1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

98 Questions

Does al-Kafi (1/409) state that the Imams have complete authority over everything in the heavens and earth, despite the Quran attributing these qualities solely to Allah? What does the divinity of Imamate signify?
Amina Inloes

An English translation of this is (alongside the Arabic text) is available here: 

Chapter 105 (page 66-74 of the PDF)
https://www.wofis.com/book/18-AL-KAFI%20The%20Book%20of%20Divine%20Proof...(II)

This edition notes some weaknesses and problems with the hadith in this chapter.

In any case, Shi'a have varying views about the spiritual nature, knowledge, and authority of the Imams. Some take a rather expansive view, and some take a more restrictive view. 

As for the more expansive view, you could read through the book by Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi The Divine Guide in Early Shi'ism, which attempts to explain what this means. This tends to be a love-or-hate book - some people love it, other people hate it - but it handles the subject excellently.

Ultimately, if you are Shi'i, this is a theological issue you will have to decide on for yourself (and your views may change over time). If you are not Shi'i, you can  still explore and appreciate the variety of views. 
What are some evidences from Sunni traditions regarding the use of "alaihis salam" with the names of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt (a)?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Bukhari book known as Saheeh al-Bukhari has mentioned in its original editions Alaihis Salam for Ahlul Bayt in many places of his book. Same in many other Sunni books of Hadeeth like Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ibn Abi Assim in Kitab Al-Sunnah, Ibn Battat in Kitab Al-Ebaanah  and Al-Lalakaei in Shah Osool Ahlul Sunnah.

Many promenant Sunni scholars like Shaikh Adnan Ebraheem of Palestine and many other Sunni scholars use Alaihi Assalam for Ahlul Bayt (AS).

'Wassalam.
Was Ya Ali Madad originated by the Imams? Is there tangible evidence, beyond our faith, to support the notion that Imam Ali assists us with God's permission? Or was it introduced by people later on and gradually embraced?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Seeking help from the most humble servants of Allah who do everything by permission from Allah, is seeking help from Allah. We seek help from the Prophet (SAWA) and Imam Ali (AS) because of their greatest status with Allah, which makes their Du'a for us accepted rather than our direct Du'a because of our sins. Saying Ya Rasolallah or Ya Ali Madad is based on the firm faith that they are the best servants of Allah and their intercession helps us by permission of Allah.

Never listen to Wahabi false propaganda which claims that it is Shirk or polythemy.. They do not understand the real meaning of Tawheed as it is in Quran and authentic Hadeeths.

Wassalam.
Are there any Hadiths regarding the role of the Prophet (s) and Imams (a) as helpers of the believers? Or are the titles such as 'Mushkil Kusha' given by people based on the permissibility of Tawassul?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Quranic verses are clear that the Prophet (SAWA) helps the believers and he is very sympathetic on them, and he is the source of blessings on the believers.

'The Infallible Imams are the real successors of the Prophet (SAWA) and did and still do the same to help the believers. They are in fact the keys to open the gates of mercy for the believers and we have many authentic narrations stating that.

'Wassalam.