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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Theological Instructions LESSON THIRY-SEVEN: THE NEED FOR AN IMAM Introduction Many of those who fail to contemplate or profoundly reflect upon the issues pertaining to belief, understand that the only difference in view between a Shi’ite and Sunnite on the issue of Imāmah, is that the Shi’ite believe in the appointment of Ali ibn Abu Talib (a) as successor to the Prophet (s) in issues dealing with the Islamic state and society.

However the Sunnites deny this appointment and believe the decision of appointment was to be left up to the people. They thus selected the first successor who in turn nominated the second, and the latter then appointed a six-man counsel to establish the third successor. The people then again elected the fourth Caliph themselves. Hence it can be seen that no specific procedure was followed for the nomination of successor.

After the demise of the fourth Caliph, this coveted position was gained by whoever was in possession of the strongest military force. The Shi’ites and Sunnites hold the same idea with regards to the selection of an Imam, the Sunnites also believe in the idea of nomination, as the first Caliph nominated the second. But the difference is that they disregarded the Prophet’s order concerning the appointment of Ali (a), yet accepted the first Caliph’s nomination of his successor.

They fail to contemplate the questions, which arise as to who gave the first Caliph the right to appoint his successor? And why would the Prophet overlook the appointment of a successor and guardian to his community, whilst we know that whenever he left Medina for Holy war, he would always leave someone in charge, as he was aware of the trouble and conspiracies that could arise.

We need to examine as to whether the issue of Imāmah needs to be by Divine appointment, whether it carries any religious status or whether it is just a form of monarchy, which has developed due to sociological factors. The Shi’ites believe that in the case of Imāmah, the Prophet of Islam does not have an independent say, and the nomination of an Imam is directly from God through His Prophet.

In reality there is wisdom behind the termination of the chain of prophethood with the nomination of an Infallible Imam, and there is a relationship between these two issues. It is because of the presence of an Imam -after the demise of the Prophet - that an Islamic nation is secured and safeguarded.