The Need for the Imam — Page 36
36 collection. Anyhow, this is not what we are discussing, for our aim is to point out that, for the purpose of keep- ing the faith of mankind ever fresh, there is always the need for fresh revelation. Such revelations are recog- nized by their authority, for no devil, demon or evil spirit has this authority, except God. The revelation vouchsafed to the Imam of the age gives credence to other revelations. We have already stated that the Imam of the age has in his nature the innate power of Im a mat, and Providence invests him with the quality of leadership. It is the way of God that He does not like to see man- kind divided and dispersed. Just as He has included a number of planets in the solar system, and has given the sun sovereignty over them, so does He invest the ordinary believers with light in keeping with their spiritual station, and appoints the Imam of the age as their Sun. This Divine practice exists in His creation to such an extent that it is found even among the hon- eybees. They too have an Imam—known as 32. In worldly kingdoms also God Almighty has so willed that a nation should have a leader or a king. May God’s curse be on those who like dissention and do not obey the Am i r, despite the Divine command: 32 Ya‘s u b : The queen bee. [Publishers]