al-Khattab were gathered around his bed the Prophet said...

al-Khattab were gathered around his bed the Prophet said: "Bring me paper and an inkpot; I wish to write instructions for you so that you never go astray ." ( 3 ) This effort of the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him and his family preserved in a tradition on the authenticity of which all are agreed is clear testimony to the fact that the Messenger of God precisely at the time that he was spending the last moments of his luminous life was concerned for the future of Islam and was giving thought to the dangers that would arise after his death.

He wished to lay down a path for the future in order to preserve the ummah from deviation and society from degeneration for he understood these matters better and more profoundly than anyone. A matter that deserves particular attention is the question of successor ship in heavenly religions and laws for all the prophets of God selected deputies and successors in accordance with revelation.

For example Adam Ibrahim (Abraham) Ya'qub (Jacob) Musa (Moses) and 'Isa (Jesus) ( 23 ) peace be on them all selected their successors all of whom are known to us by name. ( 4 ) The Most Noble…