Precedents to succession
Judaism, Christianity and Islam share common origins, possess a scripture that is central to their internal view of history and faith, and are associated with key personalities who served as founders, reformers and transmitters of tradition and the will of God . So, for example,…
“The Memory of Ghadir”
It was Friday and people were awaiting him to recite a sermon. He reviewed the memory of that day [years ago] in his mind. What a great day it was! Amongst of hundred twenty thousand people, the beloved of Allah called him to a pulpit…
Brighter Than Sunshine
Historic sources clearly show that the many people who in practice denied the immediate succession of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) by Ali Ibn Abitalib were in fact present in the event of Ghadir. Only a few years following the event of Ghadir historic sources refer to…
Invalid Possibility
A group of Muslims believe that the great Prophet (PBUH&HP) had never selected a successor for himself and left the topic of Caliphate for people to decide. The possibility of the Prophet (PBUH&HP) not feeling responsible about the successor after him has a number problems:…
A Fundamental Question
The Great Prophet (PBUH&HP) left this world in the situation where the Islamic society was in one of its worst situation; from one side it was threatened by the Roman and Persian empires (in which Prophet’s emphasis on preparing Usama’s army attests to this fact)…
Eternal in the History
A tradition referenced in Sahih Muslim1 which was narrated by “Tariq Ibn Shihab”: A group of Jews told the second caliph that: If the Jewish community had been revealed a verse like “This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favor…
A Different Introduction
The historians have narrated that: When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) presented his religion to the Arab tribes, some of them said,” If we agree with you on what you say and pay allegiance to you, and if God offers you victory over your opponents,…
“A Serious Accusation”
The second caliph was in his death bed, and he had not appointed a successor for himself. People around him were concerned and eager for the caliph to appoint a leader for the Muslim nation during his final hours, and not leave them without a…
An Incredible Negligence
Prophet’s clarity in speech had left no place for doubt. He had even commanded those present to convey his message to those absent. But about two and half months later, it only seemed like an area named “Ghadir” was non-existent. As if there was no…
Elixir of Life
For anything to come into existence, it requires a cause to create it (1). For example, for a building to be built, it depends on causes such as engineers, architects, workers, etc. However, for anything to continue its existence, it requires another cause to protect…
Ghadir alongside the Holy Quran
The members of the Islamic society think of the religion as the most primary principle in their life, and believe that if there is no religion, the life will be worthless. They believe that the only mean to glory and happiness in the world and…
A Fair Judgment
“I have not found one person from amongst the deceased to be as lenient and powerful in presenting logical facts as you are.” (Quote taken from a correspondence from Sheikh Salim directed to Allamah Sharaf al-Din) Allamah Sayyid Abd al-Hussain Sharaf al-Din is one of…
The Destiny of a Community
The city of Mecca is empty while the desert outside the city gets filled by people. Suddenly a message comes from Allah (SWT) to the Prophet and reveals the following verse which has a decisive order to him: “O Messenger! Deliver what bas been revealed…
Succession, a Logical Law
A businessman who decides to travel for a time understands the necessity of appointing someone to take care of business in his absence. Similarly, owner of any office or minister of any ministry will certainly appoint a substitute in their absence as well. Because the…
The Concept of Wilayah
The concept of Wilayah, with all its roots and meanings, is common in all communities. In other words, it is common in all communities that a person has a certain right on another, along with a responsibility based on the right. For example, the father…
From Adam to the Last Prophet; From Seth to Ali …
According to Islamic and Judeo-Christian historical reference books, all Prophets from the first-Prophet Adam (PBUH) – to the last -Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) – had successors. For example, Prophet Adam’s (PBUH) successor was called “Hebtallah” in Arabic, or “Seth” in Hebrew. The Successor of Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham…