What is Imamate (Leadership) called? The Fourth Pillar of Usool-e-Deen in Shia Islam
Fourth Usool-e-Deen or Usul-e-Deen of Shia Islam
Imamate (Leadership): The fourth basic pillar of the Usool-e-Deen is Imamate (Leadership) in Shia Islam. We call those whom Allah’s last prophet, Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ, appointed as his successor and leader of the nation Imams. Because guidance is the responsibility of Allah, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was the last prophet of Allah, and no prophet was to come after him. Therefore, the Imamate line began; the Imamate chain consisted of 12 Imams. The first was Imam Hazrat Ali (A.S.), and the last current Alive Imam is Imam Mehdi (A.S.). The last Imam Hazrat Muhammad Mahdi (A.S.), who is still alive and is in the veil of absence by the command of Allah, will come when this world is filled with injustice, and he will come and fill this world with justice. As a Muslim, every person must have firm faith in the first Imam Hazrat Ali (A.S.) to the last Imam Hazrat Muhammad Mahdi (A.S.) since belief in Imamate is part of the religion of Islam.
Importance of Imamate (Leadership) in Islam
Imamate (Leadership) is the foundation of guidance in Shia Islam, representing the divine authority appointed by Allah to lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The importance of Imamate lies in preserving the true teachings of Islam, ensuring justice, and providing spiritual as well as practical leadership. Without Imamate, the Muslim ummah would lack a divinely guided leader to safeguard the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Islamic principles. Belief in Imamate strengthens faith, unity, and the path of righteousness, reminding us that true leadership comes only from those chosen by Allah.
Examples from the History of Imamate (Leadership)
The history of Islam provides powerful examples of Imamate (Leadership) that highlight its importance and divine role. The first and most prominent example is Imam Ali (AS), who was appointed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as his successor at Ghadir Khumm. Imam Ali (AS) embodied justice, wisdom, and true leadership, guiding the Muslim community with courage and knowledge.
Another significant example of Imamate (Leadership) is Imam Hussain (AS) at Karbala. His stand against tyranny and injustice became a timeless lesson of sacrifice and truth. The Imams who followed, such as Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS), contributed to the preservation and spread of Islamic knowledge, sciences, and spiritual guidance.