Title: Imam as the Source of Islam... Question/Comments: Do you think that it is fair to say that the Shiite regard the Imams as a source of Islam? My interpretation is that the Imam of the Time interprets Islam to the modern condition. He does not create anything in terms of doctrines and laws, rather he interprets the Qur'an and the Sunnah , which was left behind by the prophet. From this definition, I feel that the Imam is a source of interpretation rather than a source of religion. Farooq Mitha Answer: There is, indeed, no harm in agreeing with or ascribing to the interpretation or the Ijtehad of another individual, considering him to be a knowledgeable person. However, when this agreement or ascription is accompanied by the belief that the individual in question is faultless or sinless or that his interpretation and Ijtehad is beyond the scope of criticism or that it is always correct and, therefore, he 'must' be followed, then such agreement or ascription becomes more than merely a matter of personal choice, agreement or confidence. In such a case, this following becomes a matter of belief. According to my understanding, the position of the Shiites, with reference to their Imams is of the category of 'belief' rather than merely that of personal choice. This is precisely what makes the Imams a source of Islam, in the eyes of the Shiites. I hope this would clarify my point of view. Regards, Moiz Amjad November 7, 2001