Theory of Imamate according to Imami Scholars in the School of Kufa

The idea of Imamate and characteristics of the Imam are the main features distinguishing the Imami School form other Islamic schools. These are among the most important issues the earlier Imami thinkers have discussed and theorized about them. Shi’i thinkers and Muhaddithun in Kufa share in some theories to define Imamate and are of the opinion that the Imamate is a very high station which is even much higher than the station of prophethood and messengership. According to them, the most important feature of Imamate is that Imam should be obeyed and followed independently, which is in direct relation to the delegation of religion. Thus, it is necessary that God specify the right of being obeyed for the Imam. Of course there were some disputes among the great Imami figures in Kufa concerning some characteristics of Imamate such as the extent of Imam’s knowledge and in particular his inspirational knowledge, the extent of Wilayah, and the ways they looked at “Infallibility”. These disputes depend mostly on the views and theological approaches of thinkers. The Hisham theological school provided rational arguments for the issues of Imamate and presented a particular view which, as compared to the beliefs of the mainstream and Imami Muhaddithun, is considered as a minimalistic view.