According to them, the succession of the Holy Prophet (s.

According to them, the succession of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) is a very sensitive issue and it has to be dealt with by the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) himself.

From ahadith they derive information that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) from the early days of his divine mission, had chosen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.) as his successor and on several occasions introduced him to the people as such, by saying, "After me, Ali Ibn Abi Taalib will be your Imam and your leader." Such a proclamation first took place when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) invited his own close relatives to Islam and was last mentioned at the event of Ghadeer.

Between these two times, it was mentioned on numerous occasions. The Shias (and the Sunni) know Imam Ali (a.s.) to have been most like the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) in manners and faith. He was above all other in knowledge, Taqwa (Piety), worship, faith and spiritual perfection. They believe that an Imam, as leader of the Muslim Ummah, must possess all these qualities of perfection.

To them Imamat is a fundamental root of religion and an Imam is the one who implements the Laws of the religion, thus he is supposed to be familiar with all the branches of knowledge. Because he is supposed to lead the society towards salvation, he must therefore be appointed by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.), through the divine command of Allah (S.W.T.). Only then can he can be accepted as leader of the Muslim Ummah and followed with confidence.

The Shia follow the chain of Imamat introduced by the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) from Imam Ali (a.s.) who accordingly appointed Imam Hassan (a.s.) as his own successor. Imam Hassan (a.s.) introduced his brother Imam Hussayn (a.s.) after him and Imam Hussayn (a.s.) in the same manner introduced his son, Imam Sajjad (a.s.). This continued until the appointment of the twelfth Imam (a.s.) who is the Seal of Imamat and still reigns to this day.

These Muslims who believe in the Imamat are called Shia Ithna Asheri (Followers of the Twelve). The Muslims Against Kufr While these differences do exist between the Shia and the Ahle-Sunnah, the matter can be critically looked at. More research is required on this important aspect. In the meantime, both groups must stand firm against the enemies of Islam because it is only with a united front that the Kuffar can be defeated.

The enemies know that the best way to overpower a strong force is to break it into smaller more manageable parts.