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?
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