Imamah
6 years 9 months ago #596
by AlAdala
Asalamu alaykum,
Why must all the Imams (as) be from Ahlul Bayt (as)? I can understand why the Infallible ones are and also Imams like Imam Zaynul Abideen, Al Baqir, Zayd Ibn Ali (alayhimussalam).
What purpose does Imamah serve if there can be more than one Imam (as) at one time? Shouldn't there be one leader or Waliyul 'Amr to lead the Ummah?
Also can a normal Shi'ah scholar of Islam not be a descendant of Ahlul Bayt (as)?
Why must all the Imams (as) be from Ahlul Bayt (as)? I can understand why the Infallible ones are and also Imams like Imam Zaynul Abideen, Al Baqir, Zayd Ibn Ali (alayhimussalam).
What purpose does Imamah serve if there can be more than one Imam (as) at one time? Shouldn't there be one leader or Waliyul 'Amr to lead the Ummah?
Also can a normal Shi'ah scholar of Islam not be a descendant of Ahlul Bayt (as)?
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6 years 9 months ago #598
by Imam Rassi Society
Replied by Imam Rassi Society on topic Imamah
Wa alaykum as salaam wa rahmatullahi!
Thank you for your question! The imams of the Ummah have to be from Ahl al-Bayt because that is what Allah decreed. Ahadith such as Hadith ath-Thaqalayn (Hadith of Two Weighty Things), Hadith an-Nujoom (Hadith of the Stars), and others testify to the obligation to follow the Ahl al-Bayt, upon them be peace.
There is also a wisdom in limiting the Imamah to the Fatimi descendants for various reasons. One of the reasons mentioned by Imam al-Qaasim ar-Rassi (as) in his Tathbeet al-Imaama is that by restricting it to them, no other tribe or group can vie for it and engage in needless conflict. One can readily see this in the history of the caliphate from the Ummayads to the Abbassids and others. As for the existence of more than one imam at one time, the Zaydi model is that the most qualified imam is the one to be followed and the less qualified is to be seated or fought. The most qualified is the one who is the most knowledgeable, bravest, most skilled, most God-conscious, etc.
Anyone could be a scholar. It is not necessary for a scholar to be a descendant of Ahl al-Bayt.
And Allah knows best!
IRS
Thank you for your question! The imams of the Ummah have to be from Ahl al-Bayt because that is what Allah decreed. Ahadith such as Hadith ath-Thaqalayn (Hadith of Two Weighty Things), Hadith an-Nujoom (Hadith of the Stars), and others testify to the obligation to follow the Ahl al-Bayt, upon them be peace.
There is also a wisdom in limiting the Imamah to the Fatimi descendants for various reasons. One of the reasons mentioned by Imam al-Qaasim ar-Rassi (as) in his Tathbeet al-Imaama is that by restricting it to them, no other tribe or group can vie for it and engage in needless conflict. One can readily see this in the history of the caliphate from the Ummayads to the Abbassids and others. As for the existence of more than one imam at one time, the Zaydi model is that the most qualified imam is the one to be followed and the less qualified is to be seated or fought. The most qualified is the one who is the most knowledgeable, bravest, most skilled, most God-conscious, etc.
Anyone could be a scholar. It is not necessary for a scholar to be a descendant of Ahl al-Bayt.
And Allah knows best!
IRS
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6 years 9 months ago - 6 years 9 months ago #600
by AlAdala
jazakum ALLAHu khayr and the evidence from the Qur'an is when ALLAH told the Prophet Muhammad salla ALLAHu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam, "بلغ" )(baligh) to tell the people Ali (as) will be his successor?
So basically the Imam (as) is the Leader who is a just person and descendant of Fatima (as) from amongst the people who has the final say on matters. He is the Leader of the Ummah.
Who chooses him? Or, if he claims the Imamah for himself, who approves or disapproves of him?
Nowadays we have formally educated religious leaders some of which are descendants of Ahlul Bayt (as). They follow an unorthodox, non-traditional, sometimes western, modern system of education. What if one of these people becomes a Zaydi, or already is a follower of the Zaydi school, claims Imamah and there is a dispute over the modern thinking he posseses which is not in accordance with the Sunnah? Who would have the say on if he becomes the Imam of the time or not?
jazakum ALLAHu khayr
So basically the Imam (as) is the Leader who is a just person and descendant of Fatima (as) from amongst the people who has the final say on matters. He is the Leader of the Ummah.
Who chooses him? Or, if he claims the Imamah for himself, who approves or disapproves of him?
Nowadays we have formally educated religious leaders some of which are descendants of Ahlul Bayt (as). They follow an unorthodox, non-traditional, sometimes western, modern system of education. What if one of these people becomes a Zaydi, or already is a follower of the Zaydi school, claims Imamah and there is a dispute over the modern thinking he posseses which is not in accordance with the Sunnah? Who would have the say on if he becomes the Imam of the time or not?
jazakum ALLAHu khayr
Last edit: 6 years 9 months ago by AlAdala.
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6 years 9 months ago #603
by Imam Rassi Society
Replied by Imam Rassi Society on topic Imamah
Thank you for your question! According to Zaydi sources, the ayat {O Messenger, convey (balligh) what has been revealed...} (Q. 5:67) was revealed concerning the imaama of Ali bin Abi Taalib, upon him be peace.
The imam is not chosen; rather, he simply manifests his call (dawah) and the ummah follows. Of course, this does not prevent any sayyid from rising and calling to himself as imam. For that reason, such person is scrutinised by our ulema to determine if he is worthy to be followed or not. Generally, this is done collectively. In the past, our imams were given the oath of allegiance by the Bani Hashim and others as a group after having determined that this person is worthy of imaama.
One of the determining factors is that this sayyid must demonstrate knowledge of all facets of Islamic creed, law and zuhd. having knowledge of modern means of technology, warfare, etc. is also necessary. A Zaydi with a background in modern education is not precluded as long as he abides by the aqeeda and laws of Shariah as passed down by his venerable ancestors.
And Allah knows best!
IRS
The imam is not chosen; rather, he simply manifests his call (dawah) and the ummah follows. Of course, this does not prevent any sayyid from rising and calling to himself as imam. For that reason, such person is scrutinised by our ulema to determine if he is worthy to be followed or not. Generally, this is done collectively. In the past, our imams were given the oath of allegiance by the Bani Hashim and others as a group after having determined that this person is worthy of imaama.
One of the determining factors is that this sayyid must demonstrate knowledge of all facets of Islamic creed, law and zuhd. having knowledge of modern means of technology, warfare, etc. is also necessary. A Zaydi with a background in modern education is not precluded as long as he abides by the aqeeda and laws of Shariah as passed down by his venerable ancestors.
And Allah knows best!
IRS
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