who made the truth clear (1). Yet this Ummah has no prophet after its Prophet, so its collective protection from error takes the place of prophethood. Thus, no one among them can alter anything in the religion without Allah raising someone to expose his error in what he has altered. The Ummah (2), therefore, will never unite upon misguidance.

As the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: ‘A group of my Ummah will always remain upon the truth. Neither those who oppose them nor those who forsake them will harm them, until the Hour comes’ (3).

He also said: ‘Indeed, Allah has safeguarded you, through the words of your Prophet, from uniting upon misguidance’ (4).

There are also other proofs establishing the validity of consensus.”

Second: If by “need” it is meant that their condition would be more perfect with his presence, then there is no doubt that it would be still more perfect if the imam’s deputies were infallible, and more perfect still if they themselves were infallible. Yet Allah does not bring about everything that people imagine would make each of them more perfect, nor is He obligated to do so.

And if what is meant is that, in his absence, they would enter the Fire, would not fare well (5) in this world, or would suffer [some form] (6) of harm,