IS IMĀMAH VALID FOR A MINOR?

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Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you,

We did not fully understand the nature of your objection. Are you questioning whether it is valid for a child or someone of a young age to be an Imām? Or are you asking why the Imamate was assumed at a young age, or something else entirely?

In any case, we will assume that your question pertains to the first issue.

Response:

First: The Qur'an supports this matter and affirms that young age does not prevent one from assuming positions of divine authority. Prophethood was granted to individuals in their youth—such as our master Yaḥyā (John)—as the Qur’an states:

يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ الْحُكْمَ صَبِيًّا

"O John, take the Scripture with determination." And We gave him judgement while yet a boy [1]

Likewise, regarding our master ʿĪsā (Jesus), the Qur'an narrates:

فَأَشَارَتْ إِلَيْهِ ۖ قَالُوا كَيْفَ نُكَلِّمُ مَن كَانَ فِي الْمَهْدِ صَبِيًّا قَالَ إِنِّي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ آتَانِيَ الْكِتَابَ وَجَعَلَنِي نَبِيًّا

"So she pointed to him. They said, 'How can we speak to one who is in the cradle, a child?' He said, 'Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.'" [2] [3]

Second: This is ultimately a matter of divine selection. Allah, the Exalted, knows best who is suitable—indeed, who is most suitable—for the Imamate. As the Qur’an declares:

الله اعلم حيث يجعل رسالته

"Allah knows best where to place His message." [4] 

Third: The issue is not with young age in itself, but with the completeness of a person's faculties. If a person’s intellectual and spiritual faculties are fully developed, then age is no impediment. History has demonstrated that Imām al-Jawād (peace be upon him) not only possessed complete faculties but surpassed others in wisdom and knowledge—despite their seniority and extensive learning. Hence, it is said:

"A person is defined by two small things: his heart and his tongue."

Fourth: We have observed many individuals—young in age—possessing extraordinary talents in various fields. Their limited years did not hinder their remarkable achievements. If such cases are possible among the general populace, then they are even more plausible among those divinely distinguished.

And may you remain under the protection of Allah.

References

[1] The Holy Qur'an Maryam 19:12

[2] The Holy Qur'an Maryam 19:29

[3] The Holy Qur'an Maryam 19:30

[4] The Holy Qur'an Al-Anʿām 6:124

The original text in arabic can be found here

Answer

"What is the satisfactory response to the objection concerning Imām al-Jawād (peace be upon him) assuming the office of Imamate at a young age?"

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Question

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﷽

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