Imamate In the family...

Imamate In the family, the father is the one who is responsible for managing its affairs. He should supervise and educate the children. On the other hand, the children and other family members should obey him, listen to his words and advice. In the school, we find that the headmaster is the one who is responsible for running, supervising and applying its rules, while other school members, staff and students, should obey him, listen to his directions and advice.

The headmaster should guard the school and strive towards achieving progress in its study program and also preserve good education and solve its problems. Now, let us ponder on the great Islamic society. Does it need an Islamic government? Does it require a head-of-state for organising the economic, judicial and political affairs? Should it be able to stand against corruption, spread virtue and good morals, and direct the society towards worshipping Allah and obeying Him?

Should it explain Islamic laws and strive towards the progress of the society? Should it solve society's problems according to an Islamic foundation, or is there no need for such a government? Certainly, we can see the need for the existence of such a sincere, just government. It is obligatory for the Islamic state to be supervised by sincere and qualified leaders who strive towards meeting the needs of the society and educating people about Islamic ideology, laws and behavior.

It has to provide people with public services such as medical treatment, assistance to the poor, building infrastructures, mosques, universities, industries, establishing an army, courts of law and other government offices. The Islamic society needs a government and a just head-of-state who is able to manage the affairs of the Muslim Nation. Muslims call this head-of-state an Imam. He is the one who leads all Muslims. Imamate in Islam Islam gives much importance to Imamate (leadership).

The Holy Prophet, Muhammad, (s) was the Imam and head-of-state of the Muslims during his blessed life in addition to his being a Prophet and Messenger of Allah, the Most Gracious.

Allah the Almighty says: “Surely your guardian is only Allah, and His Messenger, and those who believe, keep up prayer and pay poor-rates (zakat) while they bow down.” Holy Qur'an (5:55) The commentators of the Holy Qur'an unanimously agree that this verse was revealed in relation to Imam Ali (a) and that he is the master of the Muslims.