The Theory of Dominance in Designating Imam from the Sunni (People of Tradition and Consensus) Viewpoint

Three methods have been proposed in the Sunni (people of tradition and consensus) thought for designating the ruler as well the establishment of the government, namely, the selection made by the scholars of Islamic Law; vicegerency; and violence and dominance. Some Sunnis have unconditionally approved of the method of violence and dominance to designate the ruler, citing some traditions and the life of some companions of the Prophet. Whereas, it appears that this approach contradicts the verses of the Koran, prophetic traditions and the life of some great companions and successors. To approve of the method of violence and dominance, some other Sunni thinkers have resorted meaning ‘’ the inevitable, ”ÇáÖÑæÑÇÊ ÊõÈیÍ ÇáãÍÙæÑÇÊ “ to the principle of, ’’áÇ ÖÑÑ ’‘ make the forbidden permissible’’; as well as the principle meaning ‘’ no harm’’. Yet, it seems that citing these principles is also incomplete. Besides, the Mu’tazilites did not approve of this method of designating Imams either. Accordingly, the present study has sought to analyze and evaluate the proofs the Sunnis cite to approve of the method of violence and dominance within their traditional thought.