[^1] Apart from this...

[^1] Apart from this, the Holy Prophet (saws) had specifically mentioned the Imamat of Imam Hasan (as) and his brother Imam Husayn (as) in many of his Hadith.

For example:"These two [Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (as)] are Imam, whether they take a firm stand against an issue or observe peace." [^2] Although the above Hadith of the Holy Prophet (saws) has a deep rooted meaning and many other points to reflect upon, here the Holy Prophet (saws) is emphasizing that the Imamat and the caliphate of these two brothers is so sound that any decision of theirs regarding peace or war would be correct and would not adversely affect their status.

There is no doubt that some Muslims of the time had raised some objections against the peace treaty of Imam Hasan (as) and the revolutionary strategy of Imam Husayn (as), but the Holy Prophet (saws) had already replied to these objections in advance and had instructed the Muslims to follow them in all conditions, whether in peace or war, and to treat them as their Imam.

Similarly there is the following Hadith of the Holy Prophet (saws) which has been quoted repetitively by the historians: "This son of mine is the leader and Almighty God will arrange peace between two groups through him." [^3] (If this hadith is true), then it is clear that Imam Hasan (as) had the eminent status due to which the two groups acknowledged him as their leader and guide, followed him and accepted the peace arranged by him.

There is no doubt that caliphate is another name of such an eminent position and undisputed personality. Similarly, if the nomination of a caliph is taken as the criterion of caliphate, then history records that Hazrat ‘Ali (as) had assigned many responsibilities to Imam Hasan (as) on different occasions and had directed him to lead the prayers in his place just before his martyrdom. Imam Hasan (as) was his vicegerent about treating Ibn.

Muljim, the assassin of Imam ‘Ali (as), and about other issues. According to Shi'a narrations, Amirul Muminin Hazrat ‘Ali (as) had made the following will in favour of him just before his martyrdom: "O my son, you are the caliph after me and you are the vicegerant after me regarding my assassin." Regarding the above will, he had taken as witness not only Imam Husayn (as), Muhammad b. Hanafia, his other sons, but a number of prominent Shi'as well.