Imam's Knowledge from Imam Ali (PBUH)'s viewpoint, with an emphasis on Nahj al Balagha (Critiquing the Historical Approach to Imam's Knowledge)

The issue of Imam’s knowledge, as one of the doctrinal teachings and potencies of Shiite Imamate, has long been under the spotlight. Serving as a requirement for the religious authority of Imams, this trait was first considered by the prophet (PBUH) of Islam. Then, it was also the basis of investigating Imamate by Imams (PBUT) and their disciples. Their opinions and views have been mentioned in the traditional sources including Nahj al Balagha, as one of the first sources of Shiite knowledge. Some have posed several arguments with a historical approach to prove that the present Shiite beliefs in Imam’s knowledge are different from those of the past, that is, the time of Imams. Hence, the present research seeks to investigate Imam’s knowledge and its characteristics from the viewpoint of Imam Ali (PBUH). The investigation is conducted with an emphasis on Nahj al Balagha, which is one of the oldest legacies of tradition, both to emphasize the fundamental strength of Imam’s knowledge and to provide a documentary and historical answer to doubts cast in this regard.