and being aware of the consequences of committing sins. For example, even though a person has the power of choice, they would never consider consuming impurities and filth due to their awareness of the consequences. Similarly, an Imam, because of his certainty about the reality of sin, would not entertain the act of committing prohibitions in his mind, even though he has the power of choice and the ability to commit such actions. In addition, the Imam is immersed in the knowledge of God in the sense that he is sincerely devoted to the love of God. Therefore, even if he could choose, he would never do something that would displease God. Prophets and Imams, like all humans, have obligations. Without freedom of choice, there would be no sense of duty, as an obligated individual has the option to both act and refrain from acting.[2] Thus, reason sees no conflict between the status of infallibility and the power to choose. The Quran mentions the infallibility of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his household. "Indeed, Allah wishes to remove all impurity from you, O members of the [Prophet's] family, and to purify you completely."[3] This verse implies that the Prophet and his household are infallible. However, this does not contradict their ability to make choices, as God has stated in the Quran that the Prophet is only a human being like everyone else.[4] Infallibility is a divine gift that God has bestowed upon the Prophet and his household, and it does not restrict their free will. According to a narration from Imam Kazim (a), it is stated that only the infallible can be an Imam among us.[5] Imam Sadiq (a) explains that by infallible, it means that Allah has prohibited him from committing any sins.[6] In explaining this narration about what kind of power infallibility (ismah) is, and whether it is contradictory to human free will or not, it should be said that according to a narrative, the essence of infallibility lies in the absence of greed, envy, anger, and desire of self. The Imam is not greedy, envious, or angry and It is not fitting for him to follow lust and desire, or to prefer the world over the hereafter, since God Almighty has made the hereafter as beloved to him as the world is to us, and with the same assurance and belief that we look at the world with, the Imam looks at the hereafter. Is it possible for someone to abandon a beautiful face in favor of an ugly one, or to lose sweet and delicious food for the sake of bitter sustenance, or to choose a rough and coarse garment over a soft one, or to sell a permanent and lasting comfort for a transient and perishable world?[7] From this narration, it is understood that infallibility is achieved through knowledge, and the Imam, with the knowledge he possesses, chooses to avoid sin. In explaining this knowledge, it is stated in a narration: "I have not seen anything except that I saw God before it, and after it, and along with it"[8]. This narration also indicates that it's due to this knowledge that the Imam doesn't even contemplate sin. Therefore, infallibility is divine grace in knowledge and understanding, due to which it is inconceivable for the infallible to turn towards sin, just as it is inconceivable for a person to turn to eat filth, even though this does not contradict their ability to choose. Shia scholars have also highlighted this point in their discussions: 1. Sheikh Mufid said that infallibility is not the lack of power to sin or the compulsion to do good deeds but rather it is a grace from God.[9] 2. Allama Hilli said that the infallibles are protected from committing sins, but they have the ability to sin. This is necessary because if they did not have the ability to sin, they would not be eligible for reward or deserving of commendation. In fact, they would be outside the realm of obligations, and reward and punishment would not make sense to them. However, this view contradicts the consensus of Muslims and Islamic texts.[10] 3. Allama Tabataba'i said that this knowledge, meaning the power of infallibility, does not change human nature which chooses its voluntary actions, nor does it shift it to the realm of compulsion and necessity.... thus, the infallible person turns away from sin by himself, through his own choice and will.[11] Therefore, in light of the verses of the Quran, the narrations of the Imams (a), and the statements of the scholars as described; it must be said there is no conflict or contradiction between infallibility and human free will. [1] . Al-Mufradaat fi Gharib al-Qur'an; al-Raghib al-Isfahani, Vol: 1, pp: 569, 570 / Lisan al-Arab; ibn Manzoor, Vol: 12, P: 403 / al-Sahah Taj al-Lughah wa Sahah al-Arabiyya; al-Jawhari, Abu Nasr, Vol: 5, P: 1986 / Taj al-Aroos; al-Zubaidi, Murtaza, Vol: 33, P: 98. [2] . Bihar al-Anwar; al-Allama al-Majlisi, Vol: 17, P: 94. [3] . Al-Ahzab: 33 " إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا" [4] . Al-Fussilat: 6 "قل إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ" [5] . Ma'ani al-Akhbar; Sheikh al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 132. [6] . Ibid. [7] . Al-Khisal; Sheikh al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 215. [8] . Rasa'il wa Maqalat; al-Subhani, Sheikh Jafar, Vol: 8, P: 423. [9] . Tas'hih I'tiqadat al-Imamiyyah; Sheikh al-Mufid, Vol: 1, P: 128 / al-Nukat al-I'tiqadiyya; Sheikh al-Mufid, Vol: 1, P: 37. [10] . Kashf al-Murad fi Sharh Tajrid al-I'tiqad; Allama al-Hilli, Vol: 1, P: 365. [11] . Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an; Allama al-Tabatabai, Vol: 11, P: 163

Why did the Prophet (S.W) use the word “Mawla” instead of “Khalifa” or other words on the day of Ghadir Khumm? To introduce someone as a successor after oneself, one can use words that imply this designation. Before the event of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet Muhammad (S.W) had used various terms and expressions that indicated this matter. For instance, during the "Yom al-Dar" event, where the Prophet gathered people to invite them to monotheism, he asked, “Who will support me in this matter?” Only Imam Ali (A.S) responded, and this event was repeated three times. Finally, the Prophet declared, "O Ali, you are my guardian, brother, and the caliph after me."[1] Additionally, in other instances, he mentioned, "You are my caliph over all believers"[2] and "You are the guardian of the believers,"[3] and these occurrences are recorded throughout Islamic history. The use of the term "mawla" at Ghadir Khumm was because this term denotes guardianship. This word in Arabic means "more worthy" as noted by linguistic scholars.[4]-[5]-[6]-[7] And at Ghadir Khumm, as per the order of the Almighty,[8] the Prophet used the term "mawla" to declare the succession of Ali.[9] After the declaration of Ali's succession, the angel Gabriel descended and revealed the following divine verse to the Prophet: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."[10] [1] . Tarikh al-Tabari (Tarikh al-Rusul wal-Muluk): al-Tabari, Abu Ja’far Vol: 2 P: 321, 320 / al-Ghadir, Allamah Amini Vol. 3, p. 238. [2] . Kitab al-Sunnah: Ibn Abi Asim Vol: 1 Page: 589 [3] . Musnad Ahmad Mukhrajah: Ahmad ibn Hanbal Vol: 38 P: 117 [4] . Muhammad bin Saeb Kalbi has taken the meaning of the word "mawla" more worthy: Tafsir al-Razi, Mafatih al-Ghayb aw al-Tafsir al-Kabir: al-Razi, Fakhr al-Din Vol: 29 Page: 459 / Tafsir al-Baghawi: al-Baghawi, Abu Muhammad V: 4, P: 57 / al-Bahr al-Muhit fi Tafsir: Abu Hayyan al-Andalusi Vol: 5 P: 433. [5] . al-Zahir fi Ma’ani Kalimat al-Nas: Ibn al-Anbari Vol: 1 Page: 125 [6] . Al-Muhit fi al-Lughah: al-Sahib ibn Abbad Vol: 2 Page: 468 [7] . Alusi, who himself objected to the Shi'a about the meaning of mawla, admits in another place of his book that the linguists have captured mawla in more worthy: Tafsir Ruh al-Ma’ani: al-Alusi, Shahab al-Din Vol: 27 Page: 178 [8] ". Al-Ma'idah: 67, يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ ۖ وَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ" [9] . Al-Dur al-Munthur fi Tafsir b al-Mathur: al-Suyuti, Jalal al-Din Vol: 3 P: 117 / Tarikh al-Ya’qubi: Ahmad ibn Abi Ya’qub Vol: 2 P: 43. [10]. Al-Ma'idah: 3, الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَ أَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَ رَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينا"

What is the evidence for the infallibility of the Imams (A.S)? The infallibility of the Imams (A.S) is agreed upon by all scholars of the Shia faith. They believe that the Imams are immune from all sins, major and minor.[1] To prove the infallibility of the Imams, they provide various evidences, some of which include: rational reasoning: The existence of an Imam to guide and lead people towards human perfection and to protect the religion from distortion necessitates that the Imam himself remains free from errors and slips. Otherwise, if someone who is supposed to guide others needs guidance himself, it would contradict the purpose and wisdom of Allah.[2] Quranic reasoning: The verse of purification (Ayah al-Tathir) states, "Indeed Allah desires to repel all impurity from you, O people of the Household, and purify you with a thorough purification."[3] This verse indicates the divine intention to remove impurities from the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S), signifying their infallibility.[4] According to Shia[5] and Sunni[6] narrations, the verse of purification refers to the People of the Cloak (Ahl al-Kesa), who are mentioned as five individuals. According to other narrations, the Imams after Imam Hussein (A.S) are also considered part of the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S).[7] The verse of Ibrahim's test mentions that "when his Lord tested Abraham with certain words and he fulfilled them, He said: I am making you the Imam of mankind. Abraham said: And from among my descendants? He said, My pledge does not extend to the unjust."[8] This absolute statement of injustice implies that anyone who commits even a single act of injustice cannot be an Imam. Shia scholars understand the term "pledge" in this verse to refer to the Imamate, thus asserting that Imamate does not reach a person who is not infallible.[9] The verse of obedience (Ulil Amr): "O you who have faith! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those vested with authority among you"[10] In this verse, it is obligatory to obey Allah, the Prophet, and those in authority "Ulil Amr". If the person being obeyed is free from errors and shortcomings, we can obey him. But what if the person being obeyed is suffering from errors and needs guidance? How can his obedience be obligatory!? If obeying someone who may make a mistake and command indecency is necessary, it will be against this Quranic verse that says: "Indeed, Allah does not order indecencies"[11]. Therefore, the obedient person must have the infallibility.[12] It should be noted that Shia scholars consider the Imams (A.S) to be the "Ulil Amr".[13] Hadiths reasoning: To prove the infallibility of the Imams (A.S), various narrations have been cited: The Noble Prophet (S.W) said about the infallibility of the twelve Imams: «أَنَا وَ عَلِيٌّ وَ اَلْحَسَنُ وَ اَلْحُسَيْنُ وَ تِسْعَةٌ مِنْ وُلْدِ اَلْحُسَيْنِ مُطَهَّرُونَ مَعْصُومُونَ.»"I, Ali, Hasan, Hussein, and nine from the offspring of Hussein are pure and infallible."[14] Imam Sadiq (A.S) in describing the characteristics of Imam, says: «مَعصوما مِنَ الزَّلاّتِ، مَصونا عَنِ الفَواحِشِ کُلِّها» "Innocent from slips and errors, protected from all indecencies"[15] And in another narration he says: «نَحْنُ قَوْمٌ مَعْصُومُونَ أَمَرَ اللَّهُ‌ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى بِطَاعَتِنَا وَ نَهَى عَنْ مَعْصِيَتِنَا» " we are those who are infallible, Allah Almighty has told people to obey our orders and has forbidden them to disobey us."[16] The Hadith Thaqalayn:[17] To demonstrate the infallibility of the Imams (A.S), Shia scholars have also referenced other traditions such as the hadith thaqalayn. In this hadith, the Holy Prophet (S.W) states that the Qur'an and the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) are inseparable, emphasizing that whoever holds fast to the Ahl al-Bayt (A.S) and the Qur'an will never stray from the right path. This assertion underscores the infallibility of Ahl al-Bayt (A.S); for if they were fallible, following them would lead to misguidance.[18] It is well established that the infallibility of the Imams (A.S) is considered an absolute belief in Shia Imamia with no room for doubt. [1] . Bihar al-Anwar: Al-'Allama al-Majlisi; vol. 25, p: 209. [2] . Kashf al-Murad fi Sharh Tajrid al-I’tiqad: Al-'Allama al-Hilli; p: 364 / Al-Iqtisad al-Hadi ila Tariq al-Rashad: Sheikh al-Tusi; p: 189 / Al-Muhadarat Fi Al-Ilahiaat: Al-Sobhani, Sheikh Ja’far; p: 354. [3] . Al-Ahzab: 33, إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا"" [4] . Al-Shafi fi al-Imamah: Sayyid al-Sharif al-Murtadha, Vol. 3, p. 134 / Bihar al-Anwar: Al-'Allama al-Majlisi Vol. 35, p: 225 / Ghayat al-Maram wa Hujjat al-Khusam fi Ta’ayyun al-Imam: al-Bahrani, Sayyid Hashim Vol. 3, p: 193 / Manshur Jawid: Subhani, Sheikh Ja’far Vol. 4, p: 352. [5] . Bihar al-Anwar: al-'Allama al-Majlisi Vol. 35, p: 206 / Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran: Al-'Allama al-Tabatabai Vol. 16, p: 312. [6] . Sahih Muslim: Muslim Nishapuri; Vol. 4, p. 1883, / Sunan Tirmidhi: Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, Pp. 351, 352, and 663 / Sayyid Hashim Bahrani has reported in his book Ghayat al-Maram, 41 narrations from the Ahl al-Sunnah in this regard. Ghayat al-Maram: Bahrani, Vol. 3, Pp. 173-192. [7] . For more information refer to " Who are the “Ahlulbayt” in the verse " إِنَّما يُريدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ يُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهيراً"? [8] . Al-Baqara: 124, "وَإِذِ ابْتَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِمَاتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ قَالَ إِنِّي جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا قَالَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ" for more information plz see this article [9] . Al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Quran: Al-'Allama al-Tabatabai Vol. 1, P: 274 / Tafsir al-Tibyan: Sheikh al-Tusi Vol. 1, P: 449 / Dalail al-Sidq li Nahj al-Haqq: Mozaffar, Sheikh Muhammad Hasan, Vol. 4, P: 220. [10] . Al-Nnisa: 59, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ"" [11] . Al-Araf: 28, " "إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَأْمُرُ بِالْفَحْشَاء [12] . Dalail al-Sidq li Nahj al-Haqq: Mozaffar, Sheikh Muhammad Hasan; Vol. 4, P: 221 / Manar al-Huda fi al-Nass 'ala Imamat al-Ithna Ashar (AS): Sheikh Ali al-Bahrani, P: 113. [13] . Tafsir al-Tibyan: Sheikh al-Tusi Vol. 3, P: 236 / Majma al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran: Sheikh al-Tabrasi Vol. 3, P: 100 / Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’mah: Sheikh al-Saduq Vol. 1, P: 253 / Al-Kafi: Sheikh al-Kulayni Vol. 1, P: 286 / Ghayat al-Maram: Bahrani, Sayyid Hashim; Vol. 3, P: 109. [14] . Uyun Akhbar al-Rida (AS): Sheikh al-Saduq Vol. 2, P: 65 / Kamal al-Din wa Tamam al-Ni’mah: Sheikh al-Saduq Vol. 1, P: 280. [15] . Al-Kafi: Kulayni, Muhammad ibn Ya’qub; Vol. 1, Page 204. [16] . Ibid, P: 269 [17] . Ma’ani Al-Akhbar: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; vol: 1, p: 90 / Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni; vol: 1, p: 287 / Kamal Al-Din Wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; vol: 1, p: 64 / Al-Muharrar Al-Wajiz Fi Tafsir Al-Kitab Al-Aziz: Ibn Atiyyah; vol: 5, p: 230 / Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih (Sahih Muslim), Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj : Muhammad Fuad Abdul Baqi, vol: 4, p: 1873, H 36 / Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi), Al-Tirmidhi Al-Sulami, Muhammad Ibn Isa : Ahmad Muhammad Shakir and others, vol: 5, p: 662, Bab (Manaqib Ahl Bayt Al-Nabi), H 3786 / Musnad Ahmad: Ahmad Ibn Hanbal; vol: 17, p: 170. [18] . Al-Kafi fi al-Fiqh: al-Halabi, Abu al-Salah; P: 97 / al-Masa’il al-Jarudiyya: Sheikh al-Mufid; P: 42 / Abhi al-Midad fi Sharh Mawtamar Ulema Baghdad, Ibn Atiyya; Vol. 1, P: 131 / Manar al-Huda: Bahrani; Page 617.

