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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Nass Wal-Ijtihad, Text and Interpretation Chapter 1: Interpretations of Abu Bakr and his followers The day of Saqeefa When Abu Bakr stretched his hand to be paid homage as the caliph after the Prophet (S), some people paid him homage willingly and others - later on - paid homage unwillingly although they knew well that the Prophet (S) had entrusted his brother and cousin Ali bin Abu Talib (S) with the caliphate after him.

They had seen the Prophet (S) and heard him mentioning this matter many times since the beginning of his prophethood until the end of his blessed life. The Prophet (S) had mentioned this tradition in different ways and all of them were clear in declaring that ‘Ali (as) would be the caliph after him.

Whoever wants to know more details about this subject, let him refer to our book “al-Muraja’at” , in which we have mentioned a full research on these traditions and all what have been said about them by the two sects; the Shia and the Sunni.

We have exchanged deliberations with the sheikh of Islam and the teacher of the ulama Sheikh Saleem al-Bishri al-Maliki, the sheikh of al-Jami’ al-Azhar (al-Azhar University) at that time when I have been studying there.[^1] He was then the sheikh (dean) of al-Azhar University. He took much care of me as he always did to his students. Arguments and written deliberations began between us about the caliphate after the Prophet (S) and the traditions concerning it.

We tried our best to go deep in research and to be fair to the truth and because of the good soul of Sheikh al-Bishri, the result was the useful book “al-Muraja’at” , in which guidance shone in its brightest signs. Praise be to Allah for this success.[^2] I hope that you scrutinize into the aims and the intents of the Prophet’s sayings and doings, which are the point of deliberation between us (the Shia) and the Sunni.

Let passion not overcome your minds like those, who have dealt with the clear texts like their dealing with general or ambiguous sayings without caring for their (the texts’) rightness and clearness. Allah says: “Most surely it is the Word of an honored messenger. The processor of strength, having an honorable place with the Lord of the Dominion. One (to be) obeyed and faithful in trust. And your companion is not gone mad” (Qur’an 81:19-22); then whereto do you go, O you the Muslims!

“It is naught but revelation that is revealed. The Lord of Mighty Power has taught him” (Qur’an, 53:4-5) .