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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Caliphate Its Conception and Consequences Chapter Three : Hadith and History In an enquiry into the question of the Caliphate, too much emphasis cannot be laid on the very important fact that the collection and compilation of HADITH and History, the only two sources of our information on the point, was under the complete control of the opposition party, whose very existence depended on the suppression their views.

And they made thorough use of their power in stopping spurious HADITH to substantiate their Theory and establish a position for their leaders, who had ousted Imam Ali. In those days the only position that a companion of the Prophet could enjoy in the eyes of the public was that created by the Prophet (P), and his appreciation of their merits was the only source whence could be derived their prestige and prerogative. How this was done in the story told in this chapter.

The period of the Caliphate began when ABU BAKR succeeded the Prophet (P) as his Caliph in June A.C. 1258. This period falls into three well-defined divisions, viz. That of the first four Caliphs (632-661). That of the OMAYYADE Caliphs (661-749); Mr. Browne calls this the "period of Arabian Imperialism and Pagan Reaction". That of the ABBASSID Caliphs (749-1258).

With the exception of the short rule of Imam Ali (June 656 AC-January 661 AC), the whole of this long period of the Caliphate is characterized by fierce hostility to Imam Ali and his children, who are referred to in history collectively as "The ALIDS". Violence and hostility against them was an article of faith with the rulers; it is the one principle on which all are agreed, the one motive which underlies all their actions. It is the basic policy on which their state is run.

Any fault may be overlooked, but not the love of Imam Ali; every virtue may pass unnoticed, but not the "virtue" of hating Imam Ali. The reason is not hard to find. Two facts must be borne in mind for a correct appreciation of the history and policy of this Caliphate, taking all the three divisions together.

The first is that the lifeblood of this Caliphate is the theory that the Prophet (P) did not designate anyone as his successor, for in the contrary case his nominee, and not ABU BAKR, would have been the rightful Caliph, and the whole edifice of the Caliphate erected at the SAQIFA would tumble.