The Reality of Khilafah — Page 29
C H AP T E R ON E—K HIL C H AP T E R ON E—K HIL A A FAH FAH 29 Shiites have no clear evidence to substantiate their claim. Such a claim is undoubtedly without proof—it is like a destitute beggar whose poverty is all too evident—even if ‘Al i was a sea of light and beyond all praise and eulogy. Do not, therefore, argue unjustly, nor come to us strutting with your false articulateness, and do not follow the path of the unjust. By Allah! I have reflected deeply upon the Quran and pondered over its verses. I have thoroughly studied the subject of Khil a fah and done everything required for proper scrutiny. I have searched every nook and cranny but I have not come across anything as decisive as the verse of Istikhl a f. 1 I realized that this is one of the most significant verses of the Holy Quran. It contains clear proof and is a decisive argument from the Lord of the Universe for anyone who wishes to discern the truth like a fair judge. I am certain that one who is of pure nature and is unprejudiced will gratefully accept it and offer thanks to Allah for guiding him and saving him from error. Verses of the Holy Quran are definite and their command- ments are final, whereas oral traditions and historical evidence are not beyond question. Even where the narrators are trustworthy and discerning, any edicts based on such evidence remain dubi- ous. Do not be deceived by their pleasant outward appearance, for most of these narrations are shrouded in darkness as they have not 1. Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious ( S u rah an-N u r, 24:56). [Publisher]