The Quranic verse in question, Surah Al-Isra (17:71), states: **يَوْمَ نَدْعُو كُلَّ أُنَاسٍ بِإِمَامِهِمْ**

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The Quranic verse in question, Surah Al-Isra (17:71), states:  

**يَوْمَ نَدْعُو كُلَّ أُنَاسٍ بِإِمَامِهِمْ**  

*"On the Day We will call every people with their Imam..."*  

This verse has been interpreted diversely across Islamic schools of thought, primarily due to the polysemous term **"Imam"** (leader, guide, record, or scripture). Below is a breakdown of interpretations by major Islamic traditions:

**1. Sunni Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" refers to the **prophet** sent to each community or the **scripture** they followed.  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Sunnis emphasize that every nation receives divine guidance through prophets (Quran 10:47, 16:36). On Judgment Day, communities will be summoned with their respective prophets or holy books (e.g., Torah, Gospel, Quran).  

  - The "record" (kitab) mentioned later in the verse signifies individual deeds, judged against the standard of their prophet’s teachings.  

- **Sources**:  

  - Ibn Kathir’s *Tafsir* links "Imam" to prophets or scriptures.  

  - Al-Tabari’s commentary highlights communal accountability based on adherence to divine messages.

**2. Shia Twelver Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" denotes the **divinely appointed Imams** from the Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet Muhammad’s progeny).  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Twelvers believe in the necessity of following the Twelve Imams as spiritual and temporal successors to the Prophet. The verse underscores the centrality of the Imamate (leadership) for salvation.  

  - On Judgment Day, individuals will be judged based on loyalty to the true Imam of their time (e.g., Ali, Hasan, Husayn, etc.).  

- **Sources**:  

  - Al-Qummi’s *Tafsir* and Al-Tabrasi’s *Majma‘ al-Bayan* explicitly tie "Imam" to the Imams of the Prophet’s household.  

**3. Ismaili Shia Interpretation**

- **Key View**: Similar to Twelvers, but "Imam" refers to the **living Imam** in the Ismaili lineage.  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Ismailis stress the perpetual need for a present, guiding Imam (e.g., the Aga Khan). The verse validates the role of the Imam as the manifest guide for each era.  

**4. Sufi Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" symbolizes the **inner spiritual guide** or the Muhammadan Light (Nur Muhammadi).  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Sufis often interpret "Imam" metaphorically, representing the soul’s connection to divine truth through a *sheikh* (spiritual master) or the Prophet’s transcendent essence.  

  - The verse may also allude to the "Imam of the heart," the divine spark guiding individuals toward righteousness.  

**5. Ibadi Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" signifies **righteous leadership** or the Quran itself.  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Ibadis, while sharing Sunni roots, emphasize moral governance. The verse could critique communities led by unjust rulers or affirm the Quran as the ultimate guide.  

**6. Salafi/Wahhabi Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" is the **prophet or scripture** (Quran) without esoteric meanings.  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Salafis adopt a literalist approach, rejecting allegorical readings. The verse warns against deviating from the Prophet’s teachings or the Quran.  

**7. Quranist Interpretation**

- **Key View**: "Imam" is the **Quran** itself, the sole guide for Muslims.  

- **Reasoning**:  

  - Rejecting hadith-based authority, Quranists argue that the verse underscores adherence to the Quran as the exclusive "Imam" for accountability.  

**Common Themes and Theological Implications**

- **Accountability**: All schools agree the verse underscores divine justice, where individuals are judged by their adherence to guidance.  

- **Leadership**: Debates center on whether "Imam" is a person, text, or abstract principle, reflecting broader theological divides (e.g., Sunni-Shia tensions over leadership).  

- **Universality**: The verse’s inclusivity ("every people") highlights Islam’s recognition of multiple prophetic traditions while asserting finality in Muhammad’s message.  

This verse remains a focal point for inter-school dialogue, encapsulating core debates on authority, guidance, and salvation in Islamic thought.