Divine Leadership: A Rational Approach

The topic of divine leadership (imamate) is integral to the Shia creed, exceeded in importance only by tawḥīd and nubuwwah.

Its implications are so far reaching that entire schools of thought were built and distinguished based on their differing views on the subject. Part of its significance– as the reader will come to find – comes from its establishment of a divinely appointed and immaculate religious authority. We go back to these immaculate authorities (imams) for guidance not only on matters of religious practice, but to better understand the specifics of Islam’s foundational concepts and theology. It is therefore an essential doctrine in our attempt to understand our faith. How do Shia Muslims understand imamah? Why is it a foundational and integral part of the Shia creed? What does it mean for a Shia Muslim today?
His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Jafar al-Hakeem, professor of advanced studies in the Islamic Seminary, answers these questions and more in this book. A core concept shapes the framework presented in this book – that prophethood and imamate are the immaculate embodiment of humankind’s theoretical and practical reason. The countless noble traditions and Quranic verses addressing imamate are understood within this light. This gives rise to a clear understanding of our practical responsibility towards these foundational concepts.

About the Author

Ayatollah Sayyid Lafar al-Hakeem a prominent professor and public intellectual from the Islamic Seminary of the Holy City of Najaf, Iraq. He currently teaches Advance Seminars (bahth Kharij) in Fiqh and Usul, as well as seminars in epistemology, philosophy theosophy, and theology. In addition to his scholarly work, Sayyid al-Hakeem is a prominent Iraqi public intellectual. He appeared as a witness in the trial of Saddam Hussein, testifying to the cruel sectarian persecution of Shia scholars and scholarly families. He often speaks on issues of religious identity, pluralism, civic engagement, and contemporary issues.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Foundational context
Conceptual framework
Conceptual corollaries
Qur’anic framework
On Knowledge and authorities
On religious authority
Practical implications
On nass between nass and reason
Our responsibility
Tawalli and Tabbarri
Addressing misconceptions
On authority
On immaculacy and the Holy Qur’an
On immaculacy and free Will
Epilogue

Bibliographic Information

Title: Divine Leadership: A Rational Approach

Author(s): Ayatollah Sayyid Jafar Al-Hakeem

Editor: Mohamed Ali Albodairi

Publisher: ‎ Mainstay Foundation

 Language: English

Length: 200 pages

ISBN: 978-1943393466

Pub. Date: 26 July 2021

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