Place of the Household (pbut) Among the Islamic Ummah According to Imam Ali (pbuh)

In the Holy Quran and tradition، a unique place has been devoted to the Household (pbut). If these were not ignored، after the demise of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)، the Household (pbut) would be expected to take the control of Islamic government as well as the unrivalled leadership in various political، social، economic، and cultural fields within the Islamic society. After the events of Saqifah-yi Bani Sa''idah and then 50 years later the event of Karbala، cruel oppression of the Household followed. And even speaking of their virtues was forbidden and considered as a dangerous act. Because of his deep knowledge of discourse with the Household (pbut) during in his own time as well as in future، the Commander of the Faithful، Imam Ali (pbuh) proceeded to discuss the theoretical foundations of the existence of the Holy Prophet''s Household and their numerous، positive effects on human life and in particular on the Islamic society. Adopting a historical-analytic approach، the present article discusses the way in which the Imam has discussed this point for the Islamic Ummah. Then، his attempts to make ignorant consciousnesses aware of their duties before these Divine leaders will be discussed. Finally، effects of his guidance on a part of the society in spite of numerous obstacles as well as characteristics of the lovers of the Household (pbut) and those of their opponents will be introduced.