(a) those who accepted and were prepared to obey the...

(a) those who accepted and were prepared to obey the Prophet's orders nominating Imam Ali as the successor, and (b) those who were opposed to this. The opposition party comprised by far the majority of the companions, and was headed by many influential persons. But for obvious reasons this opposition was kept screened from the public view. There were however occasions on which the leaders of the opposition would discard their mask when silence would have greatly jeopardized their cause.

One such occasion was the time when the Prophet expressed his desire on his deathbed to write a will in favor of Imam Ali, and demanded writing materials for the purpose. Silence on that occasion would have been fatal to their cause; the mask was, therefore, taken off. The Prophet (P) was fully aware of the existence of this party. He used to say to Imam Ali, "The hearts of these people are filled with jealousy and animosity towards thee, which they conceal now, but will disclose after my death".

The Prophet was quite right when he said, "O Ali, this nation will play you false when I am gone". The members of this party used to talk among themselves About ways and means of taking possession of the Government after the death of the Prophet. It can well be believed that whenever they met in groups, they used to engage in propaganda work against the AHL-AL-BAYT (family) of the Prophet (P).

This is evident from the following observation of the Prophet (P); "What has become of these people; whenever they see a man of my family. They at once cut off their talk. By God, true faith does not enter the heart of anyone unless and until he loves my AHL-AL-BAYT for the sake of God and on account of my relationship with them".

It appears they criticized the Prophet's laying emphasis on the importance of this relationship; they refuted the Prophet's remark with the assertion that relationship to him could be of no avail in the next world. He had, therefore, to repeat the fact in these words; "What has become of these people; they say that my relationship will be of no use. By God, it will benefit the people of this world and the next.

Take note that I will arrive at the HAWD AL-KAWTHAR on the Day of Resurrection before you. A group of people will be brought to me who will try to make me recognize them by letting me know their parentage. I shall reply; "Indeed I know you, but you reverted to disbelief and disobeyed my order after my death". This last HADITH is called "HADITH AL-HAWD".