What is the meaning of "knowing the Imam" in the hadith "من مات ولم یعرف امام زمانه مات میتة جاهلیة "(Whoever dies and does not know his Imam of his time has died a death of ignorance)? Knowledge in the word means "to know something with deliberation and thought by its effect," and is the opposite of denial.[1] Based on this, "knowing the Imam" means "to be aware of him." In a hadith, it is narrated that the narrator presented himself to Imam Hasan al-Askari and said, "O Master, who is the Imam after you? For we have news from your fathers that states that whoever does not know his Imam of his time will die a death of ignorance." After confirming the hadith, the Imam replied, "The Imam after me is my son Muhammad."[2] Many scholars, such as Mulla Sadra, have emphasized the importance of this issue.[3] Now the question is, what is the necessary amount of this knowledge? Shaykh al-Saduq stated in the discussion of knowing the Imams as follows: • Knowledge that the Imams are twelve in number, that the Prophet Muhammad (S) mentioned their names and described their qualities, and belief that obedience to them is obligatory, that God reveals His religion through them, that love of them is faith and enmity to them is disbelief, and that the last of them is the Mahdi, through whom God fills the earth with justice and equity, and Jesus comes to his aid, and so on.[4] According to Shaykh al-Saduq, understanding the identity of the Imam involves having knowledge and belief in their rank and position, as well as accepting their leadership. It does not necessarily mean physically seeing or recognizing the Imam's face. This is because there were many people who knew the Imams yet denied their virtues, rank, and position. On the other hand, there were some Shiites who were not fortunate enough to meet the Imams in person, but the position and status of the Imams were well established among them. Therefore, recognizing the Imam entails having knowledge of his position, rank, and Imamate, rather than merely identifying his physical appearance and recognizing his face. This point is not hidden from anyone, as when the Dar al-Ifta Al-Azhar Board was asked about the hadith "Whoever dies and does not know his Imam of his time", they replied: It means the knowledge of allegiance and entering into obedience, and the purpose of the hadith is not to know the name of the Imam, even though it is very rare for someone not to know the name of the Imam.[5] Kharaza Qumi narrates a hadith from Imam al-Sadiq about knowing the Imam, in which the Imam said, "The best of obligations and the most obligatory of them on man is knowledge. First of knowledge is knowing God, after that is knowing the Prophet, and after that is knowing the Imam, which is knowledge of his name, description, and blessing, and that we have knowledge and recognition of him in every situation, in ease and difficulty. and we believe that he has all the rank of prophecy except that he is not given revelation, and that we consider obedience to him to be obedience to God and the Prophet, and that we are submissive to him in all matters, and that we believe that the Imam after the Prophet Muhammad is Ali ibn Abi Talib, after him is Hasan ibn Ali, after him is Husayn ibn Ali, after him is Ali ibn Husayn, after him is Muhammad ibn Ali, after him is Ja'far ibn Muhammad, after him is Musa ibn Ja'far, after him is Ali ibn Musa, after him is Muhammad ibn Ali, after him is Ali ibn Muhammad, after him is Hasan al-Askari, and after him is the Proof of the Qaim. The totality of these matters is called knowing the Imam, and whoever believes in these matters has knowledge of his Imam in every situation, even if he has not seen him with his eyes."[6] Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi explains that the majority of theologians believe in the necessity of having general knowledge about the Imam, rather than detailed knowledge. He also presents evidence to support his opinion.[7] Based on what has been said, the objections that are raised about knowing the Imam in the era of occultation are also answered, because general knowledge is sufficient in knowing the Imam, and what the Shia is bound to, is the knowledge of the rank, virtues, and position of the Imam and general knowledge of him. [1] . Al-Mufradat fi Ghareeb Al-Quran: Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani; Vol: 1; P: 560. [2] . Kamal Al-Din wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; Vol: 2; P: 409. [3] . Sharh Usul Al-Kafi (Sadra): Al-Mulla Sadra; Vol: 2; Pp: 501-500. [4] . Al-Hidayah fi Al-Usul wa Al-Furoo: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; Vol: 2; P: 30. [5] . Fatawa Dar Al-Ifta Al-Masriyyah: Various Authors; Vol: 10; P: 282. [6] . Kifayat Al-Athar fi Al-Nass 'ala Al-A’immah Al-Ithnay 'Ashar: Ali ibn Muhammad Al-Khazaz; Vol: 1; P: 262. [7] . Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah: Al-Mawardi; Vol: 1; P: 39.

Does the Holy Prophet (s) have the position of Imamate? Paying attention to two points will clarify the answer to this question: 1. The Prophet has a higher status than all the prophets and angels. The prophet himself states: “Allah Almighty has favored His prophets over the angels who are close to Him, and He has favored me over all prophets.”[1] In another narration, the Commander of the Faithful (a) says: "...God has not given any prophets any status or virtue except that he collected it for Muhammad (s), and added to the number of those virtues for Muhammad"[2]. And in another narration, Imam Sadiq (a) says: "Indeed, God Almighty did not grant anything to the prophets, except that He granted it to Muhammad (s)". [3] Therefore, all the positions and virtues of prophets have been granted to the holy Prophet, and he has a position higher than all the prophets and angels, so when in the Qur'an, the position of Imamate has given to prophet Abraham (When his Lord tested Abraham's faith, by His words and he fulfilled them, He said, "I am appointing you Imam of mankind.)[4] If this great position is confirmed for Abraham, it will be for the Prophet as a priority. 2. It is specified in some hadiths the Imamate of the Prophet of Islam, such as the narration of Imam Sadiq (a): "The Holy Prophet (s) was both an imam and a prophet, but Ali (a) was an imam, not a prophet".[5] Or imam Ali (a) himself states about the Imamate of the Holy Prophet (s): " O people! Indeed, the Messenger of God is the Imam of all, during his life and after his death".[6] Or in Nahj al-Balagha, imam Ali (a) states: "The prophet is the imam of the pious"[7]. According to these two points, it becomes clear that the position of Imamate, which is a great position, has been constant for the Prophet (s) as well as the position of prophethood and risalat. [1] . Ayoun Akhbar al-Reza Vol. 1 p. 262- Kamal al-Din and Tamma Al-Naimah Vol. 1 p. 254. « إن الله تعالى فضل أنبياءه المرسلين على الملائكة المقربين وفضلني على جميع النبيين والمرسلين» [2] . Al-Ihtjaj / Tabarsi / Volume 1 / Page 211. «...مَا أَعْطَى اللَّهُ نَبِيّاً دَرَجَةً وَ لَا مُرْسَلًا فَضِيلَةً إِلَّا وَ قَدْ جَمَعَهَا لِمُحَمَّدٍ ص وَ زَادَ مُحَمَّداً عَلَى الْأَنْبِيَاءِ أَضْعَافاً مُضَاعَفَة...» [3] . Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol. 1/p. 225." "اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ لَمْ يُعْطِ الْأَنْبِيٰاءَ شَيْئاً الاّٰ وَ قَدْ أَعْطٰاهُ مُحَمَّدا [4] . Al-Baqarah: 124." "وَ إِذِ ابْتَلى‏ إِبْراهيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِماتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ قالَ إِنِّي جاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِماماً [5] . Al-Ilal Al-Shara’i, Sheikh Saduq, vol. 1, p. 175." فَالنَّبِيُّ ص إِمَامٌ وَ نَبِيٌّ وَ عَلِيٌّ (ع) إِمَامٌ لَيْسَ بِنَبِيٍّ وَ لَا "رَسُول‏ [6] . Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol. 1/p. 225. "أَيُّهَا النّٰاسُ انَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ(ص) امٰامٌ حَيّاً وَ مَيِّتاً" [7] . Nahj al-Balagha, Fayd al-Islam, Sermon 93, p. 279. " "فَهُوَ امٰامُ مَنِ اتَّقىٰ

Is the position of imamate higher than the position of prophethood and risalat? First, we explain the concept of the three words of prophethood, risalate and imamate to clarify the superiority of imamate over risalat and prophecy. 1- The prophethood: prophet or nabi ((نبی is an Arabic word that means a messenger, so a prophet is a bearer of great news or a person who informs about it[1], and in the term, a prophet is someone who gives news from God without an intermediary[2] (according to this, prophecy means news Giving without an intermediary from God.) The Qur'an says: "فَبَعَثَ اللهُ النَّبیّینَ مُبَشّرینَ و مُنْذرین"[3], God raised the prophets as bearers of good news and warnings. As a result, it can be said: the position of prophethood means receiving revelation from God, and a "prophet" is someone to whom revelation is revealed and what he receives through revelation, he gives it to people if they ask him.[4] 2- The risalat (prophetic mission): Rasul (رسول) is an Arabic word means a messenger, and sometimes a word and a message that is sent is called a messenger (rasul), just as a person who carries a message is also called a messenger (rasul).[5] And the messenger in the term refers to prophets who, in addition to receiving revelations and giving news from God, have the responsibility of communicating a divine mission from God and to convey that mission to the people; The Qur'an says: " وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَى رَسُولِنَا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ "[6] “ Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But, if you turn away, Our Messenger's duty is only to deliver the Clear Message.” Therefore, messengers are also prophets because they are recipients of divine revelation and bearers of news. As a result, the position of the risalat means the transmission of revelation, propagation and promotion of divine orders and training the people through education and awareness, so the messenger is the one who is obliged to invite people to God and convey his command with effort. [7] 3- The Imamate: Imam is an Arabic word that means leader and master. [8]In al- Majmae al-Bahrayn also, imam means the leader and the one who is followed by people.[9] Although, among the Shiites, Imam is the successor of the Holy Prophet.[10] According to the Qur'an, the position of Imamate is different from prophethood and risalat, and it is accompanied by wider powers and possessions in the direction of managing and leading the society and leading the people. As a result, the position of Imamate means the leadership of the people. In fact, an imam is a person who, by forming a divine government and obtaining the necessary powers, tries to implement God's decrees practically, and even if he cannot formally form a government, he tries to implement the decrees as much as he can. In other words, the duty of the imam is to carry out divine orders, while the duty of the messenger is to convey these orders. Some prophets, such as Abraham and the Prophet Muhammad (s), had all three positions, receiving revelations and preaching divine commands, and they tried to form the government and execute the decrees, and they trained the people. Therefore, it can be said; Imamate is the position of all-round leadership, physical, spiritual, outward and inward and imam is the head of government, community leader, religious leader, moral teacher and inner leader. [11] According to the stated content, the superiority of the position of Imamate compared to the position of Risalat and Prophethood was clarified. In any case, the best reason for the superiority of the position of Imamate is the Word of God in the Qur'an, where it says: " وَ إِذِ ابْتَلى‏ إِبْراهيمَ رَبُّهُ بِكَلِماتٍ فَأَتَمَّهُنَّ قالَ إِنِّي جاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِماماً قالَ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتي‏ قالَ لا يَنالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمينَ،"[12] When his Lord tested Abraham's faith, by His words and he fulfilled them, He said, "I am appointing you Imam of mankind." Abraham asked, "Will this imamate also continue through my descendants?" The Lord replied, " My covenant includeth not wrong-doers." (And only those of your children who are pure and innocent are worthy of this position) The verse proves the position of Imamate for Abraham - peace be upon him - after heavy trials and tests, and Abraham's success in all of them. According to Imam Sadiq(a)'s narration, prophet Abraham reached the position of Imamate after these positions: (1) the position of servitude; (2) the position of prophethood; (3)- the position of Risalat; (4) the position of friendship; (5) and at last the position of Imamate.[13]After reaching this position, he asked God whether this position is just for him or his descendants will also have this position. God says: This position is reserved for the pure and innocent men. Therefore, those who have committed wrongdoing and sin even once in their entire life, do not deserve this divine position; And what sin is higher than polytheism? Therefore, prophet Abraham had all these attributes and then he became an imam. This article clearly conveys the superiority of the position of Imamate over the prophethood and the risalat. [1] . Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-Arab, vol. 1, p. 162. [2] . Allama Hilli, Albab Alhadi Eashra, p. 8. « النّبيّ (ص) هو الإنسان المخبر عن اللّه تعالى بغير واسطة أحد من البشر» [3] . Al-Baqarah: 213. [4] . Tafsir Namuna, Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, vol: 1 p: 440. [5] . Ragheb Isfahani, Hussein bin Muhammad, Mofardat Ragheb, Dar Al-Qalam, vol. 1, p. 353. [6] . Al-Taghabun: 12. [7] . Tafsir Namuna, Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, vol: 1 p: 440. [8] . Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-Arab, vol: 12, p: 24. [9] . Fakhruddin Torihi; al- Majmae al-Bahrayn, vol: 6, p: 10. [10] . For more explanation about the meaning of Imam, refer to the question "What does the definition of Imam Literally and technically?". [11] . Tafsir Namuna, Makarem Shirazi, Nasser, vol: 1 p: 440. [12] . Al-Baqarah: 124. [13] . Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol. 1/p. 175." قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع يَقُولُ‏ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَبَارَكَ وَ تَعَالَى اتَّخَذَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَبْداً قَبْلَ أَنْ يَتَّخِذَهُ نَبِيّاً وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اتَّخَذَهُ نَبِيّاً قَبْلَ أَنْ يَتَّخِذَهُ رَسُولًا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اتَّخَذَهُ رَسُولًا قَبْلَ أَنْ يَتَّخِذَهُ خَلِيلًا وَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ اتَّخَذَهُ خَلِيلًا قَبْلَ أَنْ يَجْعَلَهُ إِمَاماً فَلَمَّا جَمَعَ لَهُ الْأَشْيَاءَ قَالَ‏ إِنِّي جاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِماماً قَالَ فَمِنْ عِظَمِهَا فِي عَيْنِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ قَالَ‏ وَ مِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي قالَ لا يَنالُ عَهْدِي الظَّالِمِينَ‏ قَالَ لَا يَكُونُ السَّفِيهُ إِمَامَ التَّقِيِّ"

