The Position of Imamate

The Position of Imamate is the leadership and caliphate within society, designated by the Almighty.

The Importance and Status of the Position of Imamate

In religious and theological terminology, the position of Imamate refers to the religious and political leadership of the Islamic society, which is determined by God.

The issue of the position of Imamate is one of the most important, disputed, and controversial topics among Islamic denominations. Some Islamic theologians consider the position of Imamate to be among the Ancillaries of the Faith (Furu' al-Din), while others, such as the Imamiyyah, regard it as one of the Principles of the Faith (Usul al-Din). In his works, Imam Khomeini has also addressed the position of Imamate, its significance, and its nature as a divine covenant.

The Necessity of the Position of Imamate

Various Islamic denominations hold different opinions and views regarding the necessity or non-necessity of the position of Imamate. Groups such as the Mu'tazila and Khawarij believe there is no obligation to appoint an Imam. Other groups emphasize its necessity but differ on whether this obligation is based on religious law (Shari'a) or reason.

Imam Khomeini views the position of Imamate as a divine office and decree in which the people's choice plays no role. He believes that Imamate, Caliphate, and the leadership of society are divine positions and aspects of the mission and Prophethood, making its declaration necessary and obligatory. Imam Khomeini asserts that maintaining the foundations of religion after the Prophet (PBUH) and preventing the society from falling into the hands of corrupt and oppressive rulers requires that an Imam be appointed by the Almighty after the Prophet, to keep the divine religion and laws alive and not act upon his own desires; hence, the appointment of an Imam is essential.

Imam Khomeini considers Imamate to be a principle rooted in the very text of religion for guiding society, without which the salvation of society cannot be realized. This position of Imamate is among the fundamental principles of the denomination; because Imamate is not merely a conventional title, but rather a true divine position that the Prophet (PBUH) was commanded by God to establish and explicitly declare. Therefore, the only one worthy of this position is someone who can reconcile unity and plurality. Possessing this spiritual status is the cause for the Imam's appointment to the outward position and government.

Divine Covenant

Islamic commentators, referencing certain divine verses, have outlined specific conditions for the position of Imamate and its status. Imam Khomeini, too, referring to the verse "My covenant does not reach the oppressors" (*La yanalu 'ahdi al-zalimin*), argues for the position of Imamate. In interpreting the "covenant," he believes the ruler must possess absolute ideological and moral perfection, be just, and remain untainted by sins. The one who intends to execute divine laws and manage the wealth and expenditures of the state must not be a sinner. For this reason, according to certain traditions, individuals who have spent part of their lives as polytheists lack the competence for the position of Imamate and have no share in it.

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Author: Baqer Sahebi