An Evaluation and Criticism of Qertas Hadithsin Sulaym ibn Qays al-Hilali's Book

The succession of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) is one of the extensive issues that has preoccupied the scholars of both Shia and Sunni sects sincethe demise of the Prophet. Considering the advisory vote of the people, Sunnis justify the question of the succession of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) on the basis of the public’s selection and referring to religious texts, Shiite theologians arguethat the Prophet has not neglected this important issueand hasopenlydesignated his successors from among the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.). In this context, one of Shiite evidences is Qertas Hadithsin Sulaym ibn Qays al-Hilali’s bookand other resources in which the hadiths claimthat the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), in the last moments of life, asked for paper and ink to write his will and despite the existent disputes and conflicts over the issue, he dictated his twelve successorswith their names and indications to Ali (a.s.). This article seeks to verify the validity of thishadithcomparingit with other narration resources.