Knowing the Imams is an encyclopaedic work consisting of 18 volumes, which covers almost all aspects of the Imamate in Twelver Shi ism, from the historical to the theological, and the philosophical to the mystical. It began life as a series of lessons before being transcribed. In volume 4, the author delves into exegetical, philosophical, traditionalist, historical, and sociological discussions on Guardianship in general, and, the Imamate and Guardianship of Ali Ibn Ab lib and the infallible Imams in particular. There are discursive and scientific lessons taken from the Quran and Sunni and Shi a hadiths as well as discussions on Guardianship, providing solutions and critique.