It is also for this reason that we have in another famous...

It is also for this reason that we have in another famous quotation from the Prophet (S) in a famous traditions he said: “He who passes away without having an ‘Imam’, a ‘leader’, his death belongs to the category of ‘paganism’.” There are numerous examples throughout history when a nation has gained the first row in the world in rank and position under the guidance of a great and an eligible leader, while, the same nation has suffered a devastating blow, and its eventual down fall has been brought about as a result of a weak and incapable leadership that may be beyond recognition.

In interpretation of this verse in Islamic sources, there are numerous quotations introduced, all of which enlighten thoroughly the meaning of the verse, indicating that the purpose of this verse is ‘Imamat’, ‘leadership’, as follows: In an authentic documented tradition, quoted from Imam Ali-Ibn-MūsarRida (as) by Shi‘ah as well as Sunni sources, we read that, the ‘Imam’ (as), quoting from the prophet (S), narrated by his forefathers, upon the commentary of this verse, said: “On that Day, every nation will be called along with its contemporary Imam, ‘leader’, and the Book of their Lord, as well as the course of practice of their prophet.” [^1] And, we have it also quoted by Imam Sadiq (as) saying: “Do you not express your praise and gratitude to Allah?

When the resurrection day comes, the Lord will call every nation along with the one whose leadership it has accepted. We will be called along with the Prophet (S) and you will be along with us. Where do you think you will be taken to then? By the Lord of Ka‘bah to Paradise.” The Imam reiterated the last sentence three times. Hadrat-i-Rida has said in a detailed tradition: “The issue of ‘Imamat’ (leadership) exhibits the position of the prophets and is a heritage of the forerunners.

It tackles with the issue of substitution of Allah and the prophetic mission of the Prophet (S) as well as the position of Amir-ul-Mu’mineen (as) along with the replacement by Imam Hassan, as well as Imam Hussayn (as).” Then he said: “The Imam introduces those issues which are as ‘allowed’ by Allah as they are, and the ones which are regarded ‘forbidden’ by the Lord as such.

The Imam seeks to establish the limits which are ordained by Allah and he defends the Lord’s religion, and invites (the people) to the path of Allah through wisdom, good admonitions, and self-explanatory proofs.