Shia Belief in the Miraculous Powers of Their Imams: A Critical Analysis

Adapted from Dr. Ahmad bin Saad bin Hamdan al-Ghamidi رحمه الله's book “A Rational Dialogue with the Twelver Sect on Fundamental Issues”
Translated into Urdu by: Shafiq ur Rahman Shah Sahib

❀ Miraculous Claims in Shia Literature Regarding the Imams​

In Shia texts, there are not just a few, but hundreds of narrations attributing supernatural, miraculous powers to their Imams. It is claimed that nothing in the universe can resist their command, and everything submits to them.

Ayatollah Khomeini writes:
"Undoubtedly, the Imam attains a station of praise, high rank, and cosmic vicegerency under which every particle of this universe bows down."
(Al-Hukoomah al-Islamiyyah, p. 105)

Some narrations go further, stating that:

• The Imams possess the Greatest Name (Ism al-A‘zam) which was not even granted to the Prophets and Messengers.
• They allegedly possess things greater than what is with Allah ﷻ Himself.

❀ Specific Claims and Narrations from Shia Sources​

◈ The Earthquake Stopped by Ali رضي الله عنه​

Shia scholar Kashani narrates a story:

• During the caliphate of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, an earthquake struck.
• Abu Bakr and Umar reportedly went to Ali رضي الله عنه in fear.
• Ali came out, walked to a hill, and commanded the earth to "Stop!" – and the earth complied.

He is then quoted as saying:
"I am that man to whom the verse refers: يَوْمَئِذٍ تُحَدِّثُ أَخْبَارَهَا – That Day it will report its news."
(Tafsir al-Safi, p. 571)

◈ Superiority in Possession of Ism al-A‘zam​

Narrated in Al-Kafi:
"The Greatest Name consists of 73 letters. Asif bin Barkhiya had only one, through which he brought the throne of Bilqis. We have 72; one remains only with Allah."
(Al-Kafi, 1/230)

This implies the Imams possess more divine knowledge than even Allah ﷻ Himself – an astonishing and blasphemous claim.

❀ Riding on Clouds – Ali رضي الله عنه’s Miraculous Journey​

In Bihar al-Anwar (34/27), a story describes:

• Ali رضي الله عنه riding clouds like carpets.
• His companions, including Sulayman and Miqdad, ride on other clouds.
• He declares:

"I am the Light of Allah that will never extinguish... I am His speaking tongue, and His authority over creation."

These claims continue with bizarre elements far removed from the authentic legacy of the rightly guided Caliphs.

❀ The Contradiction Between These Claims and Historical Reality​

If these miracles were true:

1. Why did Ali رضي الله عنه not use them to protect his own life or defend Islam?
2. Why did he submit to the leadership of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman رضي الله عنهم instead of manifesting these miracles?
3. Why did Hasan رضي الله عنه relinquish the caliphate to Mu‘awiyah رضي الله عنه, despite supposedly having cosmic power?
   

The contradiction becomes clearer when considering:

• Husayn رضي الله عنه’s martyrdom at Karbala without any miraculous escape or divine intervention.
• Subsequent Imams, as per Shia belief, lived in fear, weakness, and concealment, never employing their supposed divine powers.
  

❀ Rational Inconsistencies in These Beliefs​

Imagine:

• A millionaire walking barefoot, wearing tattered clothes, and letting his family suffer, claiming he has all wealth but chooses not to use it.
• The natural conclusion? Either he is lying or he is insane.

Similarly, how can:

• Imams with divine powers suffer humiliation and persecution, watch their followers suffer, yet do nothing?

If Allah ﷻ gave them divine power, was it just for display, or meant for protecting truth and the Ummah?

❀ Why Did Their Followers Not Question This?​

Despite repeatedly witnessing these "miracles," none of the followers ask:
"Why are we and our religion in disgrace if you possess such power?"

No Shia text records such a basic, logical question being asked—indicating a fabricated, exaggerated narrative rather than historical reality.

❀ Final Reflection​

These narrations, when scrutinized, are inconsistent with the lives of the Imams, who:

• Never claimed such divinity.
• Never used any miraculous powers in their defense.
• Lived lives of humility, piety, and service, like all true scholars of Islam.

The rational mind concludes:
❝These narrations are false fabrications attributed to the noble Ahl al-Bayt, just as the fabricated claim of divine Imamate was.❞

❀ Closing Note​

Will these reminders awaken the conscience of those who follow such distorted beliefs?
❝The wise are reminded and they reflect. The foolish remain deceived and only regret when it is too late.❞