Necessity of Imamate from Mulla Sadra’s Perspective

Abstract

In proving the necessity of imamate, Mullā Ṣadrā (1571-1640) attends to the Imam’s societal, political, and governance aspects and the role he plays in leading individuals and the society. The zenith of his thoughts lies in the Imam’s guidance and existential aspects and their role in creation. He studies the necessity of the Imam’s existence through maintaining societal and public life as well as the necessity of the guide (hādī) and Argument (ḥujjah), and having been inspired by the Qur’an, the riwāyahs (narrations), and the affirmation of philosophical principles, Mullā Ṣadrā concludes that the earth may never be devoid of the divinely designated Imam and Argument for whom the world and existence have been divinely created.