Knowing the Imam Instead of Knowing God: A Critique ‎of Dr. Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi's Thought

Document Type : The Quarterly Jornal

Author

Level-Four Graduate, Shiite Studies, Seminary of Qom, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Dr. Mohammad Ali Amir-Moezzi has embarked on a re-examination of the theology of early Shiism (the first four centuries) and, by emphasizing the ideas of the Ghulat (extremists regarding the status of the Shiite Imams), argues that early Shiites attributed a divine status to the Imams. According to him, in the belief system of early Shiism, the existence of God is dualistic (essence and action). The possibility of knowing God in terms of His essence is nonexistent; rather, He is perceived as an "indeterminate and unlimited entity." However, knowledge about the other aspect of God—His action, or the Imam—can be attained. In the present article, I critique Amir-Moezzi's perspective on recognizing the Imam instead of recognizing God, focusing on the foundational and referential aspects of his claims. The findings of the research, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method, indicate the following: (1) Based on the initial verses of Surah al-Hadid, the concluding verses of Surah al-Hashr, and various hadiths from the Ahl al-Bayt, God, in His essence, is describable and knowable; (2) hadiths that limit our understanding to that of the Imam possess at least a referential flaw; if they suggest that knowing God equates to knowing the Imam, the intent is that the teachings of the Imam serve as a pathway to achieving a more profound understanding of God.

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References

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