Author: Abu Aisha
Mu’tazila (Part 40)
Introduction: In the previous section, the definition of Imamate and related matters were stated; in this section, we want to mention the conditions of Imam and Caliph. One of the conditions that has been disputed for a long time is whether it is necessary for the Imam and Caliph to be Quraysh or not. In this section, we try to express the views and opinions of the scholars of “Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah” and the Mu’tazila sect, with the reasons for each.
Important point:
It should be mentioned that Imam in all the cases mentioned in this article means Caliph or Ruler; because as stated earlier, Imam means someone who takes responsibility for the people; so here also means ruler and caliph.
Before addressing the issue of Quraysh Imam, I find it appropriate to state the conditions considered by the Fariqyn for the Imam:
Imamate conditions
“Ahl al-Sunnah wa Jama’ah” consider Imamate as a duty and responsibility, and for this reason, they have established several conditions for it, among these conditions, the following can be mentioned:
Imam should be wise.
be a man.
be free.
be a Muslim.
be a mujtahid.
be brave and courageous.
be an expert.
Should be healthy.
be Qureshi This last condition is a different condition that we will discuss in detail. Allah willing
Mu’tazila
Mu’tazila also have conditions for the imam that if these conditions are found in a person, he has the qualification of imam; Qazi Abdul Jabbar writes: “It has been proven by research that the proof of Imamate is a Sharia issue; Therefore, its attributes must also be Shariah, and this issue here is the same as prayer and other Shariah matters, whose attributes and conditions must also be Shariah; Therefore, to [understand] these attributes, we must refer to the Shari’a, and those things that have been proven by the Shari’a should be given credit, and those that have not been proven, should not be conditioned.”
According to the Mu’tazila, there are two types of imamate conditions, the type that they also differ between, they are:
That the imam has the ability to shoulder the responsibility entrusted to him, that he is healthy and has strength, and that his heart is stable.
That he has knowledge about everything entrusted to him, to the extent of its permissibility.
The attribute of trust, grace and excellence in him.
He should be first in grace and excellence and be from Quraysh.
The second type are conditions that are mutually exclusive, and these conditions include:
be free.
be a Muslim.
To be aware of habits and to have opinions and to have knowledge about matters.
be a fair person
Qazi Abdul Jabbar believes: If these conditions are fulfilled in someone, he is qualified for Imamate, even if one condition is missing and if no Qureshi is found among them, it is permissible to install and appoint a non-Qureshi.
