1
Assistant Professor,The Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy, Mahdism and Future Studies Research Institute, Qom, Iran
2
Student at Mashhad Seminary
10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
Abstract
Imam Ali's (A.S.) sermon at the Kufa Mosque is a transmitted proof for the doctrine that a divine proof must exist in every age. It is reported in both Sunni and Shi'i sources, and its content is accepted across Islamic schools. The sermon clearly indicates the necessity of a divine proof in every era and supports the Imami position. Opponents, however, cite apparently conflicting Qur'anic and Imami hadith evidence suggesting that some periods lacked a divine proof as punishment upon people. This study explains the Qur'anic and hadith evidence underlying Imam Ali's sermon and addresses apparent conflicts in certain reports or historical readings that may challenge this doctrine. The issue is fundamental because continuity of the divine proof is a doctrinal pillar of Imamate and frames the historical philosophy of the infallible Imam's presence in the world. Past and present intellectual currents have appealed to reports of 'wrath' or 'fatra' to weaken or reinterpret it. Using an analytical-descriptive method, the study analyzes key reports in their lexical and contextual settings and compares them with Qur'anic verses and historical evidence. It also evaluates early and later Shi'i theologians and Imami exegetes on these reports. The findings show that reports concerning periods of fatra or an earth seemingly devoid of a proof do not truly contradict the continuity principle. Proper analysis shows that they refer to the absence of a 'manifest proof' or a 'bearer of a revealed law,' not the absolute absence of a divine proof.
shahbazian, M. & hoseyni, M. H. (2024). Imam Ali's Sermon at the Kufa Mosque and Apparently Conflicting Statements on the Necessity of a Divine Proof. Emamat Pajouhi, 13(2), 154-180. https://doi.org/10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
MLA
shahbazian, M., & hoseyni, M. H. "Imam Ali's Sermon at the Kufa Mosque and Apparently Conflicting Statements on the Necessity of a Divine Proof", Emamat Pajouhi, 13, 2, 2024, 154-180. doi: 10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
HARVARD
shahbazian M., hoseyni M. H. (2024). 'Imam Ali's Sermon at the Kufa Mosque and Apparently Conflicting Statements on the Necessity of a Divine Proof', Emamat Pajouhi, 13(2), pp. 154-180. doi: 10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
CHICAGO
M. shahbazian & M. H. hoseyni, "Imam Ali's Sermon at the Kufa Mosque and Apparently Conflicting Statements on the Necessity of a Divine Proof," Emamat Pajouhi, 13 2 (2024): 154-180, doi: 10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
VANCOUVER
shahbazian M., hoseyni M. H. Imam Ali's Sermon at the Kufa Mosque and Apparently Conflicting Statements on the Necessity of a Divine Proof. Emamat Pajouhi. 2024;13(2):154-180 (In Persian). doi: 10.22034/jep.2026.541335.1679
