ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Explanation to the Belief of Mahdism in Shi'a Imamia Shia’sm and the meaning of Imam, the Redeemer ================================================ We will present explanations of some magnitude in order to obviate mistakes since there are several. The taking shape and the Foundation of Shia’sm in the epoch of prophet-hood: A.

Historical events and constant traditions indicate that during the prophethood itself, the Shia faith started taking shape and gaining ground by its Salient feature that is the belief in Imamate fixed by the text. In the early years of his prophet hood when the Prophet commenced the call, a foundation was laid and officially announced to the people with much stress on the need for their adherence to it. This is quite obvious in the much known tradition of Thaqalain (two heavy things).

The Prophet did not suffice on that. He wanted to write it down in his will which he said was important and that they would never go astray if they adhered to it. He demanded a pen and paper for this purpose. As he was sick in his deathbed no one obeyed his order. Those who were present around him opposed him openly and said, “The man is uttering nonsense.” They stopped him from writing down his will by not giving him a pen and paper.

Those who accepted the Prophet’s invitation and stuck to this faith was and is a Shia. It is the contents of the Prophet’s call and the essence of his Mission. As for the leadership of the nation, on every occasion and in every opportunity this issue has been made known to the people by the Prophet (S). Imamate is a comer stone in the proclamations of the Prophet (S). The importance of it comes to light by this saying of the Prophet (S), which he narrated on various occasions.

“He who dies without knowing the Imam of his time dies a death of ignorance.” What we infer from this tradition is that to ignore the Imam or not to recognize him is tantamount to death, a death prior to Islam. The station of Imam is such. The Prophet (S) has specified the qualities of the Imam as to who and how he should be, also as from which class and which clan he should be. Their number too which is twelve was told by the Prophet (S).

He in his lifetime had disclosed their names individually. Every Imam is a perfect man of his time. His conduct, moral, and knowledge is superior to all. He is the example in every aspect to be followed. The Quranic verses as well support this.