DOES BELIEF IN IMAMATE HAVE CULTURAL AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS?

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To clarify how the belief in Imamate reflects on human behavior, we must first understand the reciprocal relationship between beliefs and human conduct in general. Beliefs are not merely abstract ideas or concepts that exist in a person’s mind without practical influence on their life; rather, they form the foundation upon which individuals build their values and culture.

There is a strong link between a person’s behaviour and the cognitive and doctrinal framework they hold, as beliefs shape the background of the values a person adopts. These values, in turn, shape the cultural perspective through which one views life. When examining a person’s practical conduct, we find it to be a natural product of that cultural perspective.

Thus, it is impossible to influence a person’s behaviour without impacting their cultural outlook. Similarly, their cultural outlook cannot be influenced without affecting their values, and their values cannot be influenced without altering their beliefs and cognitive system.

Man came into life from the unseen and will depart from it into the unseen as well. Life can only be understood through a belief system that offers a true explanation of the philosophy of existence and life. The relationship between the unseen and the visible, life and death, and this world and the hereafter forms the doctrinal framework of a person. Therefore, religious beliefs should not be viewed merely as concepts held in the mind without reflecting on one’s values, culture, and behavior.

Islam does not merely provide the believer with an intellectual framework that answers questions about existence and life. It presents this framework as a practical guideline that must manifest in their conduct. Hence, the Qur'an frequently links faith with righteous deeds, as in the verse:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ كَانَتْ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتُ الْفِرْدَوْسِ نُزُلًا

“Surely [as for] those who believe and do good deeds, their place of entertainment shall be the gardens of paradise,” [1] This underscores that belief cannot be separated from action.

It is unfortunate that the moral, cultural, and behavioral reality of Muslims today bears little resemblance to the beliefs they profess. This highlights a deep gap between what Muslims believe and what they practice. The reasons behind this disparity are numerous and cannot be fully addressed here. However, it is evident that there exists a significant disconnect between the knowledge and doctrines of Islam and the lived reality of Muslims.

Effective solutions can only be achieved by rekindling awareness of these beliefs – not merely through intellectual acknowledgment or proof-based awareness, but by reviving the moral and cultural content embedded within these beliefs. The Qur'an refers to this awareness as insight [basira; بصيرة]. Belief is not just about knowing the truth; it is about adopting a stance based on that truth. The goal of knowledge is not simply to recognize things but to define one’s responsibility towards them.

Thus, something may be known to both a believer and a disbeliever, yet it is the believer who possesses insight [basira: بصيرة] regarding it, unlike the disbeliever. It appears that the term "basira" in the Qur'an emphasizes the practical and cultural dimensions of faith.

Belief in the existence of an infallible Imam represents the practical dimension of belief in the existence of God Almighty. All values that stem from monotheism can only be realized through belief in the Imam, who embodies the will of God. Faith in God and submission to Him signifies rebellion against all earthly authority, thus liberating the individual from desires and tyrants alike. As God says:

وَيَضَعُ عَنْهُمْ إِصْرَهُمْ وَالْأَغْلَالَ الَّتِي كَانَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ

“and [he; the Prophet] relieves them of their burdens and the shackles that were upon them” [2]

In life, a person is either an active force or a passive subject. Belief in God alone frees the individual from the burdens and pressures of life. Monotheism, in this understanding, is absolute submission to God, such that a person has no right to deviate from the sovereignty of God for even an instant—in actions, conduct, and all aspects of life. This submission is only perfected through belief in the prophets, messengers, and Imams, who serve as the practical representatives of God’s authority.

Thus, monotheism that resides in a person’s mind must transcend intellectual and theoretical realms to become practical monotheism through submission to God’s chosen representatives, who manifest His will among creation. As the Qur'an states:

إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ

“Your guardian is only Allah, His Apostle, and the faithful who maintain the prayer and give the zakat while bowing down.” [3]

Islamic beliefs are not isolated concepts but are interconnected and integrated, ultimately leading to a singular outcome. Belief in God, His messages, His messengers, and the Hereafter collectively reinforce one central aspect of human life—steadfastness on the straight path. The moment a person deviates from this path is the very moment the balance between belief and conduct is disrupted.

The Imam, according to this belief, is not merely a religious leader or a figure of special status; he is the embodiment of God's will on earth. Hence, belief in the Imam motivates a person to adhere to God's teachings and liberates them from submission to any human or worldly power. This enables the individual to live a life aligned with God's will, free from enslavement to personal desires or interests.

The impact of belief in Imamate can be summarized in the following points:

First: Faith in Imamate frees believers from following falsehood and tyranny. A true follower of the Imam will oppose all illegitimate authority and consistently stand against injustice and corruption in all its forms.

Second: Righteous deeds and social responsibility. Imamate instils in believers a sense of duty toward society. A believer committed to the path of Imamate integrates with others within a hierarchical social system, culminating at the peak, represented by the Imam.

Third: Piety and self-discipline. Belief in the Imam as a spiritual leader drives the believer to adhere to piety, seeing in the Imam a living embodiment of divine ethics. This strengthens the believer’s desire to emulate the Imam and follow his path.

Fourth: Courage and initiative. Faith in Imamate instils spiritual strength that inspires bravery and the defence of truth. A person aligned with the infallible Imam remains unfazed by the forces of evil and aggression, regardless of their power and numbers.

These and other insights guide the believer who follows the leadership of an infallible Imam on the path to God.

References

[1] The Holy Qur'an: 18:107

[2] The Holy Qur'an 7:157

[3] The Holy Qur'an 5:55

The original text in Arabic can be found here

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Question

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Every belief manifests and reflects on a person's behaviour. How does the belief in Imamate manifest and reflect on a person's behaviour?

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Answer