What is the difference between the Holy Prophet (saw) and the infallible Imams (as)? The duty of the messengers of God is to receive the Sharia from God and propagate and preserve it, and prophets' successors are their successor in the Sharia among prophets' ummah, so the difference between the successor and the messenger is that the messenger receives the Sharia from God directly and the successor receives the Sharia from the prophet and as long as the Messenger's successor is among the Ummah, that Sharia also remains intact through that successor. Therefore, it is mentioned in a narration from the Prophet(s), O Ali, I am the one who gives warning, and you are the guide in this matter.[1] In another narration, Sadir says: I said to Imam Sadiq (a): There are some people who believe that you are deities and they provide evidence for it from the Qur'an. He said: O Sadir! My ears, my eyes, my body, my blood and my hair hate these people, and God hates them, they are not in my religion, nor in the religion of my fathers. I said: There are other people who say: You are the messengers of God. He said: O Sadir! My ears, my eyes, my hair, my body, my flesh and my blood hate them, God and His Messenger hate them, they are not in my religion, nor in the religion of my fathers. I swear to God that on the Day of Resurrection, God will not bring me and them together except that He is angry with them. I said: So, what are you? He said: We are the treasurers of God's knowledge, we are the interpreters of God's orders, we are innocent and pure people, God Almighty has commanded people to obey us and forbade people from disobeying us. We are the clear proof of God over everything under the sky and on the earth. [2] In this narration, the Imam denies the prophecy for himself, and explains difference between the Imams and the Prophet is that they are the interpreters of the divine command, which God has made their obedience like the prophet's obedience, obligatory. So, since they are the interpreters of the divine order, they do not receive a new religion, that's why prophetic revelation is not revealed to them[3], but they are in contact with the angels, as Imam Baqir (a) said in a narration, Imam is the one who hears the voice of angels. [4] [1] . Bihar Al-Anwar / Al-Allamah Al-Majlisi/ vol. 35/ p: 400. «أَنَا الْمُنْذِرُ وَ أَنْتَ يَا عَلِيُّ الْهَادِي إِلَى أَمْرِي‏» [2] . Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol: 1/p: 269. «عن سَدِيرٍ قَالَ: قُلْتُ لِأَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع إِنَّ قَوْماً يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّكُمْ آلِهَةٌ......» [3] . Prophetic revelation is a sign of prophecy and it is mentioned more than seventy times in the Quran. Ma’rifat Qur’ani / Marafat, Sheikh Mohammad Hadi / Vol: 1 P: 22. [4] . Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol: 1/p: 176. «.... قُلْتُ الْإِمَامُ مَا مَنْزِلَتُهُ قَالَ يَسْمَعُ الصَّوْتَ .....»

What is the opinion of the scholars regarding the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) as the son of Imam Hassan Askari (AS)? Considering the numerous and frequent narrations[1] and the encounters of some Shia scholars with Imam Mahdi (ajtf),[2] it can be said that the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is a consensus and a necessity of the Shia religion, as Kulayni clearly writes: " Imam Mahdi (ajtf) was born in the middle of Sha'ban in the year 255 A.H."[3] Sheikh Mufid also states that the Imam succeeding Imam Abu Muhammad (AS) was his son, who shared the same name and nickname as the Prophet (SAW). Imam Hassan Askari (AS) did not have any other children, and Imam Mahdi's (ajtf) succession was accompanied by his absence. His birth occurred in the middle of Sha'ban in the year 255 A.H.[4] Other Shia scholars such as Sheikh Saduq[5], Syed Murtaza,[6] Sheikh Tusi,[7] Allameh Majlisi,[8] and Allameh Tabatabai[9] have also emphasized this belief. However, the belief in the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is a disputed issue among Sunni Muslims. Some Sunni scholars deny the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf), such as Abd al-Muhsin al-Abbad, a professor at the University of Medina, who says: According to Sunni belief, Mahdi (ajtf) is a leader among the Muslims who will spread justice and implement Islamic law. He will be born in the end times and will lead the Muslims.[10] Nasir al-Qaffari is also one of those who denies the birth of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) and believes that this belief in Imam Mahdi (ajtf) is derived from the Zoroastrians.[11] But the majority of Sunni scholars have explicitly acknowledged his birth. They also agree with the Shia that Imam Mahdi is the son of Imam Askari (AS). However, some groups also accept him as the promised Mahdi (ajtf), such as; Shams al-Din Abu al-Muzaffar popularly known as Sibṭ ibn al-Jawzī (died in 654 A.H.) said: "He is Mohammed, son of Hassan, son of Ali, son of Mohammed, son of Ali, son of Musa al-Ridha, son of Jafar, son of Mohammed, son of Ali, son of Hussein, son of Ali, son of Abu Talib, and his name is Aba Abdullah and Aba al-Qasim. He is the guardian, the proof, the ruler of the time, the expected Mahdi, and he is the last Imam. Abdul Aziz ibn Mahmoud ibn Bazaz informed us of Ibn Umar who said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: In the end times, a man from my tribe will appear, whose name is similar to mine, and he will fill the earth with justice and peace in a time filled with oppression."[12] Ibn Sabbagh: Nur al-Din Ali bin Muhammad bin Sabbagh Maliki (died in 855 A.H.) mentions about Imam Askari (AS): Abu Muhammad al-Hasan was succeeded by his son the expected al-Qaim (Mahdi), and due to the king's fear and the pressure of the condition at that time, he hid his son's birth.[13] Ganji Shafi'i presents different evidence supporting the being alive of Imam Mahdi (ajtf) being alive.[14] Abdul Wahab Shearani Hanafi,[15] Muhammad bin Talha Shafi'i,[16] Sheikh Suleiman Hanafi,[17] Nooruddin Abdul Rahman Jami Hanafi,[18] Qazi Bahlul Behjat Effendi,[19] Sadruddin Hamoini,[20] Sheikh Fariduddin Attar Neishaburi, Jalaluddin Rumi[21] and Ahmad bin Yusuf Abu al-Abbas Qormani Hanafi[22] share similar beliefs. Many other people have believed that a child named Mahdi (ajtf) was born to Imam Hasan Askari (AS), but they doubted whether it was the Promised Mahdi (ajtf) and considered his being Mahdi (ajtf) to be a Shiite belief, such as Ibn Khallikan, who believed that a child was born to Imam Hasan Askari (AS),[23] Shams al-Din Dhahabi,[24] Ibn Hajar Haythami,[25] and Izza al-Din Ibn Athir[26] have also expressed similar words. It is understood from the above discussions that a significant number of Sunni scholars believe in the birth of a son for Imam Hasan Askari (AS), and some even believe that his son is the promised Mahdi (ajtf). [1] . Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni. Vol: 1 P: 328. / Al-Irshad: Al-Sheikh Al-Mufid. Vol: 2 P: 348. / Al-Ghaybah: Al-Sheikh Al-Tusi. Vol: 1 P: 232. [2] . Kamal Al-Din wa Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq. Vol: 2 P: 434. [3] . Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol. 1, p. 514. [4] . Al-Irshad: Al-Sheikh Al-Mufid. Vol. 2, p. 339. [5] . Kamal Al-Din wa Tamam Al-Ni'mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol. 2, p. 430. [6] . Tanziyul Anbiya: 'Ilam Al-Hoda, Sayyid Murtadha, p. 180. [7] . Al-Ghaybah: Al-Sheikh Al-Tusi, Vol. 1, p. 239. [8] . Bihar Al-Anwar: Al-'Allama Al-Majlisi, Vol: 51 P: 2. [9] . Shi'ah Dar Islam: Tabatabai, Muhammad Husayn, p. 230. [10] . Al-Radd 'ala Man Kadhab bi Al-Ahadith Al-Sahihah Al-Warridah fi Al-Mahdi: Al-'Ibad, Abdul Muhsin, Vol: 45 P: 301. [11] . Usul Madhab Al-Shi'ah Al-Imamiyyah Al-Ithna 'Ashariyah: Al-Qaffari, Nasser, Vol: 2 P: 907. [12] . Tadhkirat Al-Khawas Min Al-Ummah bi Dhikr Khasais Al-A'immah: Sibṭ ibn al-Jawzī, Vol: 2 P: 506. [13] . Al-Fusul Al-Muhimah fi Ma'rifat Al-A'immah: Al-Maliki Al-Makki, Ali bin Muhammad bin Ahmad, Vol: 2 P: 1091. [14] . Al-Bayan fi Akhbar Sahib Al-Zaman: Al-Ganji Al-Shafi'i, Muhammad bin Yusuf, Vol: 1 P: 521. [15] . Al-Yawaqit wal-Jawahir fi Bayan 'Aqaid Al-Akabir: Abdul Wahhab bin Ahmad bin Ali Al-Hanafi Al-Sharani, Vol. 2, p. 127. [16] . Matalib Al-Su'ul fi Manaqib Al Al-Rasul: Al-Nasaibi Al-Shafi'i, Muhammad bin Talha, Vol: 1, p: 312. [17] . Yanaibul Mawaddah Lil Dhawi Al-Qurba: Al-Qunduzi Al-Hanafi, Sulaiman bin Ibrahim, Vol. 3, p. 323. [18] . Shawahid Al-Nubuwwah: Nur Al-Din 'Abd al-Rahman Jami Hanafi, p. 404. [19] . Al-Muhakamah fi Tarikh Al Al Muhammad (SAW): Qadi Bahlul Bahjat Afandi, p. 246. [20] . Fara'id Al-Samtayn fi Fada'il Al Murtadha wa Al-Batul wa Al-Sibtayn wa Al-A'imah min Dhurriyyatihim (AS): Ibrahim bin Sa'ad Al-Din Shafi'i, Vol. 2, p. 134, (Chapter 31 on the infallibility of the Imams from the progeny of Muhammad). [21] . Yanabil Al-Mawaddah Lil Dhu Al-Qurbah: Sulaiman bin Ibrahim al-Qunduzi, Vol. 3, p. 349-352, (Chapter 87 on mentioning some poems of the People of God praising the Twelve Imams (AS)). [22] . Akhbar Al-Dawal wa Athar Al-Awwal fi Al-Tarikh: Ahmad bin Yusuf Abu Al-Abbas Qormani, Vol. 1, p. 353. [23] . Wafayat al-A'yan wa Anba' ibn al-Zaman: Ibn Khallikan, Abu Al-Abbas Shams al-Din Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Abi Bakr, Vol. 4, p. 176. [24] . Tarikh Al-Islam wa Wafayat Al-Mashaheer wa Al-A'lam: Dhahabi, Shams al-Din Muhammad bin Ahmad bin Uthman, Vol. 19, p. 79. [25] . Al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah: Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami, Abu Al-Abbas Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Ali, Vol. 2, p. 601. [26] . Al-Kamil fi Al-Tarikh: Ibn Al-Athir, 'Izz al-Din, Vol: 6 P: 320.

