Besides this...

Besides this, the inclination of Muslims toward the (‘a) explains the large number of theses, books, and writings written by Muslim scholars of various sects that deal with the (‘a). In addition to these works, Muslim scholars of various sects have openly confessed this fact in the major reference books of Muslim jurisprudence ( fiqh ), exegesis of the Holy Qur’an ( tafsir ), traditions ( Hadith ), and history as well as other fields of knowledge.

The books that contain this reality are too many to mention in a single volume. This historical phenomenon (of the unanimity of all Muslims recognizing the (‘a) to be the most virtuous exemplars in the Muslim society throughout history) cannot be explained except on the basis of the creed that the Twelver ( ithna-’ashariyyah ) Shi’ah believe about the (‘a).

This creed entails that the leadership of the (‘a) is the ‘fundamental pillar’ on which Islam and the final Divine Message rests, which Almighty Allah has promised to protect and maintain. Thus, the (‘a) represent the natural extension and continuity of the Divine Message although such extension has not been described as prophethood, since the Holy Prophet (S) is reported to have said to Imam ‘Ali (‘a): أَنْتَ مِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى إلاَّ أَنَّهُ لاَ نَبِيَّ بَعْدِي.

Your position to me is the same as the position of (Prophet) Aaron (‘a) to (Prophet) Moses (‘a) except that no Prophet will come after me. The (‘a) are thus the interpreters of the Holy Qur’an and bearers of the Prophetic Traditions in all their details. They are also an extension of divinely commanded responsibility because they are the true guides, the manifestations of piety, the couriers of the message of the Holy Messenger (S) and the authorities after him.

Just as this final Divine Message is predestined to live and perpetuate, so also will the (‘a) necessarily continue to live and perpetuate in order to influence the Muslim community—a fact that cannot be denied by any researcher no matter how unreasonable be his contention and refusal to face facts.

Actuality of the ’s Role An important question needs to be answered in this regard: What role did the (‘a) play in the lives of Muslims that caused them to obtain such an enviable position in the Islamic mission and in the spiritual and social lives of Muslims?

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