Can General Deputation Be Proved Rationally?

In a word, the general deputy is the sound and fully expounded account, and the spokesman for the Ahl al-Bayt, peace be upon them—in other words, their living book and computer.

In a little more detail:

The Imam of the Age, peace be upon him, is the tree of life in servitude to God. To understand this life of servitude, one must connect to this tree. This connection is the general deputyship, which includes everyone. Yet among them is one who is connected to the tree of servitude as its main trunk; others are connected as branches, and others as branches of branches. Many are like the leaves of this tree; some settle upon those leaves like dust, while many others are scattered around this mighty tree. Each person’s rank in this deputyship is clear. The one whose connection is direct holds a general deputyship that is akin to a particular one. Those connected to the tree through this main trunk, and those linked to it through many subordinate intermediaries, all stand within the same structure. The main trunk, in general, holds authority over those beneath it.

Each person is, in a sense, a general deputy, but each must occupy their own rank and station. By the authority of those same narrations, the one of higher rank holds authority and leadership over the one below.

Narrations have meaning only when understood and followed. In matters of following and practice, those below must accept the authority of those above them. Even the scholars must identify the most learned among themselves and centre their attention on him.

Whoever fails to recognise the most learned will not recognise the Imam of their Age.