This was an echo of the promise made at the Feast of...

This was an echo of the promise made at the Feast of al-`Ashirah and the recognition of the fulfillment of `Ali’s Resolution to act as the support and bulwark for the Prophet of Islam (a.s). The da`wat al-`Ashirah also throws light on the Vicegerency or Caliphate of `Ali (a.s) that the Prophet (a.s) had declared only three things at the Feast: Tawhid or Unity of Allah, Prophethood and Succession or caliphate of `Ali (a.s).

Along with the announcement about Tawhid and Prophethood, the mention of caliphate illustrates its importance in the consideration of the Prophet! This proves that if Tawhid and Prophethood are the main pillars of Islam, the caliphate (of `Ali (a.s) too is of prime importance. As the acceptance of Tawhid and Prophethood is imperative for a Muslim, the acceptance of `Ali’s Succession and Vicegerency too is necessary. Previous…