The Concept of Imamology and Infallibility: A Shia Perspective by Ayatollah Mohaghegh Damad (Part 1 of 3)

Ayatollah Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad’s main argument for the necessity of an Imam was premised primarily on a mystical reading of Shia Islam. This view holds that there is a need for a divine connection between God and Man which is fulfilled by the perfect man (al-insan al-kamil) which in this case is the Imam.  Mohaghegh’s detailed discussion revolved around the Qur’anic verse 2.30 “When your Lord said to the angels, ‘Indeed I am going to set a viceroy (khalifa) on the earth”. The verse uses the term ‘Ja’il’ translated as ‘going to set’, however, the Arabic verb is in its continuous present tense indicative of an everlasting act i.e., God will always set up an Imam.   

Furthermore, the verse continuing from it evidences the superiority of this viceroy based on knowledge and not shedding bled, something characteristic of the perfect man or Imam in this case. Furthermore, verse 2:124 where Prophet Ibrahim is told ‘I am making you the Imam of mankind’ alludes to a dual responsibility of Prophets – one of conveying the message (risala) and one of Imama. For the Shia whilst the message is completed with the final Prophet, there still is a link between the Divine and creation via means of the Imam.