Rather as we can see in the verses of the holy Quran...

Rather as we can see in the verses of the holy Quran, he was the teacher of the holy Quran,[^6] describer of Quranic issues[^7] and announcer of divine precepts (commands)[^8]. Based on the consensus of the Islamic community and the Quranic text, the Prophet’s behavior in teaching the Islamic ordinances are strong documents for his greatness.

In the fourth chapter of the present book, it is clearly shown that upon the demise of the great prophet, the people’s need for education had not ceased and Islam had not yet accomplished its perfection; therefore, it still was in need of infallibe leaders. That is why after the Prophet’s demise someone had to lead the people and resume the leadership of the ummah in scientific and educational aspects to the point when the Islamic revolution could flourish.

Now we should find out who these proper administrators could be so that the Islamic community could benefit from their thoughts, behavior and statements in all times, and through their guidance the Islamically lawful issues could be distinguished from the unlawful ones, and in this way people could get familiarized with their religious duties.

It is essential for every Muslim to try to identify such leaders, and it is the objective of the present book to make known to Muslims which individuals could be the Prophet’s rightful successors. To bring up the question of “leadership of Islam after the Prophet’s demise” at this time is not meant to excite people over their religious opinions or to emphasize their differences. Rather, under the present conditions, the religious differences should not be pointed out.

After all a writer’s life is more precious than to be spent on prejudiced issues. Our aim is to found the basis of a logical and scientific research devoid of any prejudice or dogmatism so that all classes and sects of Muslims can tolerate one another and can, in this way, put an end to the disturbances that the enemies of Islam bring forth.

In bringing up such issues concerning the leadership of the ummah, two basic principles will be taken into account: Recognizing facts related to the significant issue of the Prophet's successor; Emphasizing the importance of unity among Muslim communities, and the necessity to bring Muslims together in order to put an end to the enemy's pernicious instigations.

This book was being taught to virtuous youth throughout 1972-1973(1351-1352) on Friday nights at Bani Fatemah mosque (Husainiyyeh) on Amir Kabir street in Tehran.