In fact only one of the many children of each Imam becomes himself the Imam, because only one carries the 'Prophetic Light' within himself. The relation between the Imams is not only a carnal one but, most of all, a spiritual connection based on the passingof this 'Light' from one Imam to another by virtue of which each becomes 'ma'sum' or 'pure' and gains authority as the sustainer and interpreter of the Divine Law.

Ideals and realities of Islam On page 168 Saturday, January 5, 2013 @ 4:45pm