How can an Imam appointed by God pledge allegiance to another person, and can this allegiance legitimize that person’s rule? The literal meaning of "allegiance": “bay’ah” (allegiance) and “bay’” (sale) are two infinitives of the verb “ba’a”. Therefore, the meaning of "Allegiance" is very compatible with "Beyah". As a result, a kind of exchange takes place in the pledge of allegiance. In historical Arab practice, people would clasp each other’s right hands during buying and selling transactions, known as “safqah” or “bay’ah.” Some linguists have considered the “bay’ah” as a contract between the parties, and just as in the sale, goods are placed against goods or money, in the pledge of allegiance, the pledger commits to obey the ruler in return the ruler's commitment to implement the laws and provide benefits. In Lisan al-Arab, it is stated that “bay’ah” means making a contract and a treaty. It is as if each of them sells what he has to his friend and leaves his life, obedience, and the right to interfere in his work to another. This is the way that each of them buys what is with the other and leaves all his existence and obedience to him and interference in his work to him. [1] Ibn Athir also believes: “bay’ah” in Islam means a treaty and agreement on Islam, in such a way that each of them buys what is with the other and obeys him with all his being and interferes in his work. leaves it to him. [2] In the terminological meaning, “bay’ah” reflects the literal meaning of the word, indicating a declaration of readiness to obey the ruler and accept the responsibility of governing society. Through “bay’ah,” people express willingness to obey the ruler so that he can manage their affairs and address social reforms. By submitting to “bay’ah,” individuals hand over their governmental affairs to the ruler to work for the welfare of the citizens. [3] The allegiance ceremonies of the era of the caliphs were apparently for the position of Imamat and Caliphate because each caliph, through the allegiance received from the people, claimed to have legitimized their rule. However, the truth is that allegiance cannot be a legitimate justification for governance because it is seen in the documents of history that the caliphs took allegiance from the people by force, and it cannot be claimed that loyalty in an agreement can be forced. In the case of whether Imam Ali pledged allegiance to the caliphs or not, two opinions exist. Some believe that Imam Ali never pledged allegiance in any way, [4] while others argue that he did by force and under compulsion. [5] Therefore, such coerced allegiances cannot be acceptable for legitimizing governance. Optional and free allegiance is one of the general conditions of allegiance and can be used through the biography of the Holy Prophet and other Imams (according to historical reports). For example, Imam Ali says: "The founders of Jamal called all those who had surrendered to me and pledged allegiance to me without reluctance and with full satisfaction." [6] Or the Imam, in response to Ammar's suggestion that now that the people have pledged allegiance to you voluntarily and without reluctance, it is good to invite Osama bin Zayd, Abdullah bin Umar, and others to act like other people, he said: "We do not need to pledge allegiance anyone who doesn't like us." [7] It is also mentioned in a quote from Muhammad Hanafia: After the killing of Uthman, when my father accepted the pledge of allegiance following the great insistence of the people, he said: "Pledge of allegiance to me must be openly and only with the desire and consent of the people." [8] There are many such narrations that show that allegiance is optional in the political system of Islam, as well as in jurisprudence, no “bay’” (sale) is fulfilled by force. [9] A pledge of allegiance is valid only if given willingly and without coercion. Therefore, even if the infallible imam takes a pledge of allegiance if it is done under duress, it holds no validity. It must be free from reluctance and coercion. [10] Alternatively, if circumstances left no option but to pledge allegiance to the ruler, then in the case of an infallible Imam, such allegiance would not pose a problem. For example, Imam Hassan was also forced to sign a peace treaty with Muawiyah, and the Imam in his sermon in Kufa in the presence of Muawiya, states if I had people to help me, I would never pledge allegiance to you, and in that sermon, he calls Muawiya a liar and states that our Imamate is proven by the Quran and the words of the Prophet. [11] Thus, such agreements do not hold credibility for governance legitimacy. In a narration, it is stated: 'There is no religion for someone who does not practice taqiyya'. [12] Therefore, the Ahl al-Bayt had no choice but to accept pledging allegiance (bay’ah) in order to safeguard the true light of God. In this situation, if any allegiance was given, it did not imply any defect and deficiency in the infallible Imam, nor did it legitimize the oppressive rulers. Consequently, the Imams, until the point where they were not compelled to pledge allegiance, abstained from doing so. Even if they were forced to pledge allegiance, their acceptance of allegiance means the absence of an armed uprising against the rulers, not an endorsement of their legitimacy. [1] . Lisan al-Arab, Ibn Manzur, Vol. 8, p. 26. [2] . Al-Nihayah fi Ghareeb al-Hadith wal Athar; Ibn al-Athir, Majd al-Din Vol. 1, p. 174. [3] . Tarikh ibn Khaldun; Ibn Khaldun, Vol. 1, p. 261. [4] . Al-Fusool al-Mukhtarah; Al-Sheikh Al-Mufid, Vol. 1, p. 56. [5] . Al-Shafi fi al-Imamah; Al-Sayyid Al-Sharif Al-Murtadha, Vol. 3, p. 246. [6] . Nahj al-Balagha; Syed Razi, Sermon: 172. [7] . Al-Futooh li’Ibn A’tham; Ibn A’tham, Vol. 2, p. 441. [8] . Tarikh al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wal Muluk; Al-Tabari, Ibn Jarir, Vol. 4, p. 427. [9] . Mawsu’at al-Imam al-Khomeini 22 and 23 (Tahrir al-Wasilah); Al-Khomeini, Vol. 1, p. 540. [10] . Al-Sahih min Sirat al-Imam Ali (AS); Al-Amili, Ja’far Murtada, Vol. 9, p. 233 [11] . Al-Amaali - Dar al-Thaqafah; Al-Sheikh al-Tusi, Vol. 1, p. 559 [12] . Wasa’il al-Shi’ah; Al-Sheikh Har al-Amili, Vol. 11, p. 46

What is the meaning of "Maula" from the scholars and commentators' point of view? It must be said that some notable lexicographers and commentators have considered the meaning of "Maula" is more worthy and deserving, or at least said it as one of its meaning which is indicated in specific contexts. Kaa'bi understood it more worthy, as mentioned by Fakhr Razi under the verse "هي مولاكم وبئس المصير"[1]. He said that Kaa'bi believed "Maula" to be more worthy and deserving, and Zajjaj, Farraa', and Abu 'Ubaidah also interpreted it in the same way. Therefore, the meaning of the verse becomes: "The Fire is your abode, which is more worthy and deserving to you.[2] Dhahabi mentioned about the personality of Muhammad bin Sa'ib al-Kalbi, who was a Kufian and an Akhbari person, is the author of Tafsir and is known by the title of Allamah. Ibn 'Adi has said about him: We do not know anyone's interpretation as extensive as Kalbi's interpretation.[3] About Farraa', it is narrated from Abu al-'Abbas Tha'lab that he said: If it wasn't for Farraa', Arab literature would have been destroyed. Because he was the one who kept it pure and wrote it.[4] Dhahabi also stated about Abu 'Ubaidah that Jahiz said about him: There was no one on earth more knowledgeable than Abu 'Ubaydah in all fields.[5] Among other lexicographers who have interpreted the meaning of "Maula" in more worthy and deserving is Abu Bakr Anbari, who said: "Maula" means more deserving, and this statement of Allah " النار هي مولاکم"[6] It means that the fire is more deserving for you.[7] Abu al-Qasim Sahib bin 'Ubad al-Talaqani also took "Maula" in the same manner.[8] Based on this, it can be said that from the perspective of lexicographers, "Maula" is understood as more worthy. Additionally, Alusi, who criticized the Shi'a on their interpretation of the meaning of "Maula," admitted in another part of his book that lexicographers have taken "Maula" as more worthy and deserving.[9] In various interpretations, under the verse "مأواكم النار هي مولاكم"[10], "Maula" is interpreted as more worthy and deserving.[11] Now, what does "more worthy" mean in relation to the verse that states: "The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves"? Baghavi says that means all commands of the Prophet should be followed and obeyed, and if they desire something contrary to the Prophet's command, they should follow the Prophet's command.[12] After examining the views of lexicographers and interpreters on the term "Maula," it is important to note that the Prophet of Allah himself has reiterated multiple times, "Am I not more deserving (Maula) to you than yourselves?" This indicates his precedence in obedience and leadership over the believers. Furthermore, it has been clarified in some instances that "Allah and His Messenger have more authority (Maula) over you," signifying their supremacy over individuals. This illustrates that the term "Maula" conveys the idea of being more worthy and rightful.[13] Therefore, the Prophet himself explained the concept of "Maula" to dispel any doubts or misunderstandings. [1] . Al Hadid: 15. [2] . Tafsir al-Razi (Mufatih al-Gheeb or al-Tafsir al-Kabir); Al-Razi, Fakhr al-Din, Vol.: 29, p.: 459; Tafsir al-Baghwi - Ta Dar Tayiba; Al-Baghwi, Abu Muhammad, vol. 4, p. 57; Al-Bahr Al-Muhit fi Al-Tafsir, Abu Hayyan al-Andalsi, vol. 5, p. 433. [3] . Tareekh Al-Islam - T Tadmeeri; Al-Dhahabi, Shams Al-Din, Vol: 9, P: 267. [4] . Tareekh Baghdad T Bashshar ; Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi, Vol: 16, P: 224. [5] . Tadhkirat Al-Huffaz Tabaqat Al-Huffaz Ll-Dhahabi; Al-Dhahabi, Shams Al-Din, Vol: 1, P: 272. [6] . Al Hadid: 15. [7] . Al-Zahir Fi Ma’ani Kalimat Al-Nas; Ibn Al-Anbari, Vol: 1, P: 125. [8] . Al-Muhit Fi Al-Lughah; Al-Sahib Ibn Abbad, Vol: 2, P: 468. [9] . Tafsir Ruuh Al-Maani - T Dar Ihya’ Al-Turath; Al-Alousi, Shahab Al-Din, Vol: 27, P: 178. [10] . Al Hadid: 15. [11] . Tafsir Al-Quran Al-Karim; Al-Muqaddim, Muhammad Isma’il, Vol: 157, P: 8 - Al-Tafsir Al-Muneer; Al-Zuhayli, Wahbah, Vol: 27, P: 308 - Tafsir Al-Nasafi (Madarik Al-Tanzil Wa Haqaiq Al-Ta’wil); Al-Nasafi, Abu Al-Barakat, Vol: 3, P: 437 - Tafsir Al-Baydawi (Anwar Al-Tanzil Wa Asrar Al-Ta’wil); Al-Baydawi, Naser Al-Din, Vol: 5, P: 187 - Tafsir Al-Tabari (Jami’ Al-Bayan - T Hujr); Al-Tabari, Abu Ja’far, Vol: 22, P: 408 - Sahih Al-Bukhari; Al-Bukhari, Vol: 6, P: 146. [12] . Tafsir Al-Baghawi - T Dar Tayyiba; Al-Baghawi, Abu Muhammad, Vol: 6, P: 318. [13] . It’haaf Al-Khayrah Al-Muhrah Bizawaiid Al-Masaneed Al-Asharah; Al-Busiri, Vol: 7, P: 210.

What is the meaning of "امام مفترض الطاعة" (Imam ul-Muftareḍo at-Ta'a) and who does it include? The word “مفترض” (Muftareḍ) is derived from the Arabic root “فرض” (farḍ), which means “to oblige”,[1] and the word at-Ta’a: “الطاعة” means “obedience” or “submission".[2] Putting it all together, “Imam ul-Muftareḍo at-Ta’a” could be interpreted as “ the Imam whose obedience is obligatory”. In the term "Imam ul- Muftareḍo at-Ta'a" means an Imam whose unquestioning obedience is necessary for everyone, as clarified by Allamah Tabataba'i.[3] The noteworthy point is how and for whom this definition of obedience without question is proven? In response, it is stated that the Holy Qur'an says: "O you who have faith! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those vested with authority (ulu'l-amr) among you"[4] Scholars have interpreted this verse as unquestioning obligatory obedience for all. Allamah Tabatabai says about this verse, just as it is obligatory to obey the Holy Prophet (S.W) unquestioningly, it is also obligatory to obey the Imam. This is because obedience to the "ulu'l-amr" in the verse, without repeating the verb, indicates that obedience to the "ulu'l-amr" is linked with obeying the Messenger. [5] Furthermore, according to this noble verse, great scholars such as the late Tabarsi[6] and Sheikh Tusi[7] also believe in the designation of this status for the Imams (A.S). It is important to note that the meaning of "ulu'l-amr" in the verse is, according to narrations, the Ahlul Bayt (A.S). The holy Prophet (S.W) repeatedly emphasized this point during his lifetime, as seen in the Hadith Thaqalayn.[8] The late Abu al-Salah Halabi, a Shiite jurist and theologian in the fourth and fifth century, highlighted the necessity of obeying the Ahlul Bayt unconditionally based on the Prophet's absolute words in the Hadith Thaqalayn.[9] Sheikh Saduq also narrates from Aisha in which the Prophet (S.W) acknowledges this status for Imam Ali (A.S).[10] In another narration, Imam Sadiq (AS) explicitly states that God made our obedience obligatory.[11] Even Sheikh Kulayni in Kitab al-Kafi includes a chapter entitled "The Obligation of Obedience to the Imams (A.S)" and quotes seventeen narrations in this regard.[12] Based on this, there are only the Imams (A.S), who are "Imam ul- Muftareḍo at-Ta'a", i.e., they are individuals to whom it is obligatory for everyone to obey unquestioningly. [1] . Taj Al-Aroos: Al-Zabidi, Murtadha; vol: 18, p: 485 / Lisan Al-Arab: Ibn Manzur; vol: 7, p: 202. [2] . Lisan Al-Arab: Ibn Manzur; vol: 8, p: 240 / Taj Al-Aroos: Al-Zabidi, Murtadha; vol: 21, p: 462. [3] . Al-Mizan Fi Tafsir Al-Quran: Al-Alamah Al-Tabatabai; vol: 4, p: 391. [4] . Al-Nnisa: 59, يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ"" [5] . Al-Mizan Fi Tafsir Al-Quran: Al-Alamah Al-Tabatabai; vol: 4, p: 391. [6] . Majma Al-Bayan Fi Tafsir Al-Quran: Al-Sheikh Al-Tabrasi; vol: 3, p: 114. [7] . Al-Tibyan Fi Tafsir Al-Quran: Al-Sheikh Al-Tusi; vol: 3, p: 236. [8] . Ma’ani Al-Akhbar: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; vol: 1, p: 90 / Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni; vol: 1, p: 287 / Kamal Al-Din Wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; vol: 1, p: 64 / Al-Muharrar Al-Wajiz Fi Tafsir Al-Kitab Al-Aziz: Ibn Atiyyah; vol: 5, p: 230 / Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih (Sahih Muslim), Muslim Ibn Al-Hajjaj : Muhammad Fuad Abdul Baqi, vol: 4, p: 1873, H 36 / Al-Jami’ Al-Sahih (Sunan Al-Tirmidhi), Al-Tirmidhi Al-Sulami, Muhammad Ibn Isa : Ahmad Muhammad Shakir and others, vol: 5, p: 662, Bab (Manaqib Ahl Bayt Al-Nabi), H 3786 / Musnad Ahmad: Ahmad Ibn Hanbal; vol: 17, p: 170. [9] . Al-Kafi Fi Al-Fiqh: Al-Halabi, Abu Al-Salah; vol: 1, p: 97. [10] . Ma’ani Al-Akhbar: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; vol: 1, p: 103. [11] . Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni; vol: 1, p: 186. [12] . Ibid: p: 185

