This Is My Faith - Al-fatlawi, Ali - الصفحة ٢١٨ - The Concept of Imamate
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The Imamate is of the same status of the Prophethood; it is the legacy of the Trustees. Imamate is the succession of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) as well as Ali (PBUH) and his sons, Hasan and Husain (PBUT). Imamate is the rising pillar of Islam and its lofty branch. The Imams (PBUT) complete Prayer (As-Salat), Fasting (As-Siam), Almsgiving (Az-Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Al-Haj) and Holy Wars (Al-Jihad).
The Imams (PBUT) provide aids and charities as they execute punishments and sentences; they prevent breaches and limitations, they permit the Halal and prohibit the Haram, they establish the Divine justice, they defend and protect the Shari’a of Allah, they wisely and kindly call upon working for the sake of the Lord. The Imams are like a rising lofty sun spreading its light; it is unreachable but visible to everyone.
The Imams (PBUT) are the shining full moon, the luminous lamp, the glaring glow and the guiding star in the darkness of life. The Imams are the fresh water to the thirsty for guidance and virtues; they are the saviors from evil. The Imams are like a fire on a hill that