Imam Ali's Imamate in Nahj al-Balāgha: A Matter of Holy Provision or Allegiance?

Shia Muslims believe that Imams are appointed by holy provision and refer to verses of the Holy Qur’an and numerous narratives، especially speeches of Imam Ali (AS) in the Nahj al-Balāgha to prove this claim. On the other side، early Sunni scholars believe imamate to be a matter of allegiance and reject the role of holy provision. Expressing their belief in the role of holy provision in imamate، later Sunni scholars، however، condition its political and social realization on allegiance. They give the allegiance of Prophet Muhammad’s companions to Abu Bakr and Imam Ali’s refusal to accept caliphdom after the murder of Uthmān ibn Affān as proofs. Some also refer to the hadith which says، “My Ummah do not accept what is wrong by common consent.” This paper uses Imam Ali’s speeches in the Nahj al-Balāgha to analyze and criticize the role of allegiance in imamate and underline Imam Ali’s right to rule the Muslim nation.