not hand over a reasonable meaning or sense. WE BELIEVE that all the Archprophets had thedignity and grade of Imamat through theirp rophethood. This is because whatever they decreedby their prophethood they put it to ACTION as anImam. So was the great prophet of Islam, when at thebeginig of his missioin he conveyd the messages of Godto His servants, and meanwhile he carried on hisleadership teaching people and leading them to thepath of truth.

WE BELIEVE that after the prophet Mohammad, his mission was continued by the innocent Imams whosucceeded him from among his nearest kins and theiroffspring.

By the definitions given above, to reach the highrank of an Imam, very difficult and heavy conditionsare to be observed, such as piety to the level ofinnocence, having the highest level of knowledge ofreligion and the LAW, and also full acquaintance withthe human needs in any age or time.