Why did the Prophet (S.W) use the word “Mawla” instead of “Khalifa” or other words on the day of Ghadir Khumm? To introduce someone as a successor after oneself, one can use words that imply this designation. Before the event of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet Muhammad (S.W) had used various terms and expressions that indicated this matter. For instance, during the "Yom al-Dar" event, where the Prophet gathered people to invite them to monotheism, he asked, “Who will support me in this matter?” Only Imam Ali (A.S) responded, and this event was repeated three times. Finally, the Prophet declared, "O Ali, you are my guardian, brother, and the caliph after me."[1] Additionally, in other instances, he mentioned, "You are my caliph over all believers"[2] and "You are the guardian of the believers,"[3] and these occurrences are recorded throughout Islamic history. The use of the term "mawla" at Ghadir Khumm was because this term denotes guardianship. This word in Arabic means "more worthy" as noted by linguistic scholars.[4]-[5]-[6]-[7] And at Ghadir Khumm, as per the order of the Almighty,[8] the Prophet used the term "mawla" to declare the succession of Ali.[9] After the declaration of Ali's succession, the angel Gabriel descended and revealed the following divine verse to the Prophet: "This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."[10] [1] . Tarikh al-Tabari (Tarikh al-Rusul wal-Muluk): al-Tabari, Abu Ja’far Vol: 2 P: 321, 320 / al-Ghadir, Allamah Amini Vol. 3, p. 238. [2] . Kitab al-Sunnah: Ibn Abi Asim Vol: 1 Page: 589 [3] . Musnad Ahmad Mukhrajah: Ahmad ibn Hanbal Vol: 38 P: 117 [4] . Muhammad bin Saeb Kalbi has taken the meaning of the word "mawla" more worthy: Tafsir al-Razi, Mafatih al-Ghayb aw al-Tafsir al-Kabir: al-Razi, Fakhr al-Din Vol: 29 Page: 459 / Tafsir al-Baghawi: al-Baghawi, Abu Muhammad V: 4, P: 57 / al-Bahr al-Muhit fi Tafsir: Abu Hayyan al-Andalusi Vol: 5 P: 433. [5] . al-Zahir fi Ma’ani Kalimat al-Nas: Ibn al-Anbari Vol: 1 Page: 125 [6] . Al-Muhit fi al-Lughah: al-Sahib ibn Abbad Vol: 2 Page: 468 [7] . Alusi, who himself objected to the Shi'a about the meaning of mawla, admits in another place of his book that the linguists have captured mawla in more worthy: Tafsir Ruh al-Ma’ani: al-Alusi, Shahab al-Din Vol: 27 Page: 178 [8] ". Al-Ma'idah: 67, يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ رَبِّكَ ۖ وَإِنْ لَمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ" [9] . Al-Dur al-Munthur fi Tafsir b al-Mathur: al-Suyuti, Jalal al-Din Vol: 3 P: 117 / Tarikh al-Ya’qubi: Ahmad ibn Abi Ya’qub Vol: 2 P: 43. [10]. Al-Ma'idah: 3, الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَ أَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَ رَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينا"

Why has the name of Ahlul Bayt (AS) not been mentioned in the Quran? This question of why the name of Ahlul Bayt (AS) is not mentioned in the Quran was asked to Imam Sadiq (AS). The Imam (AS) replied: In the Quran, Allah (SW) has expressed generalities, and the elaboration of details is the responsibility of the Prophet of Allah (SW). Therefore, that Hajj is in the Quran, but its rules are expressed by the Prophet of Allah (SW). Prayer is mentioned in the Quran, but how many units should be performed is detailed by the Prophet of Allah (SW). Zakat is mentioned in the Quran, but its amount is determined by the Prophet of Allah (SW). The same applies to Imamate: the principle is mentioned in the Quran, but its delineation is performed by the Prophet of Allah (SW).[1] Imam Baqir (AS) said: Islam is founded on five things: prayer, zakat, fasting, Hajj, and Wilayah.[2] All generalities and principles of religion are in the Quran, but their explanation and commentary do not exist in the word of Allah. It must also be noted that in the Quran, there are instances where instead of the individual's name, their attributes are mentioned, such as: "The one who had knowledge from the Book said."[3] The same basis and method have been applied to the issue of Imamate because the Imamate is mentioned in the Quran,[4] but the exemplifications and names of the Imams are described by attributes. Just as the Quran states: "Your guardian is only Allah, His Apostle, and the faithful who maintain the prayer and give the zakat while bowing down."[5] Not only Shia scholars but also many Sunni scholars and interpreters like 'Adud al-Din Iji have stated that the verse was revealed about Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).[6] Also, Allah elsewhere states: "O you who have faith, obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those vested with authority among you."[7] and the narrations explicitly state that the "Ulu'l-amr" in the verse refers to the Twelve Imams (AS).[8] Elsewhere, Allah says: "O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and be with the truthful."[9] Some Sunni scholars like Ganji and Hakim Haskani have stated that this verse was revealed in the description of Ali (AS).[10] In narrations, the meaning of Ahlul Bayt in the verse "Indeed, Allah desires to repel all impurity from you, O people of the household, and purify you with a thorough purification"[11] has been stated to refer to the infallible Imams.[12] Interestingly, according to some narrations, the term "Ali" in two verses: "And it is sublime and wise with Us in the Mother Book."[13] and "And We gave them a worthy and lofty repute."[14] has been interpreted as referring to Imam Ali (AS).[15] Another point to realize is that the Quran's method is not to mention details and the names of all individuals, just as out of all the divine prophets, only a few are mentioned by name in the Quran. In summary, despite the specification and identification of the Imam after the Prophet in the Quran in a way that removes any doubt or uncertainty, there was no need to mention their names in the Quran. The Quran's method of presentation is to express generalities, and Allah has left the expression of details and their interpretation to His prophet." [1] . Al-Kafi : Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni, Vol: 1, Pp: 287, 286. [2] . Ibid, Volume: 2, p:18. [3] . An-Naml: 40 «قَالَ الَّذِي عِنْدَهُ عِلْمٌ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ» [4] . In some verses such as: «و جعلناهم ائمة یهدون بامرنا» (Al- Anbia: 73) or «إنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إمَاماً» (Al-Baqarah: 124). [5] . Al-Ma'idah: 55 «إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ» [6] . Jami' al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an: Al-Iji, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, Vol: 1, p: 477. [7] . An-Nisa: 59 «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ» [8] . Khazaz Razi, Kifayat al-Athar, Pp: 53-55/ Saduq, Kamal al-Din, Vol: 1, Pp: 254-253. [9] . At-Tawbah: 119 «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ » [10] . Kifayat al-Talib fi Manaqib Ali ibn Abi Talib: Al-Ganji al-Shafi'i, Muhammad ibn Yusuf, Vol: 1, p: 236/ Shawahid al-Tanzeel li-Qawa'id al-Tafdil: Al-Hakim al-Haskani, Vol: 1, p: 341. [11] . Al-Ahzab: 33 «إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا » [12] . For more information, refer to the question: Who are the “Ahlulbayt” in the verse " إِنَّما يُريدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ يُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهيراً"? [13] . Az-Zukhruf: 4 «وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ الْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيٌّ حَكِيمٌ» [14] . Al-Maryam: 50 «وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ لِسَانَ صِدْقٍ عَلِيًّا» [15] . Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an: Al-Bahrani, Sayyid Hashim, Vol: 4, P: 845 / Ibid: Vol: 3, P:717

Does the term "Imam" in Shia Islam imply a specific appointment, or can it be used for others as well? Initially, it should be stated that the word Imam originates from the root "امّ", which means foundation, reference, congregation, and religion.[1] Therefore, an Imam is someone who is followed, whether it be a person whose words and actions are emulated, a book, or anything else, whether this following is valid and correct or false and incorrect. [2] This term (Imam and Imams) has been used 12 times in the Quran, which in most cases is used in its literal sense and in some verses such as; " We made them Imams, guiding by Our command"[3] or "Indeed, I am making you the Imam of mankind."[4] , intends a particular meaning that indicates a status and position that is appointed only by God. Thus, Imamate, in technical terms, means religious leadership over everyone, encompassing the encouragement of all to uphold religious and worldly interests and also the prevention of anything that harms their religion and worldly life[5]. In explaining the verse “Indeed, I am making you the Imam of mankind”[6] Imam Sadiq states that God appointed Abraham as a prophet, messenger, and friend before making him an imam. And because the position of imamate appeared very high to Abraham, he asked God to also grant this position to his offspring.[7] Accordingly, the imamate in the Quran is seen as a lofty divine status given only by God. Use of the word imam in its literal sense has happened many times: In verses of the Quran like; "We made them Imams (leaders) who invite to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not receive any help",[8] "Yet before it the Book of Moses was a guide and a mercy",[9] "then fight the leaders of unfaith",[10] or "The Day We shall summon every group of people with their Imam".[11] Here, the use of this term (Imam) outside of its technical meaning in God’s speech is based on context, and refers to leadership other than that divine status. In narrations too, the term Imam has been used frequently in its literal sense, "It is upon the Imam of the Muslims to compensate its value to its owner from the share of freeing slaves"[12] here, imam means the leader of the society. In another narration, it is said, "If the Mukatab (contractual servant) fails, then there is no responsibility except on the Imam of the Muslims.",[13] or elsewhere it is stated, "And the Imam shall pay its value to its owner from the treasury",[14] making it clear that the term Imam in these narrations does not refer to an infallible Imam. Even Muslims have used the word Imam for distinguished scientific or political personalities, such as; Imam Khomeini, Imam Khoie, Imam Musa Sadr, etc..., wherein all these cases, the term Imam is used in its literal meaning as leader or pioneer. As a result, it is stated that the use of the word imam in the technical sense is exclusive to the infallible imams to whom God has granted this status; however, the use of the word imam in its literal sense for the non-infallible is not problematic and has been applied on several occasions. [1] . Ma'jam Maqayis al-Lughah: Ibn Faris; vol: 1, p21. [2] . Ragheb Isfahani, mufradat alfaz alquran fi gharayb alquran, p, 87. [3] . Al-Anbiya': 73. «و جعلناهم ائمة یهدون بامرنا» [4] . Al-Baqarah: 124. «إنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إمَاماً» [5] . Khwaja Nasir al-Din Tusi; Qawa'id al-Aqa'id, p; 108. [6] . Al-Baqarah: 124. «إنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إمَاماً» [7] . Al-Sheikh al-Kulayni: Al-Kafi; vol;1, p;175. [8] . Al-Qasas: 41. «وَ جَعَلْناهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَدْعُونَ إِلَى النَّارِ وَ يَوْمَ الْقِيامَةِ لا يُنْصَرُونَ» [9] . Al-Ahqaf: 12. «وَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ کِتابُ مُوسى إماماً وَ رَحْمَةً» [10] . Al-Tawbah: 12. «فَقاتِلْوا اَئِمَّةَ الْکُفْرِ» [11] . Al-Isra': 71. «یَوْمَ نَدْعو کُلُّ اُناس بِاِمامِهِمْ» [12] . al-Sheikh al-Kulayni: Al-Kafi: vol;7, p: 235. [13] . Ibid: vol; 7, p: 308. [14] . Ibid: vol; 7, p: 235

