Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

Journal of Imamiyyah Studies

An Examination of Requiring Faith (Īmān) for the Validity of Worship by Adherents of Other Schools of Thought, from the Perspective of Imamiyyah (Twelver Shi'a) and Ahl al-Sunnah with an Emphasis on the View of Imam Khomeini (RA)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Abdolsamad Aliabadi 1
mostafa shakeri 2
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Imami Jurisprudence and Law, Islamic Denominations University, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. Candidate, Jurisprudence and the Foundations of Law, Islamic Denominations University, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jis.2025.428147.1922
Abstract
One of the challenging topics in the field of comparative jurisprudence (fiqh muqāran) is the condition of faith (īmān), meaning allegiance [and loyalty] (wilāyah) to the Imams (AS), for the validity of worship performed by followers of other Islamic schools of thought. The research question is whether accepting the wilāyah of the Imams (AS) is a condition for the validity of worship or not. Some Imami jurists believe that wilāyah is a condition for the validity and acceptance of devotional acts. In contrast, another group holds that wilāyah is not a condition for validity but rather a condition for acceptance. The reflection of this view is also seen in the works of some Ahl al-Sunnah scholars, although their understanding of the concept of "wilāyah" differs from the Imami perspective. Imam Khomeini (RA) has presented both views in his works; in some instances, he asserts that the acts of a person who has not accepted wilāyah are invalid, and elsewhere he emphasizes the validity of their acts. The present research, using a descriptive-analytical method, shows that the view of those who consider the wilāyah of the Imams (AS) as a condition for the validity of worship faces certain problems. Finally, by examining various perspectives, this research offers two solutions for the validity of worship by followers of other schools: 1) Providing a different interpretation of wilāyah in such a way that, even accepting the theory of conditionality, one can rule on the validity of the acts of Ahl al-Sunnah; 2) Citing evidence indicating that the definitive view of the Imams (AS) implies the validity of the acts of followers of other schools. These two approaches not only do not conflict with the principle of Islamic unity but can also provide a basis for greater rapprochement and convergence among Muslims.
Keywords
Wilāyah of Ahl al-Bayt (AS)
Conditions for Validity of Worship
Conditions for Acceptance of Worship
Condition of Faith (Īmān)
Worship by Adherents of Other Schools
Subjects
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