Shi’ism has reached the conclusion that there are sufficient traditional texts left by the Prophet to indicate the procedure for determining the Imam and successor of the Prophet.This conclusion is supported by Quranic verses and hadiths.
Most of which are also accepted by Sunnism.
Shi’ism has studied and investigated the primordial nature of man and the continuous tradition of wisdom that has survived among men, It has penetrated into the principal purpose of Islam, which is to revivify man’s primordial nature, and has investigated such things as the methods used by the Prophet in suiding the community; the troubles which entangled Islam and the Muslims and which led to division and separation; and the short life of the Muslim governments of the early centuries, which were characterized by negligence and lack of strict religious principles. As a result of these studies Shi’ism has reached the conclusion that there are sufficient traditional texts left by the Prophet to indicate the procedure for determining the Imam and successor of the Prophet.
This conclusion is supported by Quranic verses and hadiths which Shi’ism considers as sound, such as the verses on walayat and the hadiths of Ghadir, Safinah, Thaqalayn, Happ, Manzilah, Da’wat-i’ashirah-i aqrabin, and others. But of course these hadiths, most of which are also accepted by Sunnism, have Otherwise the whole question of succession would not have arisen, Whereas these hadiths appear to Shi’ites as a clear indication of the Prophet’s intention in the question of succession, they have been interpreted by Sunnis in quite another way so as to leave this question open and unanswered.
To prove the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Shi’ites have had recourse to Quranic verses, including the following: “Your master [wali] can be only Allah; and His messenger and the those who believe, who establish worship and pay the poor due, and bow down (in prayer) [or, and this reading is accepted by ‘Allamah Tabataba’i: “… pay the poor due while bowing down (in prayer)]”.Shi’ite and Sunni commentators alike agree that this verse was revealed concerning Ali ibn Abi Talib, and many Shi’ite and Sunni traditions exist supporting this view.
Abu Dharr Ghafafi has said:” One day we prayed the noon prayer with the Prophet (SW). A person in need asked people to help him, but on one gave him anything. The person raised his hands to the sky saying, ‘Oh God! Bear witness that in the mosque of the Prophet (SW) that no one gave me anything.’ Ali ibn Abi Talib was in the bowing position of the prayers. He pointed with his finger outwards towards the person, who then took his ring and left. The Prophet (SW), who was observing the scene, raised his his head toward heaven and said: Oh God! My brother Moses said to Thee, “Expand my breast and make easy my tasks and make my tongue eloquent so that they will comprehend my words, and make my brother, Aaron, my help and vizier”.
Oh God! I am also Thy prophet; expand my breast and make easy my tasks make Ali my vizier and helper.’” Abu Dharr says, “The words of the Prophet had not as yet finished when the verse [cited above] was revealed.” Another verse which the Shi’ites consider as proof of the caliphate of Ali is this: ” This day are those who disbelieve in despair of (ever harming) your religion; so fear them not, fear Me! This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as religion AL-ISLAM”.
The obvious meaning of this verse is that before that particular day the infidels had hopes that a day would come when Islam would die out, but God through the actualization of a particular event made them lose forever the hope that Islam would be destroyed. This very event is the cause of the strength and perfection of Islam and of necessity could be a minor occasion such as the proclaim of one of the injunctions of religion. Rather, it was a matter of such importance that the continuation of Islam depended upon it.
This verse seems to be related to another verse which comes toward the end of the same chapter: “O Messenger! Make known that which hath been revealed untio thee from thy Lord, for if thou do it not, thou will not have conveyed His message, Allah will protect thee from mankind.” This verse indicates that God commanded a mission of great concern and importance to the Prophet (SW) that if not accomplished would endanger the basis of Islam and prophecy. But, the matter was so important that the Prophet (SW) feared opposition and interference and in awaiting suitable circumstances delayed it until there came a definite and urgent order from God to execute this command without delay and not to fear anyone.
This matter also was not just a particular religious injunction in the ordinary sense, for to preach one or several religious injunctions is not so vital, that if a single one of them were not preached it would cause the destruction of Islam. The Prophet (SW) of Islam did not fear anyone in preaching the injunctions and laws of religion. These indications and witnesses add weight to the Shi’ite traditions which asset that these verses were revealed at Ghadir Khumm and concern the spiritual investiture (walayat) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH). Moreover, many Shi’ite and Sunni commentators have confirmed this point.
