and for this reason, the Shia have held two positions on the matter (1).

[The Third Point: According to Them, the Imamate Does Not Bring About Divine Grace]

The third point concerns his statement that Allah appointed infallible allies so that He would not leave the world devoid of His grace and mercy.

If, by saying that He appointed allies, he means that He empowered them and gave them the ability to govern the people so that the people might benefit from their governance (2), this is manifestly false, and they do not maintain it. Rather, they say that the imams are subjugated, wronged, and powerless, possessing neither authority, power, nor means. They know that Allah neither empowered them nor granted them rule, and thus did not grant them (3) authority or kingship as He granted them to the believers and the righteous (4), or as He granted them to unbelievers and wicked people.

Indeed, exalted is He, Allah granted kingship to those prophets to whom He granted it, as He said concerning David:

{David killed Goliath, and Allah granted him kingship and wisdom and taught him whatever He willed.}

[Surah al-Baqarah: 251]

And the Most High said:

{Or do they envy people for what Allah has granted them of His bounty? We indeed granted the House of Abraham the Scripture and wisdom, and We granted them a mighty kingdom.}

[Surah al-Nisāʾ: 54]

And the Most High said:

{The king said, “Bring him to me.”}

[Surah Yūsuf 54]

And He said:

{Ahead of them was a king who seized every ship by force.}

[Surah al-Kahf: 79],