Summary Article: The Imamte of Imam Al-Mahdi (P.B.U.H) in the Light of Logic and Heritage
Written by: Murtada Ali Al-Hely
Translated by: Mujtaba Al-Helu
The Twelver scholars have agreed upon the necessity of designating an Imam by God, as a logical principle of the sect.
This logical principle is built upon the basis of ‹divine kindness›. In other words, this matter is impossible to be neglected by God, since He is the all-knowing and responsible of his creation. As a result of His infinite wisdom, He designated certain Proofs for his creation. These Proofs are the guide to the right divine path. This is defined by Quran as God›s kindness upon his creatures. This designation is performed through sacred texts from God, as in the designation of Imam Ali by the Prophet (P.B.U.T) in the well-known Al-Gadeer event, or when the preceding Imam appoints the succeeding Imam, as in the designation of Imam Al-Mahdi by his father, Imam Al-Askary (P.B.U.T).
The scholars have added other reasons for the necessity of designating an Imam. It is the need of human beings to have an Imam as a guide, as the need of prior societies to have prophets. Thus, the need for Imams is not determinate by a specific period of time. It is an everlasting need since the divine books and constitutions cannot be left without an interpreter.
Hence, logic and the Islamic heritage have insisted on the need for a guide, designated by God, since Man is unable to set ultimate prosperous plans for his life. Accordingly, as a result of God›s kindness and wisdom, Imams have been appointed to guide people to the right path.
