Explanation of Quranic Imamate as a Position Distinct from Prophethood (with special focus on the Verse of Trial)

The present article studies the Verse of Trial as one of the principal evidence towards the distinction and independence of Imamate from prophethood, criticizing the arguments of the theory of dependence in the light of the former evidence. These arguments are as follows: the unconditionality of the concept of “Imam” and the general mood of the word “al-Nas” i.e. "people" in the verse in question, and exclusive application of Imamate to its perfect example due to its application to the infallible Imams,. Following this discussion, signification evidence towards the view supporting the independence of the concept of ‘Imamate” in the Shiite school is analyzed.These evidence are formulated based on two focal points: the relation of undergoing certain trials with the position of Imamte at the beginning of the verse, and modification of Imamte with divine covenant at the end. This study owes its special significance to the point that essentially the theory of Imamate in the Shiite school rests on the Quranic concept of Imamate, and unlike the theory of the Sunni school, it derives its evidence from Quranic verses on Imamate. The study and analysis of the signification of the verse is based on the interpretation of the Quran by the Quran, supported by certain Hadith evidence.