Sunni and Shi’a Islam
You are a group of actors preparing to perform a new play about Islam. As part of the preparation you need to research the meaning of the ideas included in the script. In groups of four, you will research one of the following ideas discussed in the script. Each member will choose one of the following questions:
A. What do Fatima and Abu Bakr learn about the place of Abu Bakr in their traditions? B. What practices do all Muslims share and how do they differ? C. How do Fatima and Abu Bakr agree and disagree about Ali and his family? D. What do Abu Bakr and Fatimah discover about their shared experience of growing up as Muslims in Britain?
Research:
1. Begin by scanning the script and highlighting the material that is relevant to your topic 2. Use the factsheets provided to extend your understanding 3. Write a briefing sheet for the actors to help them prepare to perform the play
SHIA // SUNNI Written by Bob Ayres & Adam Tyler
CANAL TOWPATH - DAY
ABU BAKR (16, Asian, wearing a topi) is having serious trouble breathing. He sits on one end of a bench, wheezing, gasping, bending double -- having an asthma attack -- frantically searching his pockets --
FATIMAH (16, Asian, wearing a hijab, carrying a handbag) is walking purposefully along the towpath -- she sees Abu Bakr a little way ahead of her -- a boy... she glances behind her... no-one else around -- she lowers her head demurely, picks up her pace -- As she approaches, she hears him gasping... but she isn’t sure what to do... she keeps walking... Abu Bakr is still gasping as she passes -- Fatimah walks on... she can still hear him... she’s struggling with her decision... She slows... Stops. Turns -- Abu Bakr is wheezing now -- as Fatimah approaches the bench hurriedly -- she sits down on the far opposite end of the bench -- he glances across at her -- she rummages in her handbag for her inhaler, finds it, pulls it out, holds it out to him -- Abu Bakr takes it -- nods to her -- he takes a puff -- holds his breath... breathes out slowly... Fatimah sits straight-backed, waiting -- unsure if she should linger -- she looks up and down the path self-consciously -- she wants to go... She glances at Abu Bakr -- he’s still having some trouble --
FATIMAH You need to sit up straight. Abu Bakr doesn’t expect an instruction -- almost raises a wry eyebrow at her -- but he is slouching -- he straightens up -- takes another puff... better. He breathes https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 1
in and out... He catches her eye -- manages a charming grin --
ABU BAKR Salam alaikum.
CAPTION: Peace be with you / Hello)
FATIMAH (self-conscious) Walaikum assalam.
CAPTION: And also with you / Hi)
ABU BAKR (waggling the inhaler) Forgot mine. Thanks. He holds the inhaler out to her -- his breathing still a bit ragged -- then something occurs to him -- he digs a crumpled tissue out of his pocket -- starts wiping the mouthpiece -- Fatimah winces a little -- somehow this has the adverse effect of making the used inhaler seem more icky --
FATIMAH No problem.
ABU BAKR On your way to Mosque?
FATIMAH Yeah. (checks her watch) We’re gonna be late... Abu Bakr nods -- rises to his feet -- but he’s still a bit wheezy -- he wobbles --
ABU BAKR Woah... ok...
FATIMAH (smiles, waving him back down) It’s ok... I can wait. He grins at her --
ABU BAKR I don’t know you - what’s your name?
FATIMAH Fatimah. Yours?
ABU BAKR Abu Bakr.
FATIMAH (disappointed) Oh.
ABU BAKR What? (light dawns) Oh wait... Are you Shia? You’re Shia? He looks at her a moment like a curio -- a strange marvel -- then half-chuckles to himself --
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) See you later. He chucks the inhaler up in the air, catching her by surprise -- she jumps to her feet -- he rises and goes to walk off -- she just catches it -- turns on him --
FATIMAH (like she’s been slapped) ... What?! Hey!!
ABU BAKR (turns, grinning) I’m just messing with you.
FATIMAH (furious) What’s your problem?!
ABU BAKR (caught off-guard) No problem! She turns to walk off in a huff -- then quickly changes her mind and turns back --
FATIMAH If you’ve got something to say, say it! https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 2
ABU BAKR (innocent) No! No!...
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) Except -
FATIMAH What?
ABU BAKR Well... look, it’s like you’ve all got chips on your shoulders!
FATIMAH Wa - No I - it’s “a chip on your shoulder” - and I haven’t!
ABU BAKR You have!
FATIMAH I haven’t!
ABU BAKR So why are you getting all up in my face then?
FATIMAH You’re always making out you’re better than us!
ABU BAKR Who?
FATIMAH ... Sunnis! You’re always making out Sunnis are better than Shias!
