Is the rank of Imamate higher than the rank of Prophethood? Explain that.
"Imamah" (leadership) derives from "amm," meaning intention or purpose, and an "Imam" is anyone whom a people follow. As for "Nubuwwah" (prophethood), it comes from "naba'," meaning news or tidings, and a "Nabi" (prophet) is one to whom revelation is given but who is not commanded to convey it. If he is commanded to convey it, then he is a "Rasul" (messenger). The relationship between them is one of general and specific. A Prophet-Messenger who has followers is an Imam, but not every prophet is an Imam, and not every Imam is a prophet. Therefore, the statement "the rank of Imamah is higher than Nubuwwah" is not absolutely correct, for a Prophet is higher than an Imam who is not a Prophet. And the claim by some deviant groups, such as the extremist Sufis or the Qaramitah and the Batiniyyah, that their Imams or their saints are superior to the Prophets is an act of disbelief (kufr).
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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