Classes on Theology

Sheikh Jaffer H. JafferMasumeen Islamic Centre

May 15th, 2012Week Thirteen

Imamah – Divine Leadership• Last week:

– We finished the discussion on Prophethood– Also discussed the Miracle of the Qur’an and

proofs of its infallibility– Seal of the Prophecy

• This week:– Imamah – Divine Leadership

Imamah – Divine Leadership• The Concept of Imamah:

– Lexical:• Leadership and an Imam is one who becomes the leader of the

group

– Theological:• The Imam means the universal administrator over an Islamic

state or society, and he administers all the issues relating to this world and the next world

• Three differences between the two sects:• The Imam must be nominated by God the Supreme

• The Imam must possess Divinely given knowledge

• The Imam must be infallible (protected)

Imamah – Divine Leadership• The necessity of Divine nomination of an Imam:

– Divine Wisdom necessitates God must provide us with additional tools to reach perfection

– The Religion of Islam is universal, eternal and cannot be abrogated

– God has guaranteed the protection of the Qur’an• Therfore, Divine Wisdom necessitates that there must be

someone present after the Prophet to make sure that guidance and leadership is provided

– Hence the termination of the chain of Prophethood is only harmonious with the Divine Wisdom when it is concurrent with the nomination of an Imam al ma’sum

Imamah – Divine Leadership• Next Week:

– Proofs (Naqli) of the appointment of an Imam– The Knowledge and the Infallibility of the

Imam– Imam Mahdi AS-AJTFS

• Continue with discussion regarding the compilation of the Qur’an

Questions?