ABU BAKR (not entirely serious) Oh! That’s because we are better than you!
FATIMAH We’re all Muslims! Just because there’s more of you doesn’t mean you’re... more... right or...
ABU BAKR Well...
FATIMAH We do everything you do - we believe the Qur’an is Allah’s words - we believe in the same prophets - we eat halal - we give to charity - we fast during Ramadan - we say the five prayers every day -
ABU BAKR (now he’s in) Wait-wait-wait-wait! That’s just so wrong I can’t explain!
FATIMAH What?
ABU BAKR Well first of all... man I don’t even know where to begin - -- Fatimah goes to interrupt --
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) - but first of all - Shias only pray three times a day. That’s just wrong.
FATIMAH No we don’t .
ABU BAKR It’s supposed to be five! Prophet Muhammad - salla llahu alayhi wasallam -
CAPTION: may God’s prayers and peace be with him and his family)
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) - said we should pray five-times-a day -
FATIMAH We say five prayers - we just pair them up - we say Zuhr and Asr together in the middle of the day and Maghrib and Isha in the evening. Sunnis are allowed to do that too! https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 3
ABU BAKR That’s totally different!
FATIMAH How is it totally different?!
ABU BAKR We don’t do it all the time! Just if we miss one. And we don’t do that thing with the brick.
FATIMAH What brick?
ABU BAKR You know, the brick! The brick! The brick you pray on! When we pray we put our heads to the floor. You put your head on a brick!
FATIMAH It’s not a brick! It’s a... okay it’s a brick. Because Muhammad - salla llahu alayhi wasallam -
CAPTION: may God’s prayers and peace be with him and his family)
FATIMAH (CONT’D) - prayed on the ground, not on a carpet -
ABU BAKR (unconvinced) Yeah, ok....
FATIMAH Other than that we pray exactly the same as you!
ABU BAKR You don’t! (like life depends on it) We cross our arms, you keep them by your sides!
FATIMAH (rolls eyes) Right. Apart from that.
ABU BAKR And you fast wrong in Ramadan.
FATIMAH We... what? We fast wrong?
ABU BAKR Why do you always start a day after us?
FATIMAH Why do you always start a day before us?
ABU BAKR (patronising) The month of Ramadan starts when the new moon is seen in the sky, so it should be the same for everyone.
FATIMAH But... Sunnis don’t all start on the same day - some of you start when Saudi Arabia says so, some of you start when Pakistan says so... we always start when Iran says so.
ABU BAKR (defensive) Yeah, ok, but what about at sunset - when you’re allowed to eat - you lot always wait just a little bit longer - what are you trying to prove? That you can fast longer than us?!
FATIMAH No, we just wait til we’re sure the sun has definitely gone down. We don’t want to cheat! Abu Bakr backs up -- clowning about but actually getting a bit offended now --
ABU BAKR Woa-ho-ho! So I’m a cheat now am I? Getting personal! Must be losing the argument -
FATIMAH (irritated) Oh you’re such a... man! -- Abu Bakr gives her a sly grin -- https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 4
FATIMAH (CONT’D) Not everything has to be a competition!
ABU BAKR (enjoying himself) Ok sister, whatever you say.
FATIMAH (rising to her feet) Don’t “sister” me! I’m not your sister and we’re not children - I’ve told you my name so use it!
ABU BAKR (grinning) Ok sister.
FATIMAH Stop it! Stop... picking on me!
ABU BAKR Come on - it’s just banter! Don’t be a martyr! -- Fatimah, furious, takes a step forward -- really up in his face --
FATIMAH That’s not funny! -- Abu Bakr takes a step back, pretending to be afraid -- holding his hands up -- exaggeratedly placating her --
ABU BAKR Woah! Hey! WOO-OO-OOAH! -- his face changes as he loses his balance -- and HE PLUNGES BACKWARDS INTO THE WATER with a HUGE SPLASH -- -- Fatimah gasps and covers her mouth -- rooted to the spot -- eyes open in shock -- this can’t be happening Abu Bakr slowly stands up in the water -- dirty water pouring off him -- his topi is floating nearby -- he retrieves it and pathetically wrings it out -- he looks up at her -- -- in spite of herself... Fatimah can’t help but burst out laughing -- and a smirk creeps across Abu Bakr’s dripping face too -- and in a moment they are both laughing --
FATIMAH I’m so sorry! Oh my days! Are you ok? Come on, don’t just stand there! -- Abu Bakr makes his way over to the bank -- Fatimah awkwardly helps him out, trying not to get too wet, or too close -- -- as soon as he’s out he squelches past her -- she follows him, rummaging in her bag -- he slumps back down onto the bench with a squidge -- she sits down next to him, still rummaging -- holds out a bundle of tissues to him -- he stares at her -- really? -- she suppresses a smirk and returns them to her bag -- he takes a big, heavy breath --
ABU BAKR (serious again) Ok where were we?
