The Conceptualization of Imamate by the Ashâ'ira

Some people believe that Imamate has been one of the most controversial issues in Islamic History. It is addressed in theological writings of many Islamic Schools of Thought. One of the which notable among them was the "'Ashâ'ira School" which is the subject matter of this article. The overall assessment is that the 'Ashâ'ira conceptualization of Imamate, despite its postulation in the theological context, is basically oriented to Jurisprudence. The 'Ashâ'ira themselves explain their theological treatment as arising from the same contextual treatment in the Shiite writings. The 'Ashâ'ira consider that selection or induction of Imam is an obligatory necessity. At the same time, however, they believe that once an Imam is installed somewhere, the obligation of the others is sufficiently fulfilled, which in the Islamic terminology is called "Wajib Kifa'î".