ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Mikyalul Makarim Fee Fawaaid ad-Duaa Lil Qai’m vol. 1 Rational Proof ================= The same arguments and reasons advocated to prove the need and necessity of the Prophet are also applicable in proving the necessity of the presence of the successor and legatee of the Prophet.

That after the passing away of the Prophet it is necessary that a successor of his should be present, so that people may refer to him in various matters of their life like they used to refer to the Prophet. Thus it is incumbent on the Almighty Allah to appoint him and it is also incumbent on the people to know the Imam because it is not possible to follow him without having his recognition and identification.

If someone objects that: The reason for sending of the prophets is different in this regard, because people are needful of the prophets in matters of earning livelihood, material aspects of life, the matters connected to the hereafter and resurrection so that they may bring from the Almighty Allah a law for them and that they should act according to it.

And since the prophet brought for the people what they needed and explained to them the divine laws and principles and the people recognized them and acted upon them the other need is removed. And there are scholars and authentic books for explanation and teaching of rules and commands of religion, so the presence of the legatee and successor of the Prophet is not necessary!

We reply: This objection is improper from some aspects: First The Prophet stated the laws in general and he explained the rules of religion according of the general need of that time. And this matter is clear to anyone who refers to the traditions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). On the basis of this the need of the people was not fulfilled to that extent. Rather some of the religious problems are even not understood fully by the scholars leave alone the common people.

Thus people are in need of the being of the Imam and the infallible leader so that they may refer to him and learn various things from him. There is no doubt that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) entrusted all the laws and sciences to his successor who was appointed by Allah as the guide of people after him. And every Imam entrusted them in turn to the Imam after him till the matter reached the Imam of our time (aj).