Abu Said Khudari says: “The Prophet (SW) in Ghadir Khumm invited people toward Ali and took his arm and lifted it so high that the white spot on the armpit of the Prophet (SW) could be seen. Then this verse was revealed: ‘This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as religion Al-ISLAM.’ Then the Prophet (SW) said, ‘God is great (Allahu akbar) that religion has become perfected and that God’s bounty has been completed, His satisfaction attained and the walayat of Imam Ali (PBUH) achieved.’ Then he added, ‘For whomever I am the authority and guide Ali is also his guide and authority. Oh God! Be friendly with the friends of Ali and the enemy of his enemies. Whoever helps, help him, and whoever leaves him, leave him.”
In a summary, we can say that the enemies of Islam who did everything possible to destroy it, when they lost all hope of achieving this end, were left with only one hope. They thought that since the protector of Islam was the Prophet (SW), after his death Islam would be left without a guide and leader; and thus, definitely perish. But, at Ghadir Khumm their hopes were brought to end as the Prophet (SW) presented Ali as the guide and leader of Islam to the people. After Ali, this heavy and necessary duty of guide and leader was left upon the shoulders of his family.
Some of the hadiths pertaining to Ghadir Khumm, the investiture of Ali, and the significance of the Household of the Porphet are cited here:
Hadith Ghadir
The Prophet (SW) of Islam upon returning from the farewell pilgrimage stopped at Ghadir Khumm, assembled the Muslims and, after delivering a sermon, chose Ali as the leader and guide of the Muslims. Bara’ says: “I was in the company of the Prophet (SW) during the farewell pilgrimage.
When we reached Ghadir Khum he ordered that place to be cleaned. Then he took Ali’s hand and placed him on his right side. Then he said, ‘Am I not the authority whom you obey?’ They answered, ‘We obey your directions.’ Then he said, ‘For whomever I am his master (maula) and the authority whom he obeys, Ali will be his master. Oh God! Be friendly with the friends of Ali and enemy of the enemies of Ali.’ Then Umar ibn al-Khattab said to Ali, ‘May this position be pleasing to you, for now you are my master and the master of all the believers.’”
Hadith Safinah
Ibn ‘Abbas says, “The Prophet said, ‘My household is like the ship of Noah; whoever embarks upon it will be saved and whoever turns away from it will be drowned.’”
Hadith Thaqalayn
: Zayd ibn Arqam has recounted that the Prophet (SW) said, “It seems that God has called me unto Himself and I must obey His call. But, I leave two great and precious things among you: the Book of God and My Household. Be careful as to how you behave toward them. These two will never be separated from each other until they encounter me at Kawthar (in paradise).” Hadith-i thaqalayn is one of the most strongly established hadiths, and has been transmitted through many chains of transmission and in different versions.
Shi’ites and Sunni agree concerning its authenticity. Several important points can be deduced from this hadith and its like: In the same way that the Holy Quran will remain until the Day of Judgment, the progeny of the Holy Prophet (SW) will also remain. No period of time will be without the existence of the figure which Shi’ites calls the Imam, the real leader and guide of men. Through these two great trusts (amanat), the Prophet has provided all the religious and intellectual needs of the Muslims.
He has introduced his Household to the Muslims as authorities in knowledge and has pronounced their words and deeds to be worthy and authoritative. One must not separate the Holy Quran from the Household of the Prophet (SW). No Muslim has the right to reject the “knowledge” of the members of the Prophet’s (SW) Household or to remove himself from under their guidance. If people obey this Household and follow their words they will never be led astray. God will always be with them. The answers to the intellectual and religious needs of men are to be found in the hands of this Household.
Whoever follows them will not fall into error and will reach true felicity; that is, the members of the Household are free from error and sin and are inerrant. From this it can be concluded that by the meaning of “The Members of the Household” and “Progeny” is not all the descendants and relatives of the Prophet (SW). Rather, specific individuals (are meant) who are perfect in their religious knowledge and are protected against error and sin; thus, they are qualified to guide and lead men.
