Such a commitment would necessarily involve a protracted and...

Such a commitment would necessarily involve a protracted and merciless struggle against all sectors of Arab society for none of them was prepared to tolerate the summons to change their beliefs and abandon their idols.

The suggestion that they should do so could not fall to arouse their intense hostility so that a conflict was completely inevitable a conflict that would lead to the destruction of the possessions of anyone who allied himself with the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

Someone who was ready to make himself a protective shield for the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family under those unfavorable conditions and even to risk him own life had to be an extraordinary individual.

Without doubt there was none among the relatives of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family who possessed the necessary qualities apart from 'Ali peace be upon him who ( 50 ) was indeed destined to demonstrate in the bitter and punishing events that were to occur extraordinary and even unique qualities of heroism and devotion. The significance of the proclamation made by the Messenger of God peace and blessings be upon him and his family on that day is thus clear.

It permits us to understand why he undertook to name as his successor and legatee the one and only person who promised him full collaboration.

Taking into consideration the Qur'anic verse "The Prophet says nothing out of mere fancy and whatever he utters is the fruit of revelation from his Lord " (53:3-4) we must conclude that on that very day during the earliest part of his mission the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family clearly and unmistakably appointed 'Ali peace be upon him to be leader and guide of the people after his death.

The traditions in which this occurrence is recorded furthermore indicate that the question of succession was the direct prerogative of God and the Messenger peace and blessings be upon him and his family and that the people cannot resolve so momentous a matter in accordance with their own wishes.

Indeed the question was of such significance that the Imamate was proclaimed together with prophethood on one and the same occasion in a gathering attended by the foremost relatives of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family. Ibn Hisham the well known historian writes: "'Ali b.