Introduction

In the beginning of this book we have already discussed the importance of investigation into religion and have charted out the fundamentals of belief (tawhid, nubuwwah, and ma’ad).

We have also explained that in order for a person’s life to be truly human, it must correctly resolve these issues. Theology, Prophethood and Imamah have all so far been discussed. Now the important issue of Resurrection will be covered under the title of ‘Understanding the Day of Judgement’.

Introduction

In previous lessons, certain traditions have been cited which mention the number of the nominated Imams, some indicate each one by name, and a few also indicate that they were all from the tribe of the Quraysh. In addition to this there are traditions, which compare the number of Imams with the number of the chiefs of the Bani Isra’el, and others, which state they are all from the progeny of Imam Husayn (‘a).

Introduction

The Appointment Of An Imam

In the previous lesson we have explained that the termination of the chain of prophecy without the nomination of an Imam is against Divine wisdom. In order for the religion of Islam to be perfect, universal and eternal it requires a successor - who possesses all the qualities and realities of the Prophet, (except the station of prophethood and messengership) - after his demise (the Prophet).

Introduction

Many of those who fail to contemplate or profoundly reflect upon the issues pertaining to belief, understand that the only difference in view between a Shi’ite and Sunnite on the issue of Imamah, is that the Shi’ite believe in the appointment of Ali ibn Abu Talib (‘a) as successor to the Prophet (S) in issues dealing with the Islamic state and society.

Introduction

The Prophet of Islam (S) after his migration to Medina established an Islamic state.

Introduction

By focusing upon the universality of the religion of Islam, the contingency of the abrogation of Islamic law through the nomination of a new Prophet is denied.

Introduction

So far it has been clearly understood that the belief in all prophets and acceptance of their message is a necessity and the rejection of a Prophet or of a message from a Prophet is paramount to rejecting the Divine legislative lordship.

On this basis, once the prophecy of the Prophet of Islam (S) has been proven, it is necessary to believe in him and in the revelation, he brought, and to accept the messages and rules delivered by him, from God the Supreme.

Introduction

As it has been indicated earlier, the necessity of prophethood requires that the Divine message must reach mankind without any alteration, in order that they can apply it in their lives to arrive upon the felicity of this world and the next. Therefore, the immunity of the Noble Qur’an like any other Divine Book is not established until its deliverance.

The Qur'an As A Miracle

The Noble Qur’an is the only Divine Book that openly and confidently claims that none can bring a book of the same caliber. It asserts that if all mankind and jinn work together to produce a book like it, they will certainly fail. Furthermore, not only would they fail in producing a book like it, but they would not even have the ability to produce the like of a single verse.