He is, in fact, infallible; otherwise, Allah’s purpose of...

He is, in fact, infallible; otherwise, Allah’s purpose of guiding humans and introducing the true path toward perfection would remain incomplete and His Mercy would not be accomplished. The Shiah argue for human need to the Imam, his knowledge and infallibility, and the necessity of his appointment by the Almighty Allah based on the famous Mercy (lutf) principle, considering the existence and appointment of the Imam as a sign of Allah’s Mercy.

The late Allamah Hilli writes, “The existence of Imam is because of Allah’s Mercy and appointing the Imam is obligatory upon the Exalted Allah, so that His purpose is accomplished!”[^5] The Imamiyyah (Shiah) Muslims know the Imam a noble person, who is the best one in his age in regard to belief, commitment to ethical virtues, true knowledge of Islamic commandments and rules, and devoutness, after the Messenger of Allah (S).

He is infallible and away from mistakes, forgetfulness, wrongdoing, and sins. Only such a person can be the Prophet (S)’s successor and the people’s leader. The Sunni Muslims, however, do not necessitate these conditions for the successor of (S). They even do not nullify the probability of mistakes or wrongdoing for him. They think that qualification for ruling and managing worldly issues suffices for the Imam.

The Sunni Muslims consider obeying the Imam obligatory for the people and opposing him forbidden. The Imam as Mentioned in Traditions There are many traditions, which define the Imam and Imamate, one of which we mention here. The eighth infallible Imam of the Shiah, Imam Ridha’ (a.s.) stated, Imamate is the position of the prophets (S) and the heritage of their successors.

Imamate is caliphate of Allah and His Messenger and the position of Amiral Mu’minin, Imam Ali (a.s.), Imam Hasan (a.s.), and Imam Husayn (a.s.). Imamate is governing Muslims’ religion and system, worldly prosperity and honor. Imamate is the basis of blossoming tree of Islam and its young branches.

The Imam manages well the issues related to Salat (regular prayers), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (statutory Islamic levy), Hajj (pilgrimage of the ka’bah), Jihad , developing government properties, Sadaqat (alms), execution of commandments and Hudud (Islamic punishment defined for specific sins), and guarding the boundaries. The Imam is Allah’s trusted servant among the people, His Hujjat (sign) for the servants, His caliph in lands, inviter to Allah’s religion, and protector of Allah’s sanctuary.