WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IMAM?

[Taqavi]

What are the Characteristics of the Imam?

 

the twelve Imams (a.s.) have special characteristics that distinguish them from other people. These characteristics are fully expressed in the narration of Imam Ridha’ (a.s.)[1] therefore the scholars have mentioned to some of them:

1.    Infallibility: The Imam, like the Prophet (S), is completely away from mistakes, forgetfulness, and intentional wrongdoing. He is, in fact, infallible; otherwise, Allah’s purpose of guiding humans and introducing the true path toward perfection would remain incomplete and His Mercy would not be accomplished.[2]

2.    Knowledge: The Imam must be aware of what is necessary for Imamate, that is, he must know the teachings and rulings of the religion completely, so that he can inform the people about their religion and their religious duties and arbitrate in disputes between them.[3]

3.    Courage: The third quality of the Imam is courage, which he needs in removing seditions and suppressing falsehood, because without having the quality of courage, he will not be able to fulfill the duties of the Imamate.[4]

4.    The superiority of Imam: The Imam is a unique person in his own age; no one is like him, nor can anyone reach his position.[5]

5.    Avoiding physical and mental defects: In general, the Imam must be free from any physical or mental defects; Among the physical attributes of the imam, is being free from diseases and defects that disgust people; For example, the Imam (a.s.) never suffers from diseases such as leprosy and vitiligo. Also, the Imam (a.s.) must be free from mental defects and unpleasant temperaments, such as ignorance, madness and jealousy. Because there is no doubt that despite such defects, the Imam will be discredited in the eyes of the people and will lose his status in the eyes of his followers.[6]

6.     Miracle: Some theologians consider the Imam's ability to perform miracles, is one of his attributes and have said: It may be necessary for the Imam to perform miracles to prove his Imamate, which is a divine position. [7]

 

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[1] . (Usul Kafi/Kulaini/vol. 1/p. 200) "كُنَّا مَعَ الرِّضَا ع بِمَرْوَ فَاجْتَمَعْنَا فِي الْجَامِعِ يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ فِي بَدْءِ مَقْدَمِنَا فَأَدَارُوا أَمْرَ الْإِمَامَةِ وَ ذَكَرُوا كَثْرَةَ اخْتِلَافِ النَّاسِ فِيهَا فَدَخَلْتُ عَلَى سَيِّدِي....."  

[2] . Qushji, Fadel, Sharh Tajaryd al-Iaetiqadi, p. 367.

[3] . Tusi, Khawaja Nasir al-Din, Talkhees al-Muhallas, p. 430.

[4] . Ibid.

[5] . Alama Hilli, Hassan bin Yusuf, Kashf Al-Murad, vol. 1, p. 366.

[6] . Fadel, Miqdad bin Abdullah, Irshad al-Talibeen, pp. 325-375.

[7] . Tusi, Khawaja Nasir al-Din, Talkhees al-Muhallas, p. 431 - Bahrani, Ibn Maitham, Qawa’i