ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Caliphate and Imamate Concord and Discord Originally, we, Shi'ite and Sunnite Muslims, are both from the tribe of Islam and we have many things in common.

Our beliefs originate from the Holy Qur'an and the Apostle of God's traditions and customs narrated by his purified household and his trusted , however, we have some divergence of views about interpreting a few verses of the Holy Qur'an and understanding the meaning of some traditions and customs of the Prophet (S.A.W.A). In spite of this divergence, we should not dispute and lose our power; rather we could listen to each other's word and follow what is the best of it.

The author of the above-mentioned book, Khilafat va intikhab (Caliphate and Election), rejects some of Shi'ite views, which we will quote, and then we will answer his objections. He writes: “The ink and parchment ( qirtas ) tradition which is related in Bukhari's Sahih is baseless. Although this ludicrous story is found in many collections of traditions, it seems unreliable and untrue.

Some religious sects and nations, which rose up secretly in later times; fabricated it and some naïve and thoughtless Muslims included it in their books. In many occasions the Messenger of God said, “The Book of God and my practice are enough for your guidance and bliss.” Why did he [the Prophet] want to write something contradictory to his previous sayings?

” Heaven be praised, a monstrous calumny !” The Messenger of God is immune and immaculate from inconsistency.”[^1] We say, Many Sunnite and Shi'ite scholars have narrated this tradition in their canonical and historical books: including San'ani in al-Musannaf , Bukhari in Sahih , Ibn Sa'd in Tabaqat al-kubra, al-Mufid in Kitab al-irshad and so forth. It is so well attested by different isnad s that it does not seem possible to reject it; however, our brother devoted seven pages refuting it.

He says, “Some of the naïve and thoughtless Muslims included this fabricated tradition in their books.”[^2] Moreover, he considers that the Prophet (S.A.W.A.) wished to write a will contrary to his previous sayings and customs, God says, ﴾Nor does he speak out of [his own] desire: It is just a revelation that is revealed [to him] . ﴿ (Q: 53/3-4). In the last hours of his life, the Messenger of God (S.A.W.A.) wanted to write a document for his people, after which they would never go astray.

It is the natural right of every one to make a testament.