Explaining the relationship between Imam and reason in religious knowledge according to Shiite narrations

The special emphasis of Shiism on Imamate, along with the high status of reason in Shiite sources of knowledge   present the question of how these two sources and epistemological reference, that is Imam and reason which both of  them are of high status in Shi’ism can conceal. This study aims to determine the relationship between Imam and intellect and to answer this main question: “What is the relationship between Imamae-centered and intellect-centered and what relationship does it establish?” If Imam is accessible, reason should be shut down, or does rationalism mean aabandoning Imam in the epistemological and scientific dimension, or can both have their own status and epistemic function? The method of this research is descriptive-analytical and the method of collecting research data as well as its collection tools are libraries – including: Internet, software, documents, printed books, manuscripts, articles, Persian and non-Persian sources and translated works. In this research, the content validity of the narrations is the criterion and regardless of the documentary issues. We will refer to the different understandings of the narrations, but we open the way for other understandings. We consider the theme and general spirit of each chapter and refer to books and articles to better understand the views of the companions of Prophet and to follow the explanations of the Imams as they were quoted  by narrations. Regarding the relationship between the Imam and the intellect, at least four general views can be proposed: the closure of the intellect, and the minimum role for the Imam. We can name it maximum rationalism. The second solution is the separation of territory or detail in the issue, and the authority of the intellect and its need for the Imam. The Intlect is an independent source and its findings are authoritative, but for efficiency and promotion, it needs the capture of a divine truth, and in order to achieve truths, it needs an external agent and guidance to punish the intellect so it can make its discovery in a real and complete way. Discovering reality is the duty and essence of reason. But  reason needs to be tested. Hence, an external factor is needed to capture the intellect in carrying out its missions. There is intellect and reason, but it must be rooted in divine revelation and the teachings  of the Prophet and the Imams: that is, the intellect must do its job, but at the same time, never see itself as needless of the arrests of the Imam and the revelation.