Who was born in the Ka'ba, Ali (A.S) or Hakim ibn Hizam? Initially, it should be stated that both Shia and Sunni agree on the birth of Imam Ali (A.S) in the Ka'ba. Among the Shia scholars are some great scholars like; Sheikh Saduq,[1] Sharif Razi,[2] Sheikh Tusi,[3] Allameh Hilli,[4] Ayatollah Subhani,[5] Sheikh Ali Korani[6] and others... Among the Sunni scholars are: Sibt ibn al-Jawzi,[7] Ibn Maghazli,[8] Ahmad ibn Hanbal,[9] Ibn Sabbagh,[10] ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sufuri,[11] Ali ibn Ibrahim al-Halabi,[12] Shah Waliullah Dehlawi,[13] Ganji Shafai,[14] and others... In contrast to this consensus, another claim has been made stating that Hakim ibn Hizam was born in the Kaaba. The claimants to this opinion fall into two groups: The first group: Scholars who consider the birth of Ali (A.S) in the Kaaba to be weak and argue that only Hakim ibn Hizam was born there, such as Ibn al-Mulaqqin,[15] Suyuti,[16] Nawawi.[17] The second group: Scholars who acknowledge the birth of Hakim ibn Hizam in the Kaaba but have remained silent on the birth of Ali (A.S). These scholars include Ibn al-Salah,[18] Hafiz al-Mizzi,[19] Dhahabi,[20] Ibn Hibban,[21] Ibn Hajar Asqalani,[22] Ibn Abdul Barr,[23] Azraqi,[24] Manawi.[25] In response to this opinion, it is stated: Firstly, the birth of Imam Ali in the Kaaba is attested through mutawatir (widely transmitted) reports. Allameh Amini has quoted from sixteen Sunni sources and fifty Shia sources that Imam Ali was born in the Kaaba.[26] He also mentioned 41 poets from the 2nd to the 14th Hijri century who have referred to the birth of Imam Ali in the Kaaba in their poems.[27] Even among the Sunni scholars, Al-Hakim al-Nishapuri[28] expressly states this, and a mutawatir report cannot be evaluated for its chain of narrators, and the concept of a mutawatir being weak is not meaningful. Secondly, it must be said that those who have weakened the historical narration of the birth of Imam Ali (A.S) have not provided any evidence for their claims. For example, Ibn al-Mulaqqin writes: Hakim was born inside the Kaaba, and it is not known of anyone else born in it. As for what has been narrated about Ali (A.S) that he was born in it, it is weak. Al-Hakim contradicted this in his "Mustadrak" in the biography of Ali stating that reports have been widely transmitted about it[29] and as mentioned in the text Ibn al-Mulaqqin himself refers to Al-Hakim's disagreement with this weakening after stating it. Thirdly, assuming that according to the Sunni view, this report is singular and weak, it is stated that according to the opinion of Sunni scholars, in the matter of virtues and honors, the chain of narrators is not examined and in the hadiths of virtues of deeds, the principle of leniency in the evidence of traditions is accepted.[30] Finally, it should be mentioned that some believe that this narration was made with the intent to deny the virtues of Imam Ali (A.S) by the family of Zubair, as Hakim ibn Hizam ibn Khuwailid ibn Asad ibn Abdul Uzza and the family of Zubair are both descendants of Asad ibn Abdul Uzza.[31] Hakim ibn Hizam himself was among the opponents of Imam Ali (A.S).[32] Considering these points, it is understood that the blessed birth of Amir al-Mu'minin (A.S) in the Kaaba is a point of agreement for all, and this virtue for Amir al-Mu'minin (A.S) is undeniable and from the Shiite perspective, this virtue is exclusive to the Imam (A.S) and not proven for others. [1] . Sheikh Saduq; 'Illal al-Shara'i'; Vol: 1, P: 135 / Sheikh Saduq; 'Ma'ani al-Akhbar'; P: 62. [2] . Al-Sayyid al-Sharif al-Radi; 'Khasa'is Al-A'immah (A.S.)' (Virtues of the Imams), Vol: 1, P: 39. [3]. Sheikh al-Tusi; 'Tahdhib al-Ahkam'; Vol: 6, P: 19. [4] Allamah Hilli; 'Nahj al-Haqq wa Kashf al-Sidq'; P: 233. [5] . Al-Subhani, Sheikh Ja'far; 'Adwa'a 'ala Aqa'id al-Shia al-Imamiyah wa Tarikhuhum'; Vol: 1, P: 139. [6] . Al-Kurani al-Amili, Ali; 'Jawahir al-Tarikh'; Vol: 4, P: 314. [7] . Sibt ibn al-Jawzi; 'Tadhkirat al-Khawas min al-Ummah bi Dhikr Khasa'is al-A'immah'; Vol: 1, P: 155. [8] . Ibn al-Maghazli; 'Manaqib Ali'; Vol: 1, P: 26. [9] . Al-Zarandi al-Hanafi, Muhammad ibn Yusuf; 'Nazm Durar al-Simatayn'; Vol: 1, P: 80. [10] . Al-Maliki al-Makki, Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad; 'Al-Fusool al-Muhimmah fi Ma'rifat al-A'immah'; Vol: 1, P: 173. [11] . Al-Safuri; 'Nuzhat al-Majalis wa Muntakhab al-Nafa'is'; Vol: 2, P: 159. [12] . Al-Halabi, Nur ad-Din; 'Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah'; Vol: 3, P: 520 / ibid; Vol: 1, Page: 202. [13] . Dehlawi - Shah Wali Allah; 'Izalat al-Khafa'an Khilafat al-Khulafa'; Vol: 4, P: 343. [14] . Al-Ganji al-Shafi'i, Muhammad ibn Yusuf; 'Kifayat al-Talib fi Manaqib Ali ibn Abi Talib'; Vol: 1, P: 405. [15] . Ibn al-Mulaqqin; 'Al-Badr al-Munir'; Vol: 6, P: 489. [16] . Al-Suyuti, Jalal al-Din; 'Tadrib al-Rawi fi Sharh Taqrib al-Nawawi'; Vol: 2, P: 880. [17] . Al-Nawawi, Abu Zakariya; 'Tahdhib al-Asma' wa al-Lughat'; Vol: 1, P: 166. [18] . Ibn al-Salah; 'Muqaddimah Ibn al-Salah', Understanding the Types of Hadith Sciences; Vol: 1, P: 487. [19] . Al-Mizzi, Jamal ad-Din; 'Tahdhib al-Kamal fi Asma' al-Rijal'; Vol: 21, P: 63. [20] . Al-Dhahabi, Shams ad-Din; 'Siyar A'lam al-Nubala''; Vol: 3, P: 46. [21] . Ibn Hibban; 'Al-Thiqat'; Vol: 3, P: 71. [22] Al-Asqalani, Ibn Hajar; 'Tahdhib al-Tahdhib'; Vol: 2, P: 447 / Al-Asqalani, Ibn Hajar; 'Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah'; Vol: 2, P: 98. [23] . Ibn Abdul Barr; 'Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat al-Ashab'; Vol: 1, P: 362. [24] . Al-Azraqi; 'Akhbar Makkah'; Vol: 1, P: 174. [25] . Al-Manawi, Abdul Ra'ouf; 'Fayd al- Qadir'; Vol: 2, P: 37. [26] . Allamah Amini; 'Al-Ghadir'; Vol: 6, P: 23. [27] . Ibid, P: 28. [28] . Al-Hakim, Abu Abdullah; 'Al-Mustadrak 'ala al-Sahihayn'; Vol: 3, P: 550. [29] . Ibn al-Mulaqqin; 'Al-Badr al-Munir'; Vol: 6, P: 489. [30] . Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi; 'Al-Kifayah fi 'Ilm al-Riwayah'; Vol: 1, P: 133, 134 / Al-Suyuti, Jalal al-Din; 'Tadrib al-Rawi fi Sharh Taqrib al-Nawawi'; Vol: 1, P: 351 [31] . Al-Tustari, Sheikh Muhammad Taqi; 'Qamus al-Rijal'; Vol: 3, P: 603 / ibid; Page: 629. [32] . Al-Amili, Sayed Ja'far Murtada; 'As-Sahih min Sirah al-Nabi al-A'zam Salla Allah 'alayhi wa 'Alih'; Vol: 2, Pp: 251, 253

What is the meaning of "knowing the Imam" in the hadith "من مات ولم یعرف امام زمانه مات میتة جاهلیة "(Whoever dies and does not know his Imam of his time has died a death of ignorance)? Knowledge in the word means "to know something with deliberation and thought by its effect," and is the opposite of denial.[1] Based on this, "knowing the Imam" means "to be aware of him." In a hadith, it is narrated that the narrator presented himself to Imam Hasan al-Askari and said, "O Master, who is the Imam after you? For we have news from your fathers that states that whoever does not know his Imam of his time will die a death of ignorance." After confirming the hadith, the Imam replied, "The Imam after me is my son Muhammad."[2] Many scholars, such as Mulla Sadra, have emphasized the importance of this issue.[3] Now the question is, what is the necessary amount of this knowledge? Shaykh al-Saduq stated in the discussion of knowing the Imams as follows: • Knowledge that the Imams are twelve in number, that the Prophet Muhammad (S) mentioned their names and described their qualities, and belief that obedience to them is obligatory, that God reveals His religion through them, that love of them is faith and enmity to them is disbelief, and that the last of them is the Mahdi, through whom God fills the earth with justice and equity, and Jesus comes to his aid, and so on.[4] According to Shaykh al-Saduq, understanding the identity of the Imam involves having knowledge and belief in their rank and position, as well as accepting their leadership. It does not necessarily mean physically seeing or recognizing the Imam's face. This is because there were many people who knew the Imams yet denied their virtues, rank, and position. On the other hand, there were some Shiites who were not fortunate enough to meet the Imams in person, but the position and status of the Imams were well established among them. Therefore, recognizing the Imam entails having knowledge of his position, rank, and Imamate, rather than merely identifying his physical appearance and recognizing his face. This point is not hidden from anyone, as when the Dar al-Ifta Al-Azhar Board was asked about the hadith "Whoever dies and does not know his Imam of his time", they replied: It means the knowledge of allegiance and entering into obedience, and the purpose of the hadith is not to know the name of the Imam, even though it is very rare for someone not to know the name of the Imam.[5] Kharaza Qumi narrates a hadith from Imam al-Sadiq about knowing the Imam, in which the Imam said, "The best of obligations and the most obligatory of them on man is knowledge. First of knowledge is knowing God, after that is knowing the Prophet, and after that is knowing the Imam, which is knowledge of his name, description, and blessing, and that we have knowledge and recognition of him in every situation, in ease and difficulty. and we believe that he has all the rank of prophecy except that he is not given revelation, and that we consider obedience to him to be obedience to God and the Prophet, and that we are submissive to him in all matters, and that we believe that the Imam after the Prophet Muhammad is Ali ibn Abi Talib, after him is Hasan ibn Ali, after him is Husayn ibn Ali, after him is Ali ibn Husayn, after him is Muhammad ibn Ali, after him is Ja'far ibn Muhammad, after him is Musa ibn Ja'far, after him is Ali ibn Musa, after him is Muhammad ibn Ali, after him is Ali ibn Muhammad, after him is Hasan al-Askari, and after him is the Proof of the Qaim. The totality of these matters is called knowing the Imam, and whoever believes in these matters has knowledge of his Imam in every situation, even if he has not seen him with his eyes."[6] Abu al-Hasan al-Mawardi explains that the majority of theologians believe in the necessity of having general knowledge about the Imam, rather than detailed knowledge. He also presents evidence to support his opinion.[7] Based on what has been said, the objections that are raised about knowing the Imam in the era of occultation are also answered, because general knowledge is sufficient in knowing the Imam, and what the Shia is bound to, is the knowledge of the rank, virtues, and position of the Imam and general knowledge of him. [1] . Al-Mufradat fi Ghareeb Al-Quran: Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani; Vol: 1; P: 560. [2] . Kamal Al-Din wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; Vol: 2; P: 409. [3] . Sharh Usul Al-Kafi (Sadra): Al-Mulla Sadra; Vol: 2; Pp: 501-500. [4] . Al-Hidayah fi Al-Usul wa Al-Furoo: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; Vol: 2; P: 30. [5] . Fatawa Dar Al-Ifta Al-Masriyyah: Various Authors; Vol: 10; P: 282. [6] . Kifayat Al-Athar fi Al-Nass 'ala Al-A’immah Al-Ithnay 'Ashar: Ali ibn Muhammad Al-Khazaz; Vol: 1; P: 262. [7] . Al-Ahkam Al-Sultaniyyah: Al-Mawardi; Vol: 1; P: 39

Who are the “Ahlulbayt” in the verse " إِنَّما يُريدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَ يُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهيراً"? In order to understand the answer to the question, one must first comprehend the meaning of Ahlulbayt in the word. Ahlulbayt is composed of two words. The first word "Ahl" means gathering and uniting. This uniting can be linked to lineage, religion, or occupation. The second word "Bayt" means home. Therefore, if a man lives in the same home with other people, those people are considered his family.[1] Some have taken Ahlulbayt to mean kinship.[2] Based on the evidence that will be presented, it can be concluded that the term "Ahlulbayt" used in this verse does not have a literal meaning. Instead, it refers to certain individuals from the Prophet's family as designated by God. According to Umm Salama's narration, the Messenger of God once gathered Fatimah, Hasan, Hussain, and Ali under his cloak and declared, "These are my Ahlulbayt." Umm Salama says, "I also wanted to join them, but the Messenger of God stopped me and said, 'You are a virtuous woman, but this verse is about me, my brother, Ali, his two sons and nine descendants of Hussain, not including anyone else".[3] This narration clearly specifies that only these individuals are the Ahlulbayt of the Prophet mentioned in the verse. In another narration, the same answer was given to Umm Salma.[4] Abi Saeed Khodri says the Messenger of God stated, that this verse was revealed to five individuals.[5] Another account from Anas states that for six months, during prayer time, the Messenger of God would visit Fatimah's house and recite this verse while reminding them that it was time for prayer.[6] Abu al-Hamra also testified as a servant of the Messenger of God in this matter.[7] It has been narrated that Imam Ali himself referred to the verse of purification (Ayah Tathir) in the event of “Fadak” in opposition to Abu Bakr, and said, “Do you seek a witness who God has testified to her purity, and yet you accept that this verse pertains to us.”[8] Based on what has been said, it is proved that the Ahlulbayt in this verse means five people: the Messenger of God, Commander of the Faithful, Lady Fatimah, Imam Hasan, and Imam Hussain (a.s.), Other traditions also suggest that the Imams who came after Imam Hussain (a.s.) should also be considered as part of the Ahlulbayt. In a narration, Imam Sadiq (a.s.) first identifies the Ahlulbayt in the verse of purification as five individuals, but then in the interpretation of this verse, with reference to the verse of Ulu al-Arham ‘kinship’, he includes all the Imams of the Shia and considers obedience to them as obedience to God and disobedience to them as disobedience to God.”[9] In another narration, Imam Sajjad (a.s.) also considered himself part of the Ahlulbayt, using the same verse as evidence.[10] Therefore, all twelve Imams are included in this verse. According to what has been said, the verse of purification specifically refers to the five members of the household of the Prophet and then extends to include the twelve infallible Imams, but not the rest of the relatives and kin of the Messenger of God (SW). [1] . Al-Mufradat fi Ghareeb Al-Quran : Al-Raghib Al-Isfahani; Vol: 1;P: 29 [2] . Al-Misbah Al-Muneer: Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Ali; Vol: ; P: 20 [3] . Kamal Al-Din wa Tamam Al-Ni’mah: Al-Sheikh Al-Saduq; Vol: 1; P: 278 - Al-Amali: Al-Sheikh Al-Tusi;Vol: 1; P: 565 [4] . Tafsir Noor Al-Thaqalayn: Al-Aroosi Al-Hawizi, Al-Sheikh Abdul Ali; Vol: 4; P: 274 [5] . Tafsir Al-Jami Al-Bayan: Al-Tabari, Ibn Jarir; Vol: 20; P: 263 [6] . Ibid [7] . Tafsir Al-Qummi: Al-Qummi, Ali ibn Ibrahim; Vol: 2; P: 67 [8] . Tafsir Noor Al-Thaqalayn: Al-Aroosi Al-Hawizi, Al-Sheikh Abdul Ali; Vol: 4; P: 274, 275 [9] . Al-Kafi: Al-Sheikh Al-Kulayni; Vol: 1;P: 287 [10] . Al-Ehtijaj: Al-Tabrasi, Abu Mansour; Vol: 2; P: 33, 3

