The Need for the Imam — Page 39
D ar u rat-ul-Imam 39 perfect and consummate way. So this verse actually tells us that we should be with the Imam of the age. Let it be remembered that the term 'Imam of the age' comprises all Prophets, Messengers, Mu h addath- i n and Mujaddad i n. But those who are not appointed by God to educate and guide God’s creatures, nor have they been vouchsafed such excellences, regard- less of their being saints or seers, cannot be called the Imams of the age. Finally we come to the question: Who is the Imam in the present age, whom all Muslims, all righteous peo- ple, and all those who experience true dreams or revelations must follow. I hereby proclaim, without any hesitation, that, by the grace and bounty of God, I am the Imam of the age. He has brought together in my person all these signs and conditions and sent me at the turn of this cen- tury, of which fifteen years have already passed. I appeared at a time when all Islamic teachings, with- out any exception, were riddled with differences. Likewise, in respect of the Messiah’s as descent, ex- tremely false notions had gained currency. Differences were so great that some believed Jesus as to be alive while others believed him to be dead; some believed in his bodily descent, while others be-