A Critique of Wahhabi Claims: al-Qaffari on the Notion of Imamate

Al-Qaffari, a prominent and influential contemporary Wahhabi figure, authored a book critiquing Shiite doctrines, representing the Wahhabi stance against Shiism. Regarding the concept of imamate, he associates it with succession (wiṣāya). By tracing the origin of this notion to ʿAbd Allāh b. Sabaʾ, a Jewish figure, he asserts that the Shia understanding of succession is an imported, non-Islamic teaching. This article utilizes reliable Sunni sources to analyze and critique the issues raised in al-Qaffari’s argument concerning imamate. Additionally, it clarifies the concepts of imamate and succession, demonstrating their universal application to all prophets, including the Prophet of Islam. A comparative examination of ʿAbd Allāh b. Sabaʾ and other Jews who converted to Islam, such as Kaʿb al-Aḥbār, Zayd b. Thābit, Wahab b. Munabbih, and ʿAbd Allāh b. Salām, highlights the extent of their influence on Muslims. Furthermore, Quranic verses and the perspectives of Sunni exegetes are cited to elucidate the shared doctrines between Islam and other monotheistic religions, refuting al-Qaffari’s unsupported claims and countering accusations by other Wahhabis against Shias, particularly concerning the exclusive Shiite doctrine of imamate.