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Evidences for Imam Ali’s Guardianship 2 - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief Evidences for Imam Ali’s Guardianship 2 2022-12-17 398 Views Imam Ali , Imamate , Guardianship of Ali , Shura , Consensus In this part of the article titled “Evidences for Imam Ali’s Guardianship”, we shall discuss about the concept of Shura (i.e. consensus) in relation to leadership issues.

A Comment about Shura Out of what is mentioned, it became clear to us that the caliphate, in the perspective of the Shiah, is according to Allah’s will and choice, and determination by the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a) through a revelation revealed to him.

this claim is quietly in line with the philosophy of Islam in all its rulings and legislations, as Allah, the Glorified, is He Who “…createth whatever He willeth and (also) chooseth too; it is not theirs to choose.” And since Allah, the Glorified, willed that the Ummah of Muhammad be the best community that has been raised up for mankind, so it should have a leader who is wise, sagacious, knowledgeable, powerful, valiant, pious, ascetic, and having the highest level of faith.

All these traits can never be enjoyed but by the one chosen by Allah, the Glorious and the Mighty, distinguishing him with special characteristics qualifying him for the post of leadership and headship. The Almighty Allah said: “Allah chooseth from the angels messengers, and (also) from mankind. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Seer” . The executors have been chosen by Allah exactly as in the case of the prophets.

The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a) said in this respect: “For every prophet, there is an executor (wasi), and my executor is Ali ibn Abi Talib. In another hadith, he (s.a.w.a) said: I am the seal of the prophets and Ali is the seal of the executors.

On this basis, the Shiah submitted totally to Allah and His Messenger, with no one left among them claiming caliphate for himself or coveting it, neither through text (nass) nor through election: first, because the divine text negates the election and shura (council), and secondly due to the fact that the divine text was made by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and benediction be upon him and his Progeny) upon particular and specific persons by their names, so as no transgressor could lift a hand against it, and otherwise he would be considered a debauchee and an apostate.

While the caliphate from the perspective of Ahl al-Sunnah is through election and council (shura).