Imam Ali's (a) Efforts to Restore the Caliphate
Was Imam Ali's (a.s.) lack of concern for the succession entrusted to him by the Prophet (s.a.w.) a neglect of a duty? If he was unable, why did he not offer an excuse?
The political behavior of Imam Ali (a.s.) during the era of the three caliphs was aimed at preserving the unity of the Muslims and preventing ideological instability. Despite this, Imam Ali (a.s.) made various efforts to reclaim the caliphate. Instances of his protest include presenting evidence of his superiority, such as the testament and explicit appointment by the Prophet of God (s.a.w.), his unique qualification for the caliphate, his close familial and spiritual relationship with the Prophet, criticism of the caliphs' performance, refusal to voluntarily pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr, and attempts to rise against the caliph. These are among the practical actions taken by Imam Ali (a.s.) to restore the caliphate after the Prophet (s.a.w.).
Political Behavior of Imam Ali After the Prophet (s.a.w.)
The political behavior of Imam Ali (a.s.) during the challenging 25-year rule of the caliphs reflects his vigilance and divine piety. Although some opponents of Islam, such as Abu Sufyan, sought to exploit the situation to vent their hatred against Islam and the Muslims, Imam Ali (a.s.) rejected their advances.[1] Imam Ali (a.s.) chose silence and tolerance towards the caliphs to preserve Muslim unity and prevent ideological instability among new Muslims, to the extent that it was assumed he approved of their actions.[2] His silence was not out of fear or desire for comfort but because uprising and martyrdom in those specific circumstances would only harm Islam. Imam Ali (a.s.) defended his wise approach, saying:
- «I saw that patience was better than causing division among Muslims and shedding their blood. The people were new to Islam, and the religion was like a shaken vessel; the slightest negligence would ruin it, and the slightest person could overturn it.»[3]
Imam Ali's Methods of Expressing Protest
The policy of silence and tolerance did not prevent Imam Ali (a.s.) from expressing his protest in various ways. Some of his methods in this struggle include:
Expressing His Superiority
After some pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah and the general public pledged allegiance, Imam Ali (a.s.) asserted his rightful claim to the caliphate and criticized their allegiance.[4] He enumerated his virtues to justify his right to the caliphate.[5] In Nahj al-Balagha, three principles are cited to justify Imam Ali's priority for the caliphate: first, the testament and explicit appointment by the Prophet (in Sermon No. 2); second, Imam Ali's qualification and that the garment of the caliphate only fits him (in Sermon No. 3, known as Shaqshaqiyyah); and third, his close familial and spiritual relationship with the Prophet (in Sermon 195).[6]
Refusal to Pledge Allegiance
After exposing Abu Bakr's lack of qualification for the caliphate, Imam Ali (a.s.) refused to pledge allegiance to him. In response to Umar's threat to force him to pledge allegiance, Imam Ali (a.s.) replied: "Milk the camel of the caliphate, for you will also have a share of it. Today, secure Abu Bakr's caliphate so that tomorrow he may return it to you."[7] Most scholars believe that Imam Ali's forced allegiance to Abu Bakr occurred after the martyrdom of Lady Fatimah (a.s.), approximately six months into Abu Bakr's caliphate.[8] In response to a letter from Mu'awiyah, Imam Ali (a.s.) described the circumstances of his forced allegiance: "You said they led me like a camel with a nose ring to pledge allegiance. By God, you intended to criticize but ended up praising, and you sought to disgrace but disgraced yourself. What loss is there for a Muslim to be oppressed and remain steadfast in his faith? His certainty is firm, and he is free from doubt."[9]
Criticism of the Caliphs' Performance
Imam Ali's criticisms of the caliphs were both general and specific. His specific criticism of Abu Bakr is summarized in two points: first, that Abu Bakr assumed the caliphate despite Imam Ali's qualification; and second, that Abu Bakr, while considering himself unqualified, paved the way for Umar's caliphate.[10] In the same sermon, he criticizes two of Umar's moral traits: his harshness and severity, and his tendency to make mistakes and seek forgiveness.[11] Regarding Uthman, Imam Ali (a.s.) mentioned him sixteen times, mostly in relation to the event of Uthman's assassination.
Practical Efforts to Restore the Caliphate
To restore the caliphate to its rightful path and reclaim his right, Imam Ali (a.s.) utilized the esteemed personality of Lady Fatimah (a.s.). He visited the homes of the Muhajirun and Ansar at night, seeking their support. He asked them to shave their heads as a sign of allegiance and sacrifice, and to demonstrate their readiness at dawn. However, only a few honored their pledge.[12]
References
- ↑ See Mufid, Al-Irshad, Al-Bayt Foundation, Dar Ihya al-Turath, 1413 AH, vol. 1, p. 190; Baladhuri, Ansab al-Ashraf, Beirut, Dar al-Fikr, 1417 AH, vol. 2, p. 271.
- ↑ Labib Baydun, Tasnif Nahj al-Balagha, Markaz al-Nashr Maktab al-I'lam al-Islami, 2nd edition, 1408 AH, vol. 1, p. 325.
- ↑ Ibn Abi al-Hadid, Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Beirut, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 2nd edition, 1385 AH, vol. 1, p. 308.
- ↑ Mas'udi, Muruj al-Dhahab, Beirut, Dar al-Ma'rifah, 1403 AH, vol. 2, p. 307.
- ↑ Ibn Qutaybah, Al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah, Qom, Sharif al-Radi Publications, 1371 SH, vol. 1, p. 29.
- ↑ See Motahhari, Morteza, A Journey Through Nahj al-Balagha, Sadra, p. 146.
- ↑ Ibn Qutaybah, Al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah, Qom, Sharif al-Radi Publications, 1371 SH, vol. 1, p. 29.
- ↑ Ibn Qutaybah, Al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah, Qom, Sharif al-Radi Publications, 1371 SH, vol. 1, pp. 31–32; Mas'udi, Muruj al-Dhahab, vol. 2, pp. 308–309; Ibn Athir, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, 2nd edition, pp. 10 and 14.
- ↑ Nahj al-Balagha, Letter 28.
- ↑ Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 3, known as Shaqshaqiyyah.
- ↑ Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 3, known as Shaqshaqiyyah.
- ↑ See Sulaym ibn Qays al-Hilali, researched by Musawi, Al-Ba'thah Foundation, 1407 AH. This event is also mentioned with slight variations in Ya'qubi's History, vol. 2, p. 11, and Ibn Qutaybah, Al-Imamah wa al-Siyasah, vol. 1, p. 12.