(February 19, 2011 at 2:45 am)padraic Wrote:Quote:I do in fact know that Ali Ibn Abi Talib is the righteous successor after the Prophet (not to mention the Prince of the Believers)
That statement was a made on the Historum forum. The thread was quickly closed when some of our Muslim members became a little 'over wrought',which is a pity,as I hoped to learn something.
Was that Ali a relative of The Prophet? ( son-in- law(?) )
How does the poster know that Ali is the rightful successor for a fact? I though that was a controversial issue within Islam.(?)
Does the question refer to the schism between Shia and Sunni? IE Shia believing Muslim leaders may only come through the family line of The Prophet, Sunni that they must be elected? Or am I completely wrong?
DISCLAIMER: I ask this question in good faith, from academic interest only,not as a topic over which to argue.
Ali Ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son in law of the prophet Muhammad. The descendants of him according to Shia Muslims are the rightful successors to the office of Caliph (Ruler of all Muslims). To cut a long story short the last legitimate successor to Ali, was young boy whose body was never found and that has led to the myth of a hidden Iman who will come back at the end of time.
The Sunni disagree with the Shia on this particular issue and this has led to a lot of conflict between both sects.
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