Let Us Know Our Imam (Continued)
Chapters: 02 & 03
Chapter Two
There are 36 Ayats and 3 traditions in the second chapter. This chapter is based on the Tafseer (exegesis) of verse 102 of Surah Aal-e-Imran in which Allah says
“And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited”
Surah Aal-e-Imraan (3): Verse 102
A person came to Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said :
‘I have heard that Allah has told the people to hold His rope (covenant) steadfastly. Then which is that rope (covenant) with whom we have to attach ourselves And about which breakup and separation have we been cautioned.
Holy Prophet (sawa) bowed down his head for a while. He (sawa) then raised it and while pointing towards Ameerul Momeneen Ali (as) said,
He is the one who is the ‘rope (covenant) of Allah.’ The one who adheres to him will remain safe in this world and in the Hereafter too, he shall not deviate.
(Ibid; Chap. 2, Trad. 1)
Chapter Three
The traditions concerning Imamate & Khilafat have been narrated in this chapter. This chapter contains 9 Ayats & 7 traditions. The appointment of the Imam and his successor are Allah’s prerogative and privilege.
Once a group of around twenty people were present with Imam Sadiq (a.s.). He (a.s.) said,
You may be under the impression that appointing an Imam is the responsibility of our family and we can appoint anyone whom we desire. By Allah! It is not as you think. This is a covenant from the side of Allah that He revealed on Holy Prophet (sawa). In it is the name written of every Imam in sequence.
(Ibid; Chap. 3, Trad. 1)