Imamate according to Zaidis

Zaidis are one of the main branches of Shi’is and in the theoryof Imamate they are distinguished from Imamis. Their theory of Imamate is based on the acceptance of Nass. According to them, Imamate is the highest position in the Islamic government; they do not believe in essential glorification and holy position for the Imam. They are of the opinion that Imam has no share of characteristics such as Infallibility, divine knowledge, and the like. Thus, they believe that it is not Imam’s duty to guide people towards God; and Imam is appointed to execute religious punishments, Jihad, and the like. According to them, the only way to appoint an Imam is to refer to religion and the way in which Imam may be known is rising and invitation. This study tries to present some points concerning to the theory of Imamate according to Zaidis.