How can it be acceptable for a child to become an imam? In Shia Islam, Imamate is considered a divine position and responsibility that is assigned by God to specific individuals based on their merit and divine wisdom. Some Shiite Imams, such as Imam Jawad (AS) at the age of 8[1], Imam Hadi (AS) at the age of 9[2], and Imam Mahdi (AS) at the age of 5[3], have reached the status of Imamate. To address the question of whether a child can attain the rank of Imamate, it is important to consider several key points: Looking at the Quranic evidence The Quran mentions that the Almighty granted authority to John the Baptist (Yahya) saying, "O Yahya! Take hold of the Book with strength, and We granted him wisdom while yet a child,"[4] and also granted prophecy to Jesus. When asked, "How can We speak with a baby in the cradle?" Jesus replied, "Verily, I am a servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet."[5] This verse explicitly confirms the prophecy for Jesus, and most Shiite scholars and some Sunni commentators have interpreted the verse to mean prophecy during childhood.[6] But is the divine ruling given to John the Baptist prophethood or not? There is a difference of opinion among commentators, both Shiite and Sunni.[7] The renowned Sunni commentator and theologian, Fakhr Razi writes: "The ruling is prophethood; for God gave him wisdom in his childhood and revealed to him, and that is because God has sent Yahya and Jesus while they were children."[8] It is possible for some people to possess the ability of prophecy, reasoning, special knowledge of religious commandments, and a mystical connection with the sacred at a young age. Examples of individuals who have had these abilities include John the Baptist and Jesus. In the narratives of the infallible Imams, there is an emphasis on the comparison between Imam Jawad (AS) and Jesus.[9] Looking at the narratives 1. Imam Jawad (AS) was once asked about people who denied his Imamate due to his young age. In response, he said, "Why do they deny it? God Almighty told His Prophet to invite people to God with vision and insight. At that time, no one followed the Prophet except for Ali (AS), who was only nine years old, and I am also nine. So why should my young age be a reason to deny my Imamate?"[10] 2. One of the Shia followers asked Imam Reza (AS), "Who will be the Imam of the people after you if something happens to you?" To which Imam Reza (AS) replied, "My son Abu Ja'far (Imam Jawad)." The questioner expressed doubt as Imam Jawad (AS) was only around seven years old at that time. In response, Imam Reza (AS) said, "God chose Jesus as a prophet with a new scripture when he was even younger than Abu Ja'far (Imam Jawad). Therefore, there is no reason why God cannot grant Imamate to Abu Ja'far during his childhood." [11] 3. Safwan bin Yahya reported that when Imam Reza (AS) appointed Imam Jawad (AS) as the next Imam, despite being only three years old at that time, Safwan exclaimed to the Imam: 'Your son is just three years old.' The Imam responded by saying there was no issue with Imam Jawad's young age, as even Prophet Jesus had become the proof of God at the age of three.[12] It should be noted that the Imamate of all the Imams (AS) has been reported through the narratives of previous Imams and even the Prophet (S) himself.[13] Looking at the practice of the Imams Sheikh Mufid (RH) writes: "The majority of the Shiites and their opponents agree that the Messenger of God (S) invited Ali (AS) to ministry, caliphate, and succession when he was young, but he did not invite other children.[14] The lives of Imam Jawad and Imam Hadi are worth paying attention to, as they both became Imams in their childhood. Their remarkable scientific debates with eminent scholars and their answers to the most difficult questions are the best proof of their Imamate status. Imam Jawad's (AS) imamate in childhood initially caused doubt for some Shiites, leading them to send 80 jurisprudents to investigate the matter after the demise of Imam Reza (AS). However, they became convinced of his Imamate (while Imam Jawad was 8 years old) after receiving accurate scientific answers to their questions. [15] Sheikh Kulayni records that Imam Jawad (AS) answered thirty thousand questions in one session.[16] Finally, the confession of Mamun Abbasid[17] and other opponents of the properness of Imam Jawad for the Imamate is the best evidence. Therefore, it is not impossible for a child to speak or to attain wisdom and Imamate, rather, through the Quran and narratives, we understand that it has also occurred miraculously. We must not forget that God is infinitely powerful and capable of all things. [1]. Al-Fusul Al-Muhimah, Vol. 2, p. 1037 - Al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid, Vol. 2, p. 273. [2]. Al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid, Vol. 2, p. 297 - Al-Fusul Al-Muhimah, Vol. 2, p. 1063. [3]. Al-Irshad by Sheikh Mufid, Vol. 2, p. 339. [4]. Al-Maryam: 12 «یَا یَحْیَى خُذِ الْکِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ وَآتَیْنَاهُ الْحُکْمَ صَبِیًّا». [5] . Al-Maryam: 29 and 30. «کیْفَ نُکَلِّمُ مَنْ کَانَ فِی الْمَهْدِ صَبِیًّا ؛ قَالَ إِنِّی عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِیَ الْکِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِی نَبِیًّا» [6] . Masoudi, Athibat Al-wasyah, p. 220 - Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol. 5, p. 331 - Tafsir al-Kashaf, Vol. 3, p. 15 - Tafsir Kabir, Vol. 21, p. 516. [7] . Tafsir Fath al-Qadeer, Vol. 3, p. 384; Sheikh Ismail Haqqi al-Burusawi, Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol. 5, p. 319; Allama Tabatabai, Al-Mizan, Vol. 14, p. 28. [8] . Tafsir Kabir, Vol. 21, p. 516. [9] . Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 320. [10] . Ibid, p. 384. [11] . Masoudi, Athibat Al-wasyah, p. 220. [12] . Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 321. [13]. Refer to the question “How many Imams are there after the Prophet Muhammad(s) and who are they?” [14] . Sheikh Mufid; Fusul Al-Mukhtarah, p. 316. [15] . Masoudi, Athibat Al-wasyah, p. 220. [16] . Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 496. [17]. Al-Ahtijaj Al-Tabarsi, Vol. 2, pp. 443 “فَقَالَ لَهُمْ وَيْحَكُمْ إِنِّي أَعْرَفُ بِهَذَا الْفَتَى مِنْكُمْ وَ إِنَّ هَذَا مِنْ أَهْلِ بَيْتٍ عِلْمُهُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ.

What are the proofs of the Imamate of the Twelve Imams? The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams is supported by various proofs mentioned in Shia teachings. These proofs can be categorized into different groups: 1. Hadiths of the Twelve Caliphs One of the main proofs for the imamate of the Twelve Imams is the presence of hadiths in which the number of the Prophet's caliphs is restricted to twelve individuals from the Quraysh tribe[1]. These hadiths are not only mentioned in Shia references but also found in Sunni references such as Sahih Muslim[2], Musnad Ibn Ḥanbal[3], Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī,[4] Sahih Ibn Hibban,[5] and Yanābīʿ al-mawadda[6]. For instance, the Prophet (s) stated, "After me, there will be twelve caliphs who are from Quraysh."[7] These hadiths establish the connection between the Twelve Imams and their role as successors to the Prophet. 2. Hadiths Containing the Names of Imams Another group of hadiths includes those in which the Prophet Muhammad explicitly mentions the names of the Twelve Imams and introduces them as his successors from the Ahl al-Bayt. These hadiths range from mentioning Imam Ali as the first Imam to Imam al-Mahdi as the last Imam, such as in, "The Imams after me are twelve; first one of whom is 'Ali b. Abi Talib (a) and the last one is the Upriser (al-Qa'im).[8] Obeying them is obeying me and disobeying them is disobeying me. Anyone who denies them has denied me."[9] even in some group of hadiths, the Prophet (s) introduced the Twelve Imams (a) with their names and titles in full.[10] In a hadith known as the hadith al-Lawh, the names of the Twelve Imams (a) are mentioned with their special descriptions.[11] These hadiths highlight the importance of the Twelve Imams in leading the Muslim community. 3. Infallibility The infallibility of the Imams is considered another proof of their imamate. Various hadiths mention the infallibility of the Imams[12], emphasizing their unique position among the people. From a rational perspective, an Imam is required to be infallible, and since no one except the Imams has possessed infallibility among the people, their imamate is considered valid.[13] The infallibility of the Imams further strengthens their role as divine guides for the Muslim community. 4. Superiority The Twelve Imams are believed to possess superiority in moral virtues and perfections over others. Their knowledge, infallibility, and noble lineage make them deserving of the position of imamate and leadership. The philosophy of imamate suggests that the Imam should be the most competent and superior individual among the people, serving as a role model in all aspects. The greatness of character and the scientific and spiritual grandeur of the Imams have been acknowledged by those who interacted with them, further reinforcing their position as leaders.[14] 5. Miracles The Twelve Imams have performed miracles and wonders to demonstrate their divine authority. These miracles include foretelling the future, revealing knowledge from the unseen world, displaying extraordinary knowledge from a young age, and exhibiting spiritual power over creation. The issuance of these miracles by the infallible Imams (a), which is accompanied by the claim of Imamate, is evidence of their Imamate; just as the miracles of the prophets have been conclusive proof of the validity of their claim to prophethood. These acts of wonder have reported in authentic historical and hadith references. [15] Conclusion The belief in the imamate of the Twelve Imams is a central tenet of Shia Islam. The proofs for their imamate, including hadiths, infallibility, superiority, and miracles, establish their divine guardianship and special wilaya. The Twelve Imams, appointed by God, hold a significant role in guiding and leading the Muslim community. Their knowledge, virtues, and extraordinary qualities make them worthy successors to the Prophet Muhammad. By recognizing and following the guidance of the Twelve Imams, Shia Muslims aim to uphold the teachings of Islam and seek spiritual enlightenment.[16] [1] . Ṣamadī, "Imāmat-i ithnā ʿashar", p. 70. [2] . Muslim, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, vol. 3, p. 1452 [3] . Ibn Ḥanbal, Musnad, vol. 34, p. 401. [4] . Bukhārī, Saḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, vol. 9, p. 81. [5] . Ibn Ḥibbān, Ṣaḥīḥ, vol. 15, p. 43. [6] . Qundūzī, Yanābīʿ al-mawadda, vol. 2, p. 315. [7] . Ṣadūq, al-Amālī, p. 387; Baḥrānī, Ghāyat al-marām, vol. 2, p. 271; Ibn Ja'd, Musnad, p. 390; Ibn Abī ʿĀṣim, al-Āḥād wa l-mathānī, vol. 3, p. 126. ;Ibn Ḥanbal, Musnad, vol. 34, p. 421 ;Ibn Ḥanbal, Musnad, vol. 34, p. 439. [8] . Ṣadūq, ʿUyūn akhbār al-Riḍā, vol. 2, p. 62. [9] . Ṣadūq, al-Iʿtiqādāt, p. 104. [10] . Ṣadūq, Kamāl al-dīn,vol. 1; p. 251. [11] . Kulaynī, al-Kāfī, vol. 1, p. 527; Ibn Bābawayh, al-Imāma wa l-tabṣira, p. 104; Mufīd, al-Ikhtiṣāṣ, p. 210. [12] . Ṣadūq, Kamāl al-dīn, vol. 1, p. 280; Baḥrānī, Ghāyat al-marām, vol. 1, p. 142; Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 36, p. 335. [13] . Ṣamadī, "Imāmat-i ithnā ʿashar", p. 70. [14] . Ḥillī, Kashf al-murād, p. 366; Ṣamadī, "Imāmat-i ithnā ʿashar", p. 70. [15] . Ṣamadī, "Imāmat-i ithnā ʿashar", p. 70. [16]. For more information, you can study this text: Imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) - wikishi

Are the infallible Imams(as) superior to the divine angels? The Imams have a higher status than the angels, which is clearly stated in the narrations. Even the late Saduq referred to this and stated a chapter as the title of "the reasons why the prophets, messengers, and divine saints are superior to the angels," and he mentioned numerous hadiths about it.[1] Some of them are as follows: In a narration, it is reported that the Messenger of Allah said to Imam Ali, "O Ali, my Lord has given me superiority over all the prophets and angels, and after me, this superiority is yours and the Imams after you, and the angels are our servants."[2] In another narration, it is mentioned that Gabriel asked Allah to make him the servant of the Messenger of Allah, the Commander of the Faithful, Fatimah Zahra, Hasan, and Husayn.[3] Also, it is reported that the Commander of the Faithful said, "We taught the angels and it was us who glorified Allah, and the angels glorified Allah because of our glorification." [4] Or in another narration, it is said that Futrus was an angel whose wings were broken by Allah due to an error, and he was sent to an island on earth. He was engaged in worshiping Allah on earth for 700 years until the Master of Martyrs was born. When he was born, Allah sent Gabriel with seventy thousand angels to congratulate the Messenger of Allah. Meanwhile, they were passing by Futrus Island, and he asked Gabriel to take him with them. When they arrived the presence of the Messenger of Allah, Gabriel acted as an intermediary for Futrus, and the Messenger of Allah ordered Futrus to bless his wings with the Master of Martyrs's body. As a result of this act, Futrus regained his wings and regained his original position.[5] Based on this, the superiority of the infallible Imams over all the angels is evident, as the angels are the servants of the Ahl al-Bayt, and the Ahl al-Bayt have been their teachers, and the angels have sought intercession with them. [1] . Illal al-Shara'i; al-Saduq vol.1 p.5 [2] . Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha; al-Saduq, vol.1 p.262 / Illal al-Shara'i; al-Saduq vol.1 p.5 / Ikmal al-Din vol.1 p.254 / Bihar al-Anwar; Allama Majlisi vol.18 p.345. [3] . Irshad al-Qulub; al-Dailami, Hasan ibn Muhammad, vol.2 p.300 / Bihar al-Anwar ;Allama Majlisi vol.26 p.345. [4] . Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha; al-Saduq, vol.1 p.262 / Illal al-Shara'i; al-Saduq vol.1 p.5 / Ikmal al-Din vol.1 p.254 / Bihar al-Anwar; Allama Majlisi vol.18 p.345. [5] . Al-Amali; al-Saduq J.1 p.200 / Kamil al-Ziyarat; Ja'far ibn Muhammad (Ibn Qulawayh Qummi) p.66.

