Kadivarʼs ideas on Shia Theology:A Fundamental Critique

Dr. Mohsen Kadivar is a contemporary Shiite religious intellectual.One of the discussions that he had in the intellectual sphere that was considered a great advantage was the concern for how to refer to religion. In the present article, the author criticizes and examines the arguments, strengths and efficiency of the references by Mr. Kadivar in discussions relating to references to reliable religious sources. In order to do this, the author first investigates what the proper indicators of Imamate and the Shiite definition of Mr. Kadivar are. Then it will be criticized according to Imamate, Imam Aliʼs divine knowledge and the descriptions by Ahl al Bayt as provided in Nahjulbalaghah and according to the analysis of the emphasis by Amiralmu’minīn on his higher virtuousness, etc. Then, Mr. Kadivar’s attitude towards Nahjulbalaghah will be criticized and his unfounded claims are mentioned. Finally, the article will end by mentioning the need to pay attention to the social conditions at the time when something is said.