For Shi’ism these individuals consist of Ali ibn Abi Talib and his eleven descendants who inherit the imamate one after another. This interpretation is also confirmed by the Shi’ite traditions. For example, Ibn’Abbas has said, “I said to the Prophet (SW), ‘Who are your descendants whose love is obligatory [upon Muslims]?’ He said, ‘Ali, Fatimah, Hassan and Husayn.,” Jabir has transmitted that the Prophet (SW) has said, “God placed the Children of all prophets in their ‘backbone’ but placed my children in the backbone of Ali.”
Hadith Haqq
Umm Salamh has said, “I heard from the Prophet (SW) of God who said, ‘Ali is with the Truth (haqq) and the Quran, and the Truth and the Quran are also with Ali, and they will be inseparable until they come upon me at Kawthar.”
Hadith Manzilah
Sa’d ibn Waqqas has said, “The Prophet (SW) of God said to Ali, Are you not satisfied to be to me what Harun was to Moses except that after me there will not be another prophet?’ ”
Hadith Da’wat-i ‘eshirah
The Prophet (SW) invited his relatives for luncheon and after the meal told them, “I know of no one who has brought to his people better things than I have brought to you. God has commanded me to invite you toward Him. Who will assist me in this matter and be my brother and inheritor (wasi) and vicegerent (khalifah) among you?” All remained silent, but Ali, who was the youngest of all he exclaimed, “I shall be your deputy.”
Then the Prophet (SW) put his arms around him and said, “He is my brother, inheritor and vicegerent. You must obey him.” The group as they departed began to laugh, telling Abu Talib, “Muhammad has ordered you to obey your son.” Hudhayfah has said, ” The Prophet (SW) of God said, ‘If you make Ali my vicegerent and successor, I do not think you will find him a perspicacious guide who will direct you toward the straight path!” Ibn Marduyah has said that the Prophet (SW) said, Whoever wishes that his life and death to be like mine and that he enters paradise should love Ali, after me and follow my household, for they are my descendants and have been created from my clay. My knowledge and understanding have been bestowed upon them. Therefore woe unto those who deny their virtues. My intercession [on the Day of judgment] will never include them.”
Source :www.al-shia.org
Nov 7 2020
What Is the Meaning of Imam? Part 2
Shi’ism has reached the conclusion that there are sufficient traditional texts left by the Prophet to indicate the procedure for determining the Imam and successor of the Prophet.This conclusion is supported by Quranic verses and hadiths.
Most of which are also accepted by Sunnism.
Shi’ism has studied and investigated the primordial nature of man and the continuous tradition of wisdom that has survived among men, It has penetrated into the principal purpose of Islam, which is to revivify man’s primordial nature, and has investigated such things as the methods used by the Prophet in suiding the community; the troubles which entangled Islam and the Muslims and which led to division and separation; and the short life of the Muslim governments of the early centuries, which were characterized by negligence and lack of strict religious principles. As a result of these studies Shi’ism has reached the conclusion that there are sufficient traditional texts left by the Prophet to indicate the procedure for determining the Imam and successor of the Prophet.
This conclusion is supported by Quranic verses and hadiths which Shi’ism considers as sound, such as the verses on walayat and the hadiths of Ghadir, Safinah, Thaqalayn, Happ, Manzilah, Da’wat-i’ashirah-i aqrabin, and others. But of course these hadiths, most of which are also accepted by Sunnism, have Otherwise the whole question of succession would not have arisen, Whereas these hadiths appear to Shi’ites as a clear indication of the Prophet’s intention in the question of succession, they have been interpreted by Sunnis in quite another way so as to leave this question open and unanswered.
To prove the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Shi’ites have had recourse to Quranic verses, including the following: “Your master [wali] can be only Allah; and His messenger and the those who believe, who establish worship and pay the poor due, and bow down (in prayer) [or, and this reading is accepted by ‘Allamah Tabataba’i: “… pay the poor due while bowing down (in prayer)]”.Shi’ite and Sunni commentators alike agree that this verse was revealed concerning Ali ibn Abi Talib, and many Shi’ite and Sunni traditions exist supporting this view.