What is the reason for the superiority of the Imams over the previous prophets? In the beginning, it is stated that the Prophet (s) is superior to all human beings and even the previous prophets of God. The Prophet himself said: "God has given me superiority over all His prophets and messengers."[1] It is also narrated from Imam Sadiq (a) that he said: "God, the Exalted, has composed His Greatest Name of seventy-three letters, and of those letters He gave two letters to Jesus, and with those two letters Jesus raised the dead, healed the blind from birth, and cured leprosy. He gave four letters to Moses, eight letters to Abraham, fifteen letters to Noah, and twenty-five letters to Adam, but He taught seventy-two letters of those letters to the Messenger of God Muhammad (s) and did not teach one letter to anyone."[2] With reference to this introduction, it is stated in numerous narrations that everything that God bestowed upon His Prophet (s) was later given to his successors, except for prophethood, and the infallible Imams (a) have all the virtues of the Prophet except that they are not prophets. The noble Prophet (s) himself addressed Imam Ali (a), saying: "You see what I see, and you hear what I hear, except that you are not a prophet."[3] Imam Hassan (a) says: "No one from the predecessors and no one from the future has surpassed Imam Ali (a) in any virtue"[4] It is important to note that the position of Imamate is higher than the position of prophethood[5] and the Imams, although they were not prophets, but they had the position of Imamate. Imam Sadiq (a) said: "The Prophet (s) was both an Imam and a prophet, but Ali (a) was an Imam but not a prophet."[6] Therefore, just as the noble Prophet Muhammad (s) is superior to all other prophets, the infallible Imams (s) are also superior to all prophets except the last Prophet (s), and whatever God had given to His previous prophets, has been inherited by the infallible Imams. Imam Sadiq (a) says: "Every prophet who has inherited knowledge or otherwise, it has ultimately reached the Imams (a)."[7] In conclusion, mentioning this narration is very appropriate: Sa'asa'a bin Sohan entered the Commander of the Faithful when he had been struck and said: "O Commander of the Faithful, are you superior, or Adam, father of mankind?" Imam Ali (a) replied: "It is not good for a person to boast of himself, God said to Adam: "'O Adam, dwell with your wife in paradise..."[8] and God made many things lawful for me that I did not approach and abstained from. Then he asked: Are you superior, or Noah? Imam Ali (a) replied: Noah cursed his people, and I did not curse my oppressors; Noah's son was an infidel, but my two sons are the masters of the youth of paradise. He asked: Are you superior, or Moses? He replied: God sent Moses to Pharaoh, and he said: "I fear they will deny me,"[9] until God said, "Do not fear, for no prophet in My presence shall fear.[10]" And Moses said, "My Lord, I have killed a soul, so I fear they will kill me."[11] But I did not fear when the Prophet of God (s) sent me to recite Surah Bara'at to Quraysh during the Hajj season, despite the fact that I had killed many of their leaders, yet I went to them, recited the Surah, and did not fear them. He asked: Are you superior to Jesus, son of Mary? He replied: Jesus' mother was in Jerusalem, when the time of her delivery came, she heard a voice saying: Go out, this house is a place of worship, not a place of childbirth. But my mother, Fatima bint Asad, when her time of delivery was near, she was by the Ka'ba, the wall of the Ka'ba split, and a voice told her to enter. So she entered the Ka'ba and I was born there, and this virtue has not been for anyone, neither before me nor after me.[12] According to the stated contents, it is clear evident that the infallible Imams (a) had a higher position than all past prophets. [1] . Al-Burhan fi Tafsir al-Quran; Al-Bahrani, Al-Sayyid Hashim Vol: 1 P: 205. [2] . Al-Kafi Vol: 1 Page: 230 Hadith 2. [3] . Sayyid Razi, Nahj al-Balagha, Khutba 192 (Qasida). [4] . Al-Kafi Vol: 1 Page: 457." "قَدْ قُبِضَ فِي هَذِهِ اللَّيْلَةِ رَجُلٌ مَا سَبَقَهُ الْأَوَّلُونَ وَ لَا يُدْرِكُهُ الْآخِرُونَ [5] . For more information refer to " Is the position of imamate higher than the position of prophethood and risalat?". [6] . Al-Ilal Al-Shara’i, Sheikh Saduq, vol. 1, p. 175. [7] . Al-Kafi Vol: 2 Page: 232 [8] . Al-Baqarah: 35 " "يا آدم اسكن أنت وزوجك الجنة [9] . Al-Shu'ara: 12 " "إني أخاف أن يكذبون [10] . Al-Naml: 10 " "لا تخف إني لا يخاف لدي المرسلون [11] . Al-Qasas: 33 " "رب إني قتلت منهم نفسا فأخاف أن يقتلون [12] . Al-Lameat al-Bayda; Al-Tabrizi Al-Ansari, vol. 1, p. 220.

How many Imams are there after the Prophet Muhammad (s), and who are they? According to the narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (s), which are present in both the Sunni and the Shia sources, there are twelve Imams after the Prophet. One narration states that "there will be twelve guardians for this nation, and whoever adheres to them will not suffer harm, all of whom are from the Quraysh tribe".[1] Ibn Athir notes that even in the Torah that, there is a statement implying that God blessed Abraham with the existence of Ishmael, promising to make him grow, to multiply his progeny, and to place twelve magnificent individuals among his descendants. According to existing narrations, this Torah statement refers to the twelve Shia Imams.[2] Juwayni has narrated that the Prophet (s) said his successors would be twelve in number, with the first being his brother and the last being his son. When asked who his brother was, he named Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), and when asked about his son, he referred to Mahdi (may God hasten his noble advent).[3] Additionally, it is mentioned that the Prophet (s) proclaimed, “Myself and Ali, Hassan, Husayn, and nine of Husayn's sons are pure and infallible.”[4] In a narration from Shia sources, the Prophet (s) mentions that after him will come twelve Imams, starting with Ali, followed by Hassan, Husayn, Ali ibn Husayn, Muhammad ibn Ali, Jafar ibn Muhammad, Musa ibn Jafar, Ali ibn Musa, Muhammad ibn Ali, Ali ibn Muhammad, Hassan ibn Ali, and ending with Al-Hujjat ibn al-Hassan.[5] Therefore, based on this, the twelve Imams following the Prophet Muhammad (s) are twelve individuals, starting with the commander of faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib (a), followed by the two grandsons of the Prophet (s), and subsequently the nine descendants of Imam Husayn (a), whose names have been mentioned in these narrations. [1] . Kanz al-Ummal; Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Vol: 12, P: 33. [2] . Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah; Ibn Kathir,P: 179, 178. [3] . Faraid al-Simtain Mu'allif; al-Hamuyi al-Juwayni, Ibrahim; vol: 2 p: 312. [4] . ibid, p: 313. [5] . Sadooq; Kamal al-Din, vol: 1, pp: 254-253 / Khazaz Razi; Kifayah al-Athar, pp: 53-55.

The Imamate(leadership) after the Prophet continued through whom? God chose Islam as the complete religion and through it, finalized the argument for all until the Day of Judgment, setting the perfection and completion of this religion in the appointment of the succession of Imamate after the Messenger of God (s). When the Messenger of God (s) concluded this duty at Ghadir Khumm, God declared, "Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion".[1] According to narrations found in Sunni books, from the very first day of his mission, the Prophet (s) introduced his successor. He addressed his relatives by asking, "Who will assist me and be my brother and successor?" The only person who responded positively to the Messenger of God (s) was Imam Ali (a), and the Prophet (s) stated, "Be informed that Ali is my brother and successor; obey him".[2] After this event, throughout his prophethood, the Messenger of God (s) introduced Ali (a) on various occasions as his successor, one of which is the Hadith of Position where he said, "O Ali, are you not content to be to me like Aaron was to Moses, except that there will be no prophet after me?".[3] When some malicious individuals wanted to speak ill of Imam Ali (a) in front of the Messenger of God (s), he replied, "Ali is from me and I am from Ali, and he is your Wali (guardian) after me".[4] In another narration, it is stated that the Prophet (s) was commanded to designate Imam Ali (a) as his successor, but the Messenger of God (s) refrained from declaring it due to the people still being close to the ignorance of their past until God revealed on the day of Ghadir the verse "O Messenger, deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord".[5] At that moment, the Prophet publicly proclaimed the Imamate of Ali (a). Based on these facts, it should be said that the Messenger of God (s) introduced Ali (a) as his successor from the beginning of his mission and, at the end of his life, publicly announced the divine commandment of Imam Ali's succession at Ghadir Khumm.[6] Therefore, the initiator of Imamate after the Prophet was Imam Ali (a). [1] . Al-Ma’idah: 3, " "الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا [2] . Kanz al-Ummal; Al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Vol: 13, P: 133. [3] . Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah; Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Bakr, Vol: 6, P: 366. [4] . Musnad Ahmad; Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol: 38, P: 117. [5] . Shawahid al-Tanzil li Qawa'id al-Tafdil; Al-Hakim al-Haskani, Vol: 1, P: 256. [6] . Usd al-Ghaba; Ibn al-Athir, Izz al-Din, Vol: 3, P: 35.

Is Imamat considered one the fundamentals of religion (Usūl al‑Din) or one of the branches of religion (Furū al-Din)? Why? Every sect and religion are founded on a set of principles and characteristics that adherence to them is considered a criterion for belonging to that religion or sect, and denying these principles can lead to exiting the domain of that religion or sect. In Shia, the principles of the religion consist of five fundamental tenets: Tawhid (Oneness of God), Adl (Justice of God), Nubuwwah (Prophethood), Imamat (Leadership), and Ma'ad (Day of Resurrection). Therefore, from the perspective of Shia scholars, Imamat counts as one of the principles of religion, which consider its divinity as a prophethood.[1] This is while in Sunni idia, Imamat is considered a part of the branches of religion and is not seen as a divine office.[2] However, some Sunni scholars, like Qadi Baydawi in his book "Minhaj" and its commentators, believe that this issue is among the greatest matters of the principles of religion and consider those opposing it as disbelievers.[3] Shia scholars have said about this: "Imamat is one of the principles of religion, not one of the branches of religion, which is related to obligatory actions. Because the Imamate is the religious and worldly leadership of the public, according to the command of God and His Prophet, and in this respect, it is like prophethood. In that case, it is not correct to consider it as one of the practical branches of religion.[4] "The proof of this claim is the narration of the Prophet Muhammad (s) that has been narrated by both Shia and Sunni, which says: "Whoever dies without knowing the Imam of his time dies the death of ignorance".[5] Because a person who is ignorant of a secondary issue, even if it is one of the obligations, his death is not the time of ignorance, and not knowing it does not make him a non-Muslim. [1] . Aṣl al-Shīʿa wa Usūluhā; Kāshif al-Ghiṭā, vol 1, pp 141-154 / Biḥār al-Anwār; al-‘Allāmah al-Majlisī, vol 69, p 132 / Muntahā al-Maṭlab; al-‘Allāmah al-Hillī; vol 1, p 522 / Al-Ḥadā'iq al-Nāḍirah fī Aḥkām al-‘Itrah al-Ṭāhirah; al-Baḥrānī; vol 18, p 153. [2] . Sharḥ al-Mawāqif; Iji - Mir Sayyid Sharif, vol: 8, p: 344 / Tabayyin Dharurat Wujūd Imām Ba'd al-Payambar (S); Rajab Akbarzādeh, Faslnāmeh Āfāq Dīn, sāl 1, shomāreh 3, zemestān 1389, safha 54. [3] . Ḥadīqat al-Shīʿah ,Muqaddas Ardabīlī, p; 27. [4] . Al-Hashiyah ‘ala al-Hayat al-Sharh al-Jadid li al-Tajrid; Muqaddas Ardabili, vol; 1, p; 14 p;178. [5] . Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.23, p.76-95; Mas'udi, Ithbat al-wasiyya, vol.1, p.112-115; Hakim al-Nishaburi, al-Mustadrak, vol.1, p.150,204; Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, vol.12, p.277, vol.13, p.188; Ibn Abi l-Hadid, Sharh nahj al-balagha, vol.9, p.125