The Knowledge of the Infallible Imams in All Languages

Dar al-Hidaya : In numerous narrations, the knowledge of all languages is cited as a distinguishing feature of the Infallible Imams. This knowledge, which sets the true Imam apart, is presented as a fundamental attribute that any legitimate claimant to the Imamate must possess.

Denial of the Imam’s Knowledge

Aḥmad Ismā‘īl Baṣrī, despite lacking proficiency in even his mother tongue, makes the unfounded claim of Imamate while denying this essential aspect of the Imams’ knowledge. He states:

“Ansar must know that beliefs cannot be taken from every narration, even if it contradicts reality. Some ignorant scholars claim that the infallible Imam has specific characteristics: no shadow, footprints on stone, and knowledge of all languages. They assert these are permanent attributes of God’s caliph. However, this statement contradicts reality and is a foolish claim.”
(Aḥmad Baṣrī, In the Presence of the Righteous Servant, Vol. 2, pp. 59–61)

Important Note

While Aḥmad Baṣrī asserts that doctrinal matters cannot be based on isolated narrations, his entire structure of grandiose claims suffers from the same flaw. The core of his beliefs about successive Mahdis hinges on the “Hadith of the Will”, a solitary report (khabar wāḥid) that contradicts well-established Shia narrations. Despite numerous attempts to make him understand this contradiction, he and his followers remain unmoved.

The Imam’s Knowledge: A Foolish Claim?

Aḥmad Baṣrī argues that claims regarding the Imam’s ability to know all languages are absurd and absurdly denies this established attribute of the Imams. However, his argument lacks foundation and fails to address the numerous authentic narrations supporting the knowledge of languages by the Imams.

Multiplicity of Narrations

Contrary to Baṣrī’s claims, numerous reliable narrations from major Shia scholars such as Shaykh al-Kulaynī, Shaykh al-Ṣadūq, and Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan al-Ṣaffār al-Qummī record the Imam’s knowledge of all languages. These narrations are found in prestigious books like al-Kāfī, ʿUyūn Akhbār al-Riḍā, and Baṣāʾir al-Darajāt. Here are some notable narrations:

1. Hadith from Imam al-Bāqir (peace be upon him)

Abū al-Jārūd asked Imam al-Bāqir (peace be upon him), “How is the Imam recognized?” He responded:

“By several qualities: First, a divine appointment as a sign for the people; similarly, each Imam appoints the next. Another sign is that when asked, the Imam immediately answers; if people are silent, he initiates discussion. He speaks with every language and dialect.”
(Maʿānī al-Akhbār, p. 105)

2. Debate with Raʾs al-Jālūt

In a debate, Imam al-Riḍā (peace be upon him) declared that the Imam must know all languages and the sacred texts of all major religions to properly engage with their followers.

(al-Kharāʾij wa al-Jarāʾiḥ, Vol. 1, p. 349)

The Imams Know and Speak All Languages

Several reports confirm the Imams’ ability to speak all languages. For example, during a gathering with a group of Arabs, Romans, Indians, Persians, and Turks, Imam al-Riḍā (peace be upon him) demonstrated his linguistic expertise:

The Imam responded fluently to each individual in their respective languages, to the astonishment of the crowd. They acknowledged that the Imam spoke their languages more eloquently than they did themselves.
(al-Kharāʾij wa al-Jarāʾiḥ, Vol. 1, p. 343)

Allāma al-Majlisī’s Opinion on the Imams’ Knowledge of All Languages

Allāma al-Majlisī (may God have mercy on him) emphasized that the narrations about the Imams knowing all languages are almost universally transmitted (tawātur) and are widely accepted. He also asserts:

“If an Imam did not know all languages, then if two disputants from different linguistic backgrounds approached him without a translator, justice would be impossible.”
(Mirʾāt al-ʿUqūl, Vol. 6, p. 156)

As Allāma confirms, the evidence for this reality is overwhelming, and Aḥmad Ismā‘īl Baṣrī’s denial stems from his own ignorance and lack of such knowledge.

Conclusion

The knowledge of all languages is one of the key signs of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them). Despite Aḥmad Ismā‘īl Baṣrī’s denial, a wealth of authentic narrations from trusted sources attests to this essential attribute of the Imams, making his claims untenable. The overwhelming evidence confirms that the Imams possessed this unique quality, solidifying their rightful position as the divinely appointed leaders of the Muslim community.