The Features and Components of Shi’ism From the Perspective of Martyr Motahari

The Shiites believe in the immediate Imamate and caliphate of Imam Ali (pbuh) through clear or hidden text. Orientalists and even some malicious opponents have expressed different opinions about the rise of Shia. However, martyr Motahari believes that the architect of Shia thinking is the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Like any other religion, Shia extracts its doctrines from special sources including the Quran, Sunna, ahl al-bait, reason and consensus. Motahari, like the other Shia scholars, states some of the principles and elements of Shia thinking: Monotheism, prophet hood, resurrection, justice and Imamate. The Shi’ite school has features and characteristics that distinguish It from the other religions. The Most notable features include: textualism; which means that everything related to the Shiite jurisprudential and doctrinal principles should be proved by the Quranic text. Imamate; Motahari regards the concept of Imamate as being similar to the concept of prophet hood. Unlike Sunni Muslims, Shia believes in Imamate after the holy prophet. Possessing inspired knowledge, being aware of all the worldly and spiritual needs and infallibleness are among the characteristics of Imamate. Authority of the Faqih during the absence of the infallible Imam, and the never-ending Shiite love for the Commander of the Faithful, the holy Imams and their thoughts and teachings in all the stages of their lives are some other features of the Shi’ite school. From the perspective of martyr Motahhari, over time, this firm foundation and strong ideology has been affected by actual and potential deviations and damages. These deviations can be divided into three doctrinal, social- spiritual and moral behaviors. Doctrinal deviations include exaggeration, sectarianism and distorting the issue of Ashura; social and spiritual deviations include traditionalism, populism in imitation and foreign influences; and   moral deviations include inappropriate behaviors.