For the terms khalifa and Imam literally do not convey the...

For the terms khalifa and Imam literally do not convey the meaning of "heir apparent to the Prophet." Secondly, if the name, 'Ali would have been included in any verse, what was there to stop all the families of Arabia to name all their newly-born babies 'Ali? A similar question was asked of Imam Ja'far Sadiq (a.s.). The Imam once explained the verse 4:59, which says: O you who believe!

Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those vested with authority from among you; then if you quarrel about anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the last day; this is better and very good in the end (4:59). Upon hearing this, someone asked the Imam: "People say, 'Why did Allah not mention the names of 'Ali and his family in His Book?" The Imam answered: "Tell them that there came…