Therefore...

Therefore, as a part of their mission, they prophesy everything including identifying and nominating their successors as a part of their obligation. In accordance with the traditions of earlier Apostles, throughout his life, on every important occasion, the Prophet (S) declared in unambiguous terms, often by physically pointing out, that Imam Ali (a.s.) was his deputy [ wali ], successor [ wasi ] and Administrator in Chief [ vizier ].

(1) The Feast of Youm ad-Dar On the very first day when the Prophet (S) proclaimed Islam,[^2] he arranged for a feast and invited the members of his clan. About forty members from the Banu Abdul Muttalib attended the feast. This event is called the Feast of Youm ad-Dar (the day of warning).

All historians and the narrators of Hadith, both Sunnis and Shias as well as non-Muslim historians record this historical and momentous event unanimously and universally.[^3] The following is the gist of what transpired on that occasion:The Prophet (S) asked Ali (a.s.) to make bread from one measure of wheat, cook a leg of mutton and provide one pitcher of milk to feed the invitees.

On seeing such meager food, the guests made fun of the Prophet (S) saying that the food was not enough even for a young child. However, after all, the guests had eaten to their satisfaction, like the miracle performed by Jesus, the food remained the same quantity as it was prepared.[^4] This prompted Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s uncle, to declare that the Prophet (S) was indeed a sorcerer and that they should beware being bewitched by his magic.

Abu Lahab’s allegation of sorcery against the Prophet (S) is similar to the allegations of Pharaoh, his vizier Haman, and Qarun against Moses.[^5] After the feast, the Prophet (S) conveyed the Divine Message and concluded his speech saying:“ Verily God has commanded me to invite you to Him. If you accept Him as the One Unique God, you will be benefited in this life as well as in the life to come. God has appointed me His Messenger.

Acknowledge me as the Messenger of Allah and help me in my Mission. Now that I have passed on the Divine Message, I need some one to assist me in carrying forth the Divine Mission after me.