Surely not...

Surely not; the reality of the knowledge of the Imam is not just the knowledge of these historical facts. Even the non-Shi‘ahs are aware of these facts. So what is the knowledge of the Imam? To fulfil our responsibility in regard to the knowledge of the Present Imam, we have to study the following matters: 1. The need for an Imam and a “proof” (hujjah) of God.

In other words, the significance of divine guidance which takes the form of imamate after the finality of nubuwwah (prophethood) and risalah (messengership). 2. The reality of imamat and wilayah. That is, the nature of the relationship of an Imam with the Prophet and Allah; and the relationship of the Shi‘ahs with the Imam. 3. The evidence of the birth of our twelfth Imam. 4. The proof that the Present Imam is the son of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari. 5. The important events of the lesser occultation. 6.

The causes of occultation. 7. Is it possible for a man to live for over a thousand years? 8. The teachings and message of the Present Imam for his Shi‘ahs. 9. The signs which are to appear before the appearance of Imam Mahdi. 10. Studying the ahadith describing the appearance of Imam Mahdi. 11. Is the Imam aware of, and in connection with, his people? 12. If his presence is felt in the Shi‘ah community, then what is the nature of his presence? 13. The proofs of the imamate of our twelfth Imam.

14.Is it possible for an Imam to guide his community while he is in occultation? These are some of the important matters which must be studied by the Shi‘ahs. The Knowledge of The Imam From Hadith’s Point of View The Prophet and the Imams of Ahlu ’l-Bayt have very clearly explained the importance of knowing the Imam of the time. From these sayings, we can understand that the survival of our faith is based on our knowledge of the Imam of the time.

If one lacks the knowledge of the Imam of his time, all his deeds will be valueless. (upon whom be peace) said, “One who dies and he does not believe in (lit. “have”) an Imam, his death will be the death of an unbeliever (jahiliyyah).”(1) Imam Ja‘far aṣ-Ṣadiq (upon whom be peace) said, “One who dies and he does not believe in an Imam, his death will be the death of an unbeliever.

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