A Revision of the Doctrine of Imamate in Qom Traditionist’s Thought

Many scholars believe that the role of Qom traditionist in the maintenance of Hadith is incontrovertible. These endeavors cause that the matters about the Imamate to be maintained in the Imamite Hadith compilations, and known as the “doctrine of Imamate in Qom Traditionists’ view”.  In this study, Qom Traditionists had a key role in explaining the theory of Imamate based on Traditions. On one hand, they were close to the time of the Imams and minor occultation era, and on the other hand, their oldness on Imamite Belief, demonstrates the necessity and importance of this revision. Therefore, the discovery of Qom traditionists depends on the study of Qom Traditions. Hence, within the study of Tradition narrated in this area and the explanation of four characteristics in the definition of Imamate in their view, the Imams’ virtues and the trusteeship and transmission of Imamate among the Qom traditionists will be discussed. In the definition of Imamate, the key concepts like divine caliphate and authenticity, scope and the status of Imamate in the genesis and legislation, and the main virtues of Imams, through the study of traditions, the method of designation of Imam, knowledge, and infallibility of Imam and other characteristics like the light creation and physical creation and nature are discussed. At last, the explicit designation (naṣṣ), miracle, and the superiority of Imam in the Qom traditionists’ views are studied.