His Eminence, Ali (a.

His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) did not accept it because the issue of Caliphate was more important to him than this trifle matter of a person claiming prophethood and in numerous instances he disputed the issue of Caliphate with Abu Bakr…is it right that he should take the command of such a frivolous matter?

Does the narration of Ibne Athir not show how he and his co-religionists try to pose Ali as an agent of First Caliph and even at the price of mentioning the name of His Eminence in few instances!” [1] Or consider the following: “Beliefs of Shia and Sunni are not at parity on the issue of cooperation of Imam (a.s.).” [2] “It is necessary to mention that supposing this case is true, fighting the false claimants of prophethood (which is an important matter) is not something that needs permission of an usurper Caliph; on the contrary, the Ummah and usurper of Caliphate all are under mandate to seek permission of an Infallible Imam and be at his disposal to fight the false claimants.

Besides, this issue is also binding on the Infallible Imam himself.” [3] Therefore contrary to the claim publicized about the permanent company of Imam (a.s.) with Abu Bakr it should be announced that: “Relations between Abu Bakr and Imam were very cold and not worthy of mention.” [4] About Imam’s Co-operation with the Second Caliph it can be said: “The Second Caliph also was not pleased with the obstinacy and haughtiness of Imam Ali (a.s.) and many times he appointed in-betweens [1] Abdullah Khanaqli Hamadani: Siyasat Imam Ali-o-Hasnain Dar Raabita Ba Hukoomat-o-Futuhaat Kholafa, Pgs.

84-85 [2] Yusuf Gholami: Pas az Ghuroob (After Sunset), Pg. 225 [3] Abdullah Khanaqli Hamadani: Siyasat Imam Ali-o-Hasnain Dar Raabita Ba Hukoomat-o-Futuhaat Kholafa, Pg. 85 [4] Rasool Ja’faryan: Tarikh wa Seerah Siyasi Amir-e-Mominaan Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.) [History and political biography of Ali (a.s.)], Pg. 16 who can motivate the Imam (a.s.) to assist the regime; but Amirul Momineen (a.s.) only looked to the interests of Islam. At the time of need, he forwarded his expert opinion.

Commonly he ignored the requests of Caliphs for all-round cooperation. [1] Documentary Proof A) Of course it was not that the Imam always fulfilled their requests. The Caliph asked Ali to accompany him in the journey to Syria, but Ali refused. Umar complained to Ibne Abbas: I asked your cousin to accompany me to Syria but he refused… Documentary Proof B) Likewise in the battle of Qadasia, Muslims sought Umar’s help.