All the Prophets and their successors (Imams) were infallible (Masoom).

All the Prophets and their successors (Imams) were infallible (Masoom). ii. Imams must be appointed by Allah and that appointment is known through the announcement of the Holy Prophet or the preceding Imam. iii. There are 12 successors (one after another) of our Holy Prophet. Now : (a) Zaidiya say that it is not necessary for an Imam to be infallible or appointed by God. Any Muslim, calling to Islam by way of Jihad, is an Imam.

(b) Ismailiya (both sects) believe in more than 12 Imams and both differ from us about the nature and meaning of Imamat, as well as the position of Imam in the religion. Question : Why did you give your Division this particular name - Ithna-asheriya ? Answer: 'Ithna-asher' is the Arabic for 'twelve'. As stated above, we believe in 12 Imams after the Holy Prophet, hence this name. Question : Who can become an Ithna-asheriya ?

Answer: Any person, irrespective of his origin, can become Ithna-asheriya, if he sincerely believes in our tenents, Question : Do you agree with the five principles of Islam - that is; i. Believe that there is one God (Allah) and Muhammad (S.A.W.) is His Prophet; ii. Prayer; iii. Fasting in the month of Ramadhan; iv. Paying the Zaka; v. Making the Hijja ? Do you agree with the six principles of Iman - that is, believe in:- i. One God - "Allah"; ii. Angels; iii. Holy Books; iv. Prophets; v.

Resurrecction; vi. Will of God (Qudra) ? Do you believe that Quran is a Book from Allah and is free from errors? Answer: Yes. Had you seen Islam', there would have been no need to ask such questions. Question: Do you believe that the "Traditions" (Hadith) of our Holy Prophet is the second important Book in Islam ? Answer : Yes, if a tradition is authentic, it is to be followed and obeyed, without any 'ifs' and 'buts'. For your information, there is no "Book" called "Traditions".

Traditions are collected by various scholars in their books. Question: Do you agree that any one who changes the "ayas' or the meaning of any of the two books (Quran and Hadith) is Kafir? Answer: Anybody who 'knowingly' changes any 'aya' of the Holy Qur'an, is Kafir. Also, if he changes its meaning 'knowing it to be false' he is Kafir, or at least 'Munafique' (hypocrite). Here, I would like you to understand what is the sure way of knowing the meaning of Qur'an.

Allah has said: "He it is who hath revealed unto thee (Muhammad) the Scripture wherein are clear revelations - They are the substance of the Book - and others (which are) allegorical.