Allamah Hilli on Imamate in Kashf al-Murad, Part III

This series is a list of responses to objections raised against Imamate from prominent scholar Allamah Hilli’s K a s h f u l- M u r ā d , expanded on from Nasir al-Din al-Tusi’s Tajrid al-I‘tiqād – the first treatise on Shi‘i theology. Kashful Murad is one of the most widely read of Allamah al-Hilli’s publications as it is the first commentary written on Allamah al-Tusi’s work. The concept of Imamate in Shi’i Islam refers to the necessity of having a divinely-appointed leader who will lead the Islamic nation after the Prophet’s death. An Imam who exceeds all people in every virtue whether it be piety, knowledge, or bravery, and who justly leads the people and guides them towards morality is a grace of God. The previous parts included discussions on the proofs for the Imamate of Ali, the rules concerning those opposed to his leadership, and the proofs for his authority over the companions that qualify him for leadership such as his extraordinary courage, deep insight, matchless asceticism and devotion, and boundless patience. This part expands on his qualifications over the companions, such as his noble character, eloquence, wisdom, and foresight.