ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Understanding Karbala Effect of Husayn’s Martyrdom on the Principle of Caliphate In the past nations the appointment of the prophet’s caliph depended on divine will conveyed through divine text. At least this is what is proved from the stories and incidents of the Qur’an and other ancient books. Basically the same method should have been applicable for this nation also.

…the nature made by Allah in which He has made men; there is no altering of Allah’s creation…[^1] And it is a fact. Thus the announcement: Allah creates what He pleases; when He has decreed a matter…[^2] It limits the responsibilities of creation and selection to the Being of the Almighty.

And as for the firm text: And it behoves not a believing man and a believing woman that they should have any choice in their matter when Allah and His Apostle have decided a matter; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Apostle, he surely strays off a manifest straying.[^3] It does not even permit the intellectuals to say anything about caliphate. On the basis of this alone the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) in Ghadeer Khumm acting upon the command of: O Apostle!

Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord…[^4] Appointed Amir al-Mu’minin ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s) as his successor before thousands of people. And the unambiguous statement of: ‘Of whomsoever I am the master, this ‘Ali is also his master’ did not have any scope for doubt and uncertainty.

Even those who had some ulterior plans for the future were compelled to say: “Congratulations to you, O ‘Ali, today you have become my master and the master of all the believing men and women.” However, this expression of faith and confession during the lifetime of the Prophet very soon after his departure from the world was sacrificed at the altar of selfish motives.

The time arrived to snatch the reins of power from the hands of the legatee of the Prophet so that their evil wishes may be fulfilled. On the other hand ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s) was busy in the funeral arrangements while some people with vested interests assembled in Saqifah Bani Sa’dah to fight over the caliphate. After numerous bitter arguments and fights, the high handedness of Umar at last placed the crown of caliphate on the head of Abu Bakr.

And in this way, in place of the ancient principle of “divine appointment” the self-made principle of “consensus” was forced upon the community. Now the time of Abu Bakr’s demise approached.