ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Black Thursday Part 2 .1: A Probe into Saqifah 1 Abu Bakr The Outcome of earlier discussion is that Imam ‘Ali (a) was rightful to Caliphate immediately after the Prophet, because he had deep relations with the Prophet of Islam and Islam itself. Islam as well as the Prophet of Islam considered him worthy of Caliphate and Imamate.

Imagine if people had presented the following proofs in support of ‘Ali’s candidature in Saqifah of Bani Saada: (1) ‘Ali was most proximate to the Prophet. (2) ‘Ali was raised under the Prophet’s care. (3) He was responsible for returning possessions of the people kept with the Prophet as trusts after the latter migrated. (4) The Prophet made him his brother. (5) He was the Prophet’s son-in-law. (6) The Prophet’s progeny would continue from ‘Ali.

(7) He was the commander of the Prophet’s army in all battles. (8) He is to Prophet as Haroon was to Moosa. (9) He is the gate of the city of knowledge. (10) He is the gate of the house of wisdom. (11) He is the reflection of the virtues of prophets. (12) He is a part of the light of the Prophet. (13) He is the son of parents who raised the Prophet. (14) He was born in holy Kaaba. (15) He never worshipped idols. (16) His love is compensation of the messengership of the Holy Prophet (S).

(17) He was a proof of truthfulness of Islam in imprecation ceremony ( Mubahila ). (18) He is one of the pure members of the cloak of purity. (19) He has complete knowledge of the Book. (20) He bought divine pleasure in exchange of his life. If it had been the case and Muslims had elected him for leadership, they would not have faced such deviations and the history of Islam would have been written with gold. Dr.

Taha Husayn had mentioned correctly in the following words: “‘Ali is worthy of Caliphate without any doubt due to his proximity to the Prophet and Islam, his sacrifices, his perfect character, attachment with religion, knowledge of Quran and Prophetic Practice ( Sunnah ).”[^1] Ibn Hajar Asqalani narrates the important virtues of Imam ‘Ali (a) in the following words: “‘Ali ibn Abi Talib was the first to accept Islam according to most scholars.

He was raised up under the Prophet’s care and was not separated from him at any time. He participated in all battles except the Battle of Tabuk as on this occasion he remained in Medina on the Prophet’s order. And the Prophet had said: ‘O ‘Ali!