Thus it is said...

Thus it is said: “The subject of Imamate from the outlook of the strong verses of Quran is separate from rulership.”! [4] “The late Allamah Simnani**[5]** writes in Islam magazine: ‘Imamate and Caliphate are actually two issues. Caliphs had accepted and acknowledged Imamate of Imam Ali (a.s.). Ali too had accepted their Caliphate. He used to say: You rule but I will solve the difficulties. They had agreed to this. Particularly the Second Caliph had sincerely accepted this proposal of Ali.

[6] These are the ways we can follow.”! [7] [1] Muhammad Salih Haeri Mazandarani: Hambastigi-e-Mazaahib-e-Islami (Unity of Islamic Sects), Pgs. 218-223 [2] Ibid. Hambastigi-e-Mazaahib-e-Islami (Unity of Islamic Sects), Pg. 219 [3] Dr. Ali Shariati: Tashayyo-e-Alawi o Tashayyo-e-Safavi [Alawite Shiaism and Safavid Shiaism] (Collected Writings 9) Pg. 75, quoted from statement about belief of Alawite Shias. [4] Mustafa Husaini Tabatabai: Raahi Bi Soo-e-Wahdat-e-Islami (Way to Islamic Unity), Pg.

158 [5] [Shaykh Muhammad Salih Haeri Mazandarani] [6] [The above analysis is also explained as follows: The authority in learning and knowledge of Imam Ali was already known and recognized by Caliphs and they had accepted it. (Abdul Kareem Bi-Aazaar Shirazi: Kayhan Farhangi, Issue 184, Bahman 80, Pg. 16)] [7] Muhammad Waizzaada Khorasani: Interview in ‘Haft Aasmaan’ (Seven Skies) Magazine, Issues 9-10, Spring and Summer 80, Pg.

20 At this wrong belief it is said: “Imam Ali (a.s.), with the high spirit he had, went far and far, beyond and beyond Caliphate.”! [1] “Imam Ali (a.s.), in fact, was far beyond above elected Caliphate.” [2] “Imam Ali (a.s.) has openly and frankly stated: I have no rivalry with you in an elected Caliphate. He enjoyed a far more important spiritual position and distinction; that is Guardianship of Muslims. Besides, he was an Imam and father of Imams. Imamate was his lot.

Besides, the most close and intimate relation and link he enjoyed with the Prophet.”! [3] “There is another duty among duties of Imamate and Guardianship which is far important than Caliphate. That duty is to preserve and safeguard treasures of knowledge of the Prophet and to transfer it honestly and correctly to scholars, people and clerics.”!

[4] “Another example of the activity of the office of Wilayat and Imamate of Ali in the era of Caliphs, we clearly see how high and important it is than the elected office.”!