Doctrine of Imamate in Twelver Shi’ism: Traditional, Theological, Philosophical and Mystical Perspectives

The doctrine of imamate—that is, the rule of a particular individual over the community—is a central and pivotal concept in Islam generally, and in Shi`ism specifically.

Scholars who have studied this concept have tended to emphasize one aspect of the doctrine of imamate to the exclusion of all others. At one end of the spectrum, scholars ascribe to the imamate a strictly esoteric dimension, and at the other end, they view it primarily as a political institution. Dr. Mohammad Amir-Moezzi is a proponent of the former, while the late Ayatullah Khumayni is a proponent of the latter. Both polarized views prevent us from appreciating the coherence and integrity of the Shi`ite tradition and the richness of the doctrine of imamate, whose central and primary function is to provide guidance such that humanity can attain success and prosperity in this life, and salvation in the afterlife. The diverse approaches adopted in the study of this doctrine—from the perspectives of the Qur’an and ḥadith, theology, philosophy and mysticism—along with the linkages and commonalities established between them on the basis of the revelatory sources, are indicative of the foundational role played by this doctrine in the development of these various disciplines. It has informed all aspects of the Shi`ite religious sciences and world view. This is best reflected in the works of Maytham al-Baḥrani (d. 699/1299), who is perhaps the first Imamate scholar to embrace these traditionally mutually exclusive approaches in his treatment of the doctrine of imamate, and who is the subject of study of the last chapter of this thesis.

The doctrine of Imamate, that is, rule of a particular individual over the community occupies a central place in the Muslim belief system. 1 However, the doctrinal controversy surrounding the nature and extent of authority has been the prime factor in the proliferation of many sects and splinter groups. There is general consensus on the necessity of a leader (imam) to provide guidance after the demise of the Prophet; however, disagreement revolves around the qualifications of such a leader, the scope and nature of his authority and the mode of selection. The Shi’ites insist that imamate is one of the fundamentals of Islam and that, as such, it is as important as prophethood (nubuwwah) of which it is a necessary continuation. In their exposition of the creed, for instance, Shi’ite scholars divide the principles of religion (Uṣūl al-dīn) into five tenets with imamate at the center, the others being divine unity (tawḥīd), divine justice (ʻAdl), prophethood (nubuwwah) and the Day of Resurrection (qiyamah) or maʻād). By contrast, imamate is not even considered a principle (aṣl) by the Sunnites. The unique position of the imam with respect to his cumulative, inherited knowledge, and his role as the infallible, inerrant guide and leader, imply that he is the ultimate authority in expounding law, doctrine and practice, as well as spiritual mentorship. The imam’s authority is viewed as an extension of the apostolic authority of Muḥammad with the difference that the imam is not a recipient of revelation. However, the imams are described as mufJaddath (spoken to by the celestial being by way of sounds in their ears {naqr fi al-asma’}) or mufahham (instructed by angels; caused to understand) to describe the mode of transmission of knowledge known as ilham (inspiration). Thus, the function of revelation is continued, in a different form, in the divine guides.

Bibliographic Information

Thesis Title: Doctrine of Imamate in Twelver Shi’ism: Traditional, Theological, Philosophical and Mystical Perspectives

Author(s): Hamid Mavani

Degree: Ph.D.

Department: Institute of Islamic Studies, McGiIl University

 Language: English

Length: 279 Pages

Doctrine of Imamate in Twelver Shi’ism