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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Victim Lost in Saqifah 1-4 Discourse Six Deviation in the Meaning of Divinely-granted Caliphate of Ali Introduction It is a sad and painful incident of deviation in Shia belief. The purpose was Islamic unity.

Political and social movement of Sayyid Jamaluddin Asadabadi was the impetus and it was his idea that gave beginning to utterances like: “The difference of the names of Ali and Umar should be set aside and attention must be directed to Caliphate.” [1] Vast endeavors and extensive efforts of pupils and followers of School of Sayyid Jamal for putting into practice his aspirations have been silenced. It was a desire for an extensive Islamic Caliphate.

Today there is no word of it except that: “…The system of Caliphate with Sunni sect can be a ground for oneness of Muslims and all Muslim countries…” [2] From one side followers of this thought and belief for attaining Islamic unity under a title of only way for pacifying and appeasing Shia-Sunni differences met with a hot welcome. This has been continuing since the time of Mashrota until today.

With attention to Sunni School in subject of Imamate and Caliphate in its prime stage, elements present in this school had to undergo a total purge. The very same thoughts of Sunni School in this ground among Shias were not common and were under a heavy criticism. The purging elements related to this system of thought provide room for pro-Sunni elements to creep in the folds of Shia beliefs. The sensitiveness of Shias with regard to argument of Imamate and Caliphate gave a hand too.

However this erroneous thought with a productive faculty of errors had one fruit. And that was an influence of deviation in belief of Imamate. [1] Nazim-ul-Islam Kermani: Tarikh-e-Bedaari-e-Iraniaan (History of Iranian Awakening), Vol. 1, Pgs. 114-115 [2] Sayyid Ahmad Mawassaqi: Istiratazi-e-Wahdat (Strategy of Unity), Vol. 2, Pg. 106 This deviation gradually progressed to the extent of overturning the meaning and sense of Imamate during the presence of infallible Imams.

Its black, dark shadow was cast on the Sun of Ghadeer and Caliphate of Ali. It took to itself various tendencies to an extent that even today we witness its deviation and wrong thinking in new molds and new models.