It may be of help to mention here that regarding this...

It may be of help to mention here that regarding this question the Muslims are divided into two sects: the Sunnis, who believe that Abu Bakr was the first caliph of the Holy Prophet of Islam; and the Shi'ahs, who believe that 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib, peace be upon him, was the first Imam and caliph. This fundamental difference has led to other differences which shall be described in the following chapters.

Summary of Differences The Holy Prophet has said in a hadith which has been accepted by all sects of Islam: My ummah (followers) will shortly break up into seventy-three sects, all of which shall be condemned except one[^2]. The seekers of salvation have always made untiring efforts to inquire into the matter to discover the right course - the path to salvation.

And indeed it is necessary for every man to take reason as his guide, try his best in this matter and never despair of attaining the truth. But this can only be possible when he has a clear view of the radical differences before him, and discarding all bias and prejudices, examines the points at issue with thoughtful mind, always praying to Allah to lead him in the right path.

For this reason I propose to briefly mention here the important differences and conflicts together with the arguments and reasonings of each sect, in order to facilitate the path of inquiry. The main questions are: Does it lie with Allah to appoint a prophet's successor or is it the duty of the ummah (the followers) to appoint whomsoever they please as successor to the Prophet?

In the latter case, did Allah or the Prophet place in the hands of the ummah any systematic code containing the rules and procedures for the appointment of a caliph, or did the ummah by their unanimous consent before appointing a caliph, prepare a set of rules to which they adhered (subsequently), or did the ummah act according to what they thought expedient at the time and according to the opportunity at their disposal? Had they the right to act as they did?

Does reason and Divine Law demand the existence of any qualifications and conditions in an Imam and caliph? If so, what are they? Did the Prophet of Islam appoint anyone as his caliph and successor or not? If he did so, who was it? If not, why?