Decree on the Imamate of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt from the Perspective of the consensus companions of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq

Nowadays, the Imamiyyah Shia consider the allocation of Imamate only through apparent or covered decree or through the performance of a miracle, which itself, is an instance of an apparent decree. Numerous rational and traditional proofs and arguments have been put forth that suggest the necessity of the appointment of an Imam by God and his introduction by a decree from the Prophet or the former Imam. In order to prove and recognise attributes like, knowledge and infallibility, which are essential for the Imam, there is no other alternative than appointment by Allah and his introduction by the Prophet.  Accordingly, every person that the Prophet Muhammad specified to and decreed to his Imamate is an Imam. Companions of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir and Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq are among the most trustworthy Shiites of the era of Imams’ presence and based upon their beliefs at that time one can trace the historical roots of the current belief in Imamate. Based on historical events, their opinions and debates with others, one can deduce the fact that, despite the opinion of some contemporary Shiite thinkers about the belief in the Imamate of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt, the general body of the Shiite community does not suggest a particular narrative of evolution, and most Shiites in the age of presence, like today's Shiites, had believed in Imamate based on God-given decree and approval of His Messenger.