Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Affirms Supremacy of Fourteen Infallibles Over All Prophets

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi Affirms Supremacy of Fourteen Infallibles Over All Prophets
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On Saturday, the sixth of Rabi’ al-Awwal 1447 AH, Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadeq Hosseini Shirazi held his routine daily scholarly session, responding to attendees’ questions on various jurisprudential issues. During the session, the Supreme Marja discussed the status of the Fourteen Infallibles (al-Ma’sumin), asserting that Islamic traditions recognize them as superior to all prophets.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi explained that after the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family), the Fourteen Infallibles occupy the highest spiritual rank, followed by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and then other prophets in terms of merit.

He referenced a hadith stating, “The scholars of my Ummah are superior to the prophets of Bani Israel,” noting that Shia scholars interpret this as referring to the Infallibles, whose excellence surpasses even the prophets of steadfast resolve. Grand Ayatollah Shirazi also stressed the absolute and proven infallibility of the Prophet, Fatimah al-Zahra, and the Twelve Imams, based on widely transmitted narrations.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi further clarified that while all Infallibles possess equal knowledge, their ranks in merit differ, exemplified in the hierarchy placing Imam Ali first, followed by Sayyida Fatimah, Imam Hasan, and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them all). He emphasized that all virtues and achievements ultimately derive from God’s grace, citing Quranic guidance on the Divine source of human excellence (Surah An-Nisa, 4:32).