Structure & Overview
What is the main purpose or thesis of The Need for the Imam?
To explain why every age requires a divinely appointed Imam to guide believers and preserve true faith.
What “need” does an Imam fulfill?
Provides spiritual light, resolves disputes, unifies believers, and protects religion.
What qualities must an Imam have?
Perfect morals, knowledge, spiritual purity, and divine support.
What prophecies support the Imam’s advent?
Qur’anic verses and Hadith foretelling reformers and the Imam Mahdi.
What objections did Promised Messiah address?
Scholars who denied the need for new divine guidance.
How does Hazrat Masih Maud (as) define “Imam” in the context of this work?
An Imam is a divinely appointed leader who receives God’s support, manifests His signs, and safeguards religion.
What is the difference between revelation and being a true Imam?
A true Imam embodies divine signs and continuous support from God, unlike ordinary claimants.
What role does moral excellence play?
An Imam must be a flawless example for believers.
How is the prophecy of the “she-camel abandoned” explained?
Linked to railways in the latter days.
What is the Imam’s role with believers?
Guide, interpreter, and leader to God.
What incident inspired Hazrat Masih Maud (as) to write this book?
Confusions and disputes in religion, and the denial of the need for a living Imam.
How does Hazrat Masih Maud (as) explain “imamat in creation”?
Leadership exists in nature, society, and religion, proving the universal need for an Imam.
How important is knowledge?
Essential for resolving disputes and interpreting scripture.
What experiential evidence is given?
Hazrat Masih Maud’s (as) dreams, visions, and revelations.
What assumptions underlie his case?
God’s mercy ensures continued guidance; humans need it.
How has the Promised Messiah (As) structured the book?
Thematically: the need for leadership, qualities of an Imam, proofs, and responses to objections.
What examples support the need for leadership?
Prophets, caliphs
How distinguish true revelation?
Consistency with Qur’an, fulfilled prophecies, and divine signs.
How does Promised Messiah (as) respond to critics?
By pointing to God’s support and signs.
What conditions justified the Imam?
Moral corruption, disunity, colonial dominance.
What is the significance of the Qur’anic verses at the start of the book?
They emphasize God’s eternal practice of appointing leaders and warn against rejecting divine authority.
What dangers occur without an Imam?
Fragmentation, innovations, and deception by Satan.
How does Hazrat Masih Maud (as) interpret “obey those in authority”?
Proof of obligatory obedience to the Imam.
Why is divine succour important?
Continuous help from God validates his claim.
How does Promised Messiah see succession?
Imamat arises whenever faith declines.