Abu Dharr Ghafafi has said:” One day we prayed the noon prayer with the Prophet (SW). A person in need asked people to help him, but on one gave him anything. The person raised his hands to the sky saying, ‘Oh God! Bear witness that in the mosque of the Prophet (SW) that no one gave me anything.’ Ali ibn Abi Talib was in the bowing position of the prayers. He pointed with his finger outwards towards the person, who then took his ring and left. The Prophet (SW), who was observing the scene, raised his his head toward heaven and said: Oh God! My brother Moses said to Thee, “Expand my breast and make easy my tasks and make my tongue eloquent so that they will comprehend my words, and make my brother, Aaron, my help and vizier”.
Oh God! I am also Thy prophet; expand my breast and make easy my tasks make Ali my vizier and helper.’” Abu Dharr says, “The words of the Prophet had not as yet finished when the verse [cited above] was revealed.” Another verse which the Shi’ites consider as proof of the caliphate of Ali is this: ” This day are those who disbelieve in despair of (ever harming) your religion; so fear them not, fear Me! This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as religion AL-ISLAM”.
The obvious meaning of this verse is that before that particular day the infidels had hopes that a day would come when Islam would die out, but God through the actualization of a particular event made them lose forever the hope that Islam would be destroyed. This very event is the cause of the strength and perfection of Islam and of necessity could be a minor occasion such as the proclaim of one of the injunctions of religion. Rather, it was a matter of such importance that the continuation of Islam depended upon it.
This verse seems to be related to another verse which comes toward the end of the same chapter: “O Messenger! Make known that which hath been revealed untio thee from thy Lord, for if thou do it not, thou will not have conveyed His message, Allah will protect thee from mankind.” This verse indicates that God commanded a mission of great concern and importance to the Prophet (SW) that if not accomplished would endanger the basis of Islam and prophecy. But, the matter was so important that the Prophet (SW) feared opposition and interference and in awaiting suitable circumstances delayed it until there came a definite and urgent order from God to execute this command without delay and not to fear anyone.
This matter also was not just a particular religious injunction in the ordinary sense, for to preach one or several religious injunctions is not so vital, that if a single one of them were not preached it would cause the destruction of Islam. The Prophet (SW) of Islam did not fear anyone in preaching the injunctions and laws of religion. These indications and witnesses add weight to the Shi’ite traditions which asset that these verses were revealed at Ghadir Khumm and concern the spiritual investiture (walayat) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH). Moreover, many Shi’ite and Sunni commentators have confirmed this point.
Abu Said Khudari says: “The Prophet (SW) in Ghadir Khumm invited people toward Ali and took his arm and lifted it so high that the white spot on the armpit of the Prophet (SW) could be seen. Then this verse was revealed: ‘This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as religion Al-ISLAM.’ Then the Prophet (SW) said, ‘God is great (Allahu akbar) that religion has become perfected and that God’s bounty has been completed, His satisfaction attained and the walayat of Imam Ali (PBUH) achieved.’ Then he added, ‘For whomever I am the authority and guide Ali is also his guide and authority. Oh God! Be friendly with the friends of Ali and the enemy of his enemies. Whoever helps, help him, and whoever leaves him, leave him.”
In a summary, we can say that the enemies of Islam who did everything possible to destroy it, when they lost all hope of achieving this end, were left with only one hope. They thought that since the protector of Islam was the Prophet (SW), after his death Islam would be left without a guide and leader; and thus, definitely perish. But, at Ghadir Khumm their hopes were brought to end as the Prophet (SW) presented Ali as the guide and leader of Islam to the people. After Ali, this heavy and necessary duty of guide and leader was left upon the shoulders of his family.
Some of the hadiths pertaining to Ghadir Khumm, the investiture of Ali, and the significance of the Household of the Porphet are cited here:
Hadith Ghadir
The Prophet (SW) of Islam upon returning from the farewell pilgrimage stopped at Ghadir Khumm, assembled the Muslims and, after delivering a sermon, chose Ali as the leader and guide of the Muslims. Bara’ says: “I was in the company of the Prophet (SW) during the farewell pilgrimage.
When we reached Ghadir Khum he ordered that place to be cleaned. Then he took Ali’s hand and placed him on his right side. Then he said, ‘Am I not the authority whom you obey?’ They answered, ‘We obey your directions.’ Then he said, ‘For whomever I am his master (maula) and the authority whom he obeys, Ali will be his master. Oh God! Be friendly with the friends of Ali and enemy of the enemies of Ali.’ Then Umar ibn al-Khattab said to Ali, ‘May this position be pleasing to you, for now you are my master and the master of all the believers.’”
