Lecture 19 in the Ramadaan series:
UNPACKING THE MOST INTRIGUING QUESTIONS IN THE QURAN
Wednesday 13 May 2020 (20th Night of Ramadaan 1441)
Ahlul Bait (a.s) Masjid, Ottery, Cape Town
Mowlana Syed Aftab Haider
IS THE INSTITUTION OF IMAMATE UNFAIR NEPOTISM?
Moving on to the next objection on the institution of Imamate, which is quite a crucial one. Important to note that this objection comes from a broader camp than only Sunni Muslims. Those who have progressive thinking, believing in democracy and equality of human beings and the right of every human being to achieve the status of leadership, have a serious problem with Imamate.
Their challenge to us is that our institution of Imamate is a family business, and in simple terms, nepotism. They present their objection by stating that Nabi Ibrahim (a.s) achieved the status of Imamate after going through the hardest of tests, but then immediately wanted this Imamate to be offered to his offspring.
Then, when we look at the doctrine of Imamate, which we believe in as Shia as belonging to the family of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), through the 12 Imams from his family, then this issue of Imamate through offspring is again evident. So, this Imamate through offspring is very difficult to digest, because it seems to be a family affair and more of a tribal issue rather than one of religious ideology.
How is this different to a monarchy, as the reigns get passed down through the family in Imamate? So, this Imamate is running through the family for Shia as well as Nabi Ibrahim (a.s).
This objection requires a coherent response, as it appears to be a well-structured, rational objection. We understand that Prophethood should be in the hands of Almighty Allah (SWT) and confined to certain special people whom He chooses to convey His divine message to society.
But now, we are saying that Imamate (leadership) is also confined to certain special people whom Almighty Allah (SWT) appoints and also this is reserved for a particular house. So then, this is not fair if attaining this status of leadership is not open to everyone and reserved for a special few only, because we are taking away the rights of the people.
