Hundred Questions - Non-Isma`ili
Non-Ismaili
Q75 If a non-Isma`ili can attain the highest spiritual rank, what is the need for an Imam?
A75 You have not presented an example or proof of the possibility mentioned in your question. Also your question has the logical defect that for salvation or spiritual elevation you have alluded to only one non-Isma`ili, and that one too is unknown.
If by this allusion you mean a person like Mansur-i Hallaj, you need to investigate historically whether or not he was an Isma`ili. Even if he is considered to be only a Sufi, he cannot dispense with the Imam's universal guidance, for there are in this world twelve hujjats of the night and twelve hujjats of the day on behalf of the Imam, through whom the people of the world receive the Imam's guidance according to their status. As for the Sufis, they are very close to the Isma`ilis.
When we accept that the true Imam is the vicegerent and representative of God and the Prophet in connection with guiding [the people], we have to also accept that just as God is the Sustainer of the worlds, and the Prophet is a mercy for the worlds, the Imam of the time is the fountainhead of guidance for all the people of the world. However, religions as well as the people of the religions of the world are in different grades, therefore, every religion and each individual receives the guidance of the Imam according to their status.
It is necessary to try to see, listen and understand everything from its root or basis. Thus if it is understood that there is no creature without the Creator, and there is no religion without a Prophet, there cannot be guidance without the Imam of the time. Had it been possible to have guidance without the Imam, there would have been no need for a successor after the Prophet. However, since it is true that the Prophet had a successor by necessity, then we have to search for his whereabouts and his identity. It is obvious that such a true successor is only the Imam of the time, for it is he who is living and present with all the virtues of the Imamat and caliphate in every age.
| Chapter Index | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter |