These are the very points of departure between the school of...

These are the very points of departure between the school of the Shi’ites and Sunnites. The Shi’ites believe that the Imam is nominated by the Divine, as with the case of Imam Ali (a), who was appointed by God through the Holy Prophet, and then the other eleven infallible Imams were chosen likewise in turn. However the Sunnites believe that Divine appointment refers only to prophethood and apostleship, and hence it terminated with the death of the Prophet.

This implies that the determination of the leader is in the hands of the people. Furthermore they are of the opinion that even if an autocrat through his barbarity and atrocity becomes the leader, it is still incumbent on them to obey him. It is self-evident that this view will support and provide the grounds for the autocrats and tyrants to dispel and worsen the condition of the Muslims.

In reality the Sunnite school, by accepting the nomination of Imāmah through people and not through the Divine, have established the initial foundations of the segregation of religion with politics. This representation of segregation is the very reason of deviation from the true teaching and course of Islam, in all affairs and dimensions. Furthermore it is the essential source of many diversions that took place - and will take place - after the demise of the Prophet.

Likewise, it is necessary that a Muslim must seriously investigate this issue independently without any bias and thereupon recognise the true faith and support it with all his being. However, it is apparent that one must realise the overall benefit of Islam and must avoid creating grounds for the enemies of Islam to utilise and take advantage from these differences.

One must not provide a reason that will cause a split between Muslims in front of the infidels, which will result in the disintegration of the Islamic nations and weaken the Muslims of the world. On the other hand, the maintenance of unity must not become a hurdle for research in order for the realisation of the true path, and it must also not deprive the conditions from investigating the issue of Imāmah, which will have an enormous effect upon the destiny of Muslims.