Requesting Imāma for Future Generations

God, the Glorified, has described certain noble attributes for His special servants in the Qur’an. Among these is the request for Imāma over the God-fearing, as mentioned in the verse: “And those who say, ‘Our Lord! Grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an Imām for the righteous.’” [25:74]. Attaining Imāma over the God-fearing is not easily achieved; it requires one to pass through numerous stages to become worthy of leading the God-conscious.

Human beings naturally seek grace and blessings, and part of this yearning is the desire to partake in the good deeds of future generations. This is reflected in the supplication cited above, as well as in the supplication of Abraham (a.s.), who desired that his descendants also become leaders of the God-fearing. For, as stated in the Qur’an, “We record what they have put forth and their effects” [36:12], meaning that not only one’s past deeds but also the future results and effects of their actions are recorded.

Being mindful of the righteousness of future generations, rather than simply desiring children, is part of the praiseworthy tradition of Abraham (a.s.). This is evident in his supplications, where he asks God to protect him and his children from polytheism and idol-worship, and to make them among those who establish prayer: “...and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols... Our Lord, indeed I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer... My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication” [14:35-40].

One of the most significant human stations is the station of Imāma, which Abraham (a.s.), after being appointed to it himself, also requested for his descendants: “And [mention] when Abraham was tried by his Lord with words and he fulfilled them. [God] said, ‘Indeed, I will make you an Imām for the people.’ [Abraham] said, ‘And of my descendants?’” [2:124]. Of course, Imāma varies in intensity and degree among different individuals. The Imāma to which Abraham (a.s.) was appointed, and which he sought for his descendants, is among the highest levels of Imāma.

Abraham’s (a.s.) etiquette in his supplication is noteworthy. Since he knew that some of his descendants would not be worthy of Imāma, he did not ask for Imāma for all of them. Out of respect for his lofty station, he asked God, “And of my descendants?” knowing that it would be improper to request Imāma for those who were not deserving. In response, God, the Glorified, said: “My covenant does not include the wrongdoers.”

The essence of God’s response, as discussed earlier, is that the infallible descendants of Abraham (a.s.) are included in God’s covenant, and the station of Imāma will indeed descend upon and reach them.