But the list of the Twelve Imams of Ahlul Sunnat includes...

But the list of the Twelve Imams of Ahlul Sunnat includes the Caliphs of Bani Abbas and Bani Umayyah. Thus, there is no option but to make Imam Mahdi (a.j.) as the thirteenth Imam! Then how can Ahlul Sunnat say that Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is the twelfth Imam? Some Ahlul Sunnat traditionists have believed Mahdi the Abbasid to be the promised Mahdi. But when did Isa (a.s.) pray behind Mahdi, the Abbasid, or followed him in any way?

The following tradition of Umar is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: “The Messenger of Allah (S) did not have a Caliph.” But regarding Imam Mahdi (a.j.), often we see the word of Caliph. How can we relate this to the tradition of Umar? According to Ahlul Sunnat, prophets are superior to the Holy Imams; then the prayer of Isa (a.s.) behind Imam Mahdi (a.j.) would be invalid. If Isa (a.s.) prays behind Imam Mahdi (a.j.), it would imply that Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is superior to Isa (a.s.).

But Ahlul Sunnat believe that the three Caliphs are not superior to Isa (a.s.). Then it is necessary that Imam Mahdi (a.j.) is superior or more than superior to the three Caliphs. But Ali al-Murtadha’ (a.s.) is superior to Imam Mahdi (a.j.). Then, it is obvious that Ali (a.s.) should be much more superior to the three Caliphs. But according to the belief of Ahlul Sunnat, Ali (a.s.) is considered inferior to the three Caliphs. What enigma is this? Ahlul Sunnat may themselves sort it out!

The fact is that many things of Ahlul Sunnat defy logic. And the specialty of their belief is that they include the progeny of Abbas in Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet. But from the aspect of the tradition of Two Heavy Things (Thaqalayn), it is necessary to remain attached to the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Therefore, all Abbasids have to be obeyed obligatorily in affairs of religion. In such circumstances, why do Ahlul Sunnat follow the four Imams: Abu Hanifah, Malik, Shafei and Hanbal?

They should follow the religion of Motasim, Mutawakkil, Haroon and Mamoon, most whom where Motazalite. Why do Ahlul Sunnat not follow the Motazalite school of thought? It is indeed true that once you follow a false principle, you will have to face thousands of invalid and concocted principles.

The writer actually wanted to end the discussion with the controversial points between the two sects, but here it seems necessary to discuss the following additional controversial matters between the two sects. The humble writer pleads the people of justice to read them with utmost attention. [^1]: Ref.