Imamah and the Quran - An Objective Perspective

Shia Encyclopedia’s statement

It is also important to consider the views of the Shia sources that try to explain Shiaism to the general public and validate the Shia beliefs with an eye on gaining converts. Prime among these sources is the online “Shia Encyclopedia”¹⁸. The following paragraph is taken from its “Imāmat vs. Prophethood (Part I)” article, where it is declared:

The Shia believe that the rank of Imamat (the position of a divinely-appointed leader) is higher than that of prophethood and messengership. Note that here we are comparing the rank of positions and not the rank of persons. As such, two divinely appointed Imams which both have the highest possible position from Allah, may have different ranks. For instance, out of the twelve Imāms of Ahlul-Bayt, Imām Ali (Alayhi Salām) is the most virtuous. Also Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF) is more virtuous than Imām Ali (Alayhi Salām) thought they were both appointed by Allah as leaders.

In other words, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF)… has the highest rank among

mankind, and is the most virtuous creature of God and the most honored before Allah. The above belief does not undermine his position since Prophet Muhammad was an Imam during his time as well!

the same article also declares:

The Shia further believe that the twelve Imams of the House of Prophet Muhammad have the rank higher than that of ALL the messengers (be Imām or not) except Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HF). In other words, the Status of the successors of the Seal of the Prophets is higher than that of the successors of all the previous prophets. (Note that the successors of the previous Prophets were themselves prophets).¹⁹