Hadith Safinah
Ibn ‘Abbas says, “The Prophet said, ‘My household is like the ship of Noah; whoever embarks upon it will be saved and whoever turns away from it will be drowned.’”
Hadith Thaqalayn
: Zayd ibn Arqam has recounted that the Prophet (SW) said, “It seems that God has called me unto Himself and I must obey His call. But, I leave two great and precious things among you: the Book of God and My Household. Be careful as to how you behave toward them. These two will never be separated from each other until they encounter me at Kawthar (in paradise).” Hadith-i thaqalayn is one of the most strongly established hadiths, and has been transmitted through many chains of transmission and in different versions.
Shi’ites and Sunni agree concerning its authenticity. Several important points can be deduced from this hadith and its like: In the same way that the Holy Quran will remain until the Day of Judgment, the progeny of the Holy Prophet (SW) will also remain. No period of time will be without the existence of the figure which Shi’ites calls the Imam, the real leader and guide of men. Through these two great trusts (amanat), the Prophet has provided all the religious and intellectual needs of the Muslims.
He has introduced his Household to the Muslims as authorities in knowledge and has pronounced their words and deeds to be worthy and authoritative. One must not separate the Holy Quran from the Household of the Prophet (SW). No Muslim has the right to reject the “knowledge” of the members of the Prophet’s (SW) Household or to remove himself from under their guidance. If people obey this Household and follow their words they will never be led astray. God will always be with them. The answers to the intellectual and religious needs of men are to be found in the hands of this Household.
Whoever follows them will not fall into error and will reach true felicity; that is, the members of the Household are free from error and sin and are inerrant. From this it can be concluded that by the meaning of “The Members of the Household” and “Progeny” is not all the descendants and relatives of the Prophet (SW). Rather, specific individuals (are meant) who are perfect in their religious knowledge and are protected against error and sin; thus, they are qualified to guide and lead men.
For Shi’ism these individuals consist of Ali ibn Abi Talib and his eleven descendants who inherit the imamate one after another. This interpretation is also confirmed by the Shi’ite traditions. For example, Ibn’Abbas has said, “I said to the Prophet (SW), ‘Who are your descendants whose love is obligatory [upon Muslims]?’ He said, ‘Ali, Fatimah, Hassan and Husayn.,” Jabir has transmitted that the Prophet (SW) has said, “God placed the Children of all prophets in their ‘backbone’ but placed my children in the backbone of Ali.”
Hadith Haqq
Umm Salamh has said, “I heard from the Prophet (SW) of God who said, ‘Ali is with the Truth (haqq) and the Quran, and the Truth and the Quran are also with Ali, and they will be inseparable until they come upon me at Kawthar.”
Hadith Manzilah
Sa’d ibn Waqqas has said, “The Prophet (SW) of God said to Ali, Are you not satisfied to be to me what Harun was to Moses except that after me there will not be another prophet?’ ”
Hadith Da’wat-i ‘eshirah
The Prophet (SW) invited his relatives for luncheon and after the meal told them, “I know of no one who has brought to his people better things than I have brought to you. God has commanded me to invite you toward Him. Who will assist me in this matter and be my brother and inheritor (wasi) and vicegerent (khalifah) among you?” All remained silent, but Ali, who was the youngest of all he exclaimed, “I shall be your deputy.”
Then the Prophet (SW) put his arms around him and said, “He is my brother, inheritor and vicegerent. You must obey him.” The group as they departed began to laugh, telling Abu Talib, “Muhammad has ordered you to obey your son.” Hudhayfah has said, ” The Prophet (SW) of God said, ‘If you make Ali my vicegerent and successor, I do not think you will find him a perspicacious guide who will direct you toward the straight path!” Ibn Marduyah has said that the Prophet (SW) said, Whoever wishes that his life and death to be like mine and that he enters paradise should love Ali, after me and follow my household, for they are my descendants and have been created from my clay. My knowledge and understanding have been bestowed upon them. Therefore woe unto those who deny their virtues. My intercession [on the Day of judgment] will never include them.”
Source :www.al-shia.org
By english • Shia converts magazine • 0 • Tags: Ahlul bait a.s, Meaning of Imam, Shia Islam