Criticism and Analysis A walk into the park of thought of...

Criticism and Analysis A walk into the park of thought of this group of continuing ‘Imamate and Caliphate’ and then a comparison of it with institute of Sunni thought**[1]** in this subject takes us to elements common in the outlooks of unity-seekers and Sunni beliefs**[2]** which are as follows: First Conjecture: Imamate and Guardianship in Islam are only for the sake of Rulership!

In this respect, they say: “In the pure and noble faith of Islam the subject of Imamate is not regarded as a part of the business to impart duties of administration, government, political and social affairs in the administration.”! [3] “Imamate is the same authority and the run of political affairs of Islamic Ummah.”! [4] “In Islam Imam means head of the government. His duties are repeatedly mentioned.”!

[5] “The dispute between Shia and Sunni which has been continuing since centuries is on the issue of rulership.”! [6] “The holder of order (or the head) and the Islamic ruler means the executors of these two verses of Quran which is the duty on the part of Islamic governor… [1] In order to learn about Sunni outlook especially regarding Imamate and Caliphate, refer to the books Peshwai az Nazar-e-Islam and Rahbari-e-Ummat by Ustad Ja’far Subhani.

[2] Refer: Ali Labbaf, A Victim Lost in Saqifah , Vol. 4, Section 2 [3] Haider Ali Qalamdaran: Hukoomat Dar Islam (Government in Islam), Vol. 1, Pg. 52 [4] Ibid. Hukoomat Dar Islam (Government in Islam), Vol. 1, Pg. 51 [5] Mustafa Husaini Tabatabai: Hukumat-e-Deeni O Hukumat-e-Mardumi (Government of religion and Government of people), Pg. 2 [6] Ibid. Hukumat-eDeeni O Hukumat-e-Mardumi (Government of religion and Government of people), Pg.

2 If the Islamic Governor executes an Islamic order, the title ‘the head of affairs’ (Wali-e-Amr) can be applied to him.”! [1] “The executor of Islamic rules is called ‘head of affairs (Wali-e-Amr).”! [2] Second Conjecture: Rulership in Islam is an Elected post! They say: “The choice of appointing the ruler after passing away of Prophet is in the hands of people. It is not even in the hand of the Prophet.”! [3] “The choice of the ruler is an acknowledged right of the Ummah.”!

[4] “To select an Imam is a special right of the people.”! [5] “The chief executive of Muslims is electoral. The qualities of this post are specified in Quran. Muslim in each term should select one according to these specifications.”! [6] “To select ‘the head of affairs’ (Wali-e-Amr) is a fixed right of the people.