Final answer:
Option a)Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah, the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a Shia Islamic denomination, bestowed the title of 'Pir' to Itnadi Sabzali. This act highlights the influential role of the Imam in providing guidance and leadership within the community. The Imam's lineage from the Prophet Muhammad through Ali is crucial in Shia Islam for spiritual authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The title of Pir was given to Itnadi Sabzali by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah, who was the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a denomination within Shia Islam. This occurred during the time when various imams provided spiritual leadership and guidance to their community.
The Imam in Shia Islam holds a significant role, being a spiritual leader descended from the Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and Ali's wife Fatima. The legitimacy of the Imam is linked to this lineage, as per the belief of the Twelver Shias who hold that there have been twelve infallible Imams, with the first being Ali himself. The importance of this lineage and the role of the Imamate is at the core of Shia Islamic teachings.
As Twelver Shias, the community believes that the spiritual and temporal guidance should come from these descendants, thus the giving of the title 'Pir' is a significant event within this context, marking a recognition of spiritual authority and guidance.