Imāms as Successors to the Prophet’s Religious and Spiritual Roles in the Unbroken Chain of the Light of Allah
Imāms as Successors to the Prophet’s Religious and Spiritual Roles A common part of Ismā‘īlī Muslim practice is to call upon the Imāms — especially the Imām of the Time — for spiritual help. In addition to their regular prayers to Allāh, Ismā‘īlīs also supplicate the Imām of the Time. The divinely appointed Imāms, inheriting the Prophet Muḥammad’s (ﷺ) spiritual authority, serve as Allah’s intermediaries and intercessors. Seeking their help is to approach the channel Allah established, continuing the Prophet’s role as a “Mercy to the worlds” ( rahmatan li’l-‘ālamīn , Qur’ān 21:107 ). While some Qur’ānic verses reject intercession (e.g., 2:254 , 2:48 , 39:43–44 ), these specifically condemn false forms and notions of intercession, such as that of idols. At the same time, other verses affirm intercession with Allah’s permission (e.g., 2:255 , 10:3 , 19:87 , 43:86 ). Thus, the Qur’ān makes space for true intercession, which is exercised above ...
