المفاضلة بين الأنبياء والأئمة عند الإمامية الاثني عشرية

Abstract

This study is related to the issue of superiority between the Imams and the Prophets – peace be upon them - according to the Twelver Shi’ism. The researcher divided it into two sections: Section 1: Stance of the Twelvers with regards to the issue of superiority between the Prophets – peace be upon them - and the imams, and it consists of three topics: First topic: The first opinion: The imams are the most superior human beings after the Prophets – peace be upon them -. Second topic: The second opinion: The imams are equals to the Prophets – peace be upon them - in superiority and status. Third topic: The third opinion: The imams are superior to the Prophets and Messengers – peace be upon them -. Section 2: Refuting the opinions of the Twelvers on the issue of superiority between the Prophets and Messengers – peace be upon them - and the imams. The researcher concluded this study with the following results: That the scholars of the Twelver are in disagreement on this issue in three different opinions: The First opinion: The Prophets – peace be upon them - are superior to the imams as stated by the Qur’anic verses, and this is the consensus of the whole Muslim community. The second opinion: The imams are equals to the Prophets – peace be upon them - in status and ranks excepts for the Messengers with firm resolution (ulul ‘azmi minal rusul). The third opinion: The imams are superior to all the Prophets and Messengers – peace be upon them - except for the last and the best of them, our Prophet Muhammad. Some of them even stated that the Imams are superior to Prophet Muhammad – peace be upon him - also. What is apparent to me is that the approved opinion of this sect revolves between the second and the third opinion. As for the first opinion, they mentioned it as a way of concealment (taqiyyah), and these are the reasons: i – their scholars clearly stated the second and third opinion. Some of them even stated that they are equal or superior to the Prophets – peace be upon them - except for the Messengers with firm resolution, and this is unanimously agreed upon by their scholars. ii - that these two opinions are the confirmed views of this sect in their books and reliable sources that are used to promote their school of thought. This opinion shows the exaggeration of this sect, their farness from the reality of Islam, and their opinion on this issue is amongst the manifestations of their exaggeration, which many Muslims are ignorant of. The opinion that the imams are equal to the Prophets and Messengers – peace be upon them -, in terms of superiority and status, as well as the opinion that the imams are superior to the Prophets are opinions of disbelief which goes against the statement of the Qur’an and the consensus of the whole Muslim community.