FATIMAH (half-laughing) What? You have to go and get dry!
ABU BAKR (dripping everywhere) If I go now you’ve won! I can’t let you win by pushing me into the canal!
FATIMAH Hey! I just saved your life!
ABU BAKR (glances down at his sodden clothes) Wha-
FATIMAH No, before! With the inhaler!
ABU BAKR (irritated) How did you clock me as a Sunni anyway?
FATIMAH Your name... wouldn’t be Shia with that name.
ABU BAKR Oh ok you wanna go there do you? https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 5
FATIMAH (rising to it) Try me.
ABU BAKR Abu Bakr - Muhammad's best friend, yeah?
FATIMAH Well...
ABU BAKR No-no-no, we’re sorting this out: Muhammad - salla llahu alayhi wasallam -
CAPTION: may God’s prayers and peace be with him and his family)
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) - was the last and greatest prophet of Allah, right?
FATIMAH Yes.
ABU BAKR But when he died, the first Muslims had to decide on a new leader, right?
FATIMAH Right, but they -
ABU BAKR Hey - hear me out - (gestures to his dripping self) - you pushed me into the canal
FATIMAH And I saved your life!
ABU BAKR (hilarious half-dismissive gesture / noise - then recapping:) ... first-Muslims-had-to- decide-on a- new-leader - and they chose someone they thought would be good at it, someone who had been with Muhammad from the start - his friend, Abu Bakr... (half-indicates himself)... and they called him “Caliph” - “the successor” -
FATIMAH But that’s not what Muhammad wanted! He said that Ali should be leader after he died!
ABU BAKR (exasperation) Ali!
FATIMAH What?!
ABU BAKR You’re all obsessed with Ali! What’s so special about Ali? (sudden bluster) I mean he’s important, yeah, but he’s not that important. He’s quite important, but he’s not so important. You know - (holds hands up) - he’s pretty important but -
FATIMAH What are you talking about?
ABU BAKR You think he was a prophet! That’s just wrong!
FATIMAH No we don’t!
ABU BAKR Yes you do!
FATIMAH Don’t tell me what I believe!
ABU BAKR You add his name to the Call to Prayer! It should be “la ilaha illallah, Muammadur- rasulu-llah”.
CAPTION: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet”) https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 6
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) What do you say?
FATIMAH The same!
ABU BAKR And...?
ABU BAKR (CONT'D)
FATIMAH “Wa aliyyun waliyyu-llah”
CAPTION: “And Ali is the friend of God”)
ABU BAKR ‘Exactly! That’s just wrong!
FATIMAH It’s not wrong, it’s... different! Ali wasn’t a prophet, but he was married to Fatimah, Muhammad’s daughter: he was his son-in-law, and he was his cousin. So he was the closest relative! That’s why Muhammad chose him to be the leader! Abu Bakr took over while Ali and the rest of the family were still at Muhammad’s funeral -
ABU BAKR You make it sound like a conspiracy theory! - like it was all planned to cut Ali out! Abu Bakr was chosen by the people because he was the best man for the job. End of.
FATIMAH Ali should have been the leader. Muhammad chose him. End of.
ABU BAKR No he didn’t!
FATIMAH Yes he did!
ABU BAKR No he didn’t!
FATIMAH He did!
ABU BAKR Didn’t!
FATIMAH Did!
ABU BAKR But Ali got to be Caliph later anyway, so what’s your problem?
FATIMAH (barbed) You murdered Husayn.
ABU BAKR Woah, hold-up, I never murdered noone!
FATIMAH Husayn! Ali’s son! The Prophet Muhammad alayhi as-sallam’s grandson! He was murdered at Karbala by Sunnis.
ABU BAKR That had nothing to do with us! The guy who killed him wasn’t even Muslim! But you guys won’t let it go! And every year on the day Husayn died - you do all that wailing and grieving - beating yourselves up and whipping your own backs and cutting yourselves with razors - that’s just crazy!
FATIMAH (indignant) We don’t all do that. I don’t do that. Do I look like I’d do that?! That’s just... https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 7
ew.
ABU BAKR (triumphant) ‘Exactly! That’s what I’m saying!
FATIMAH Yes - What? I’m not disagreeing with you.
ABU BAKR Oh. They fall silent. Abu Bakr shivers.
FATIMAH Aren’t you cold?
ABU BAKR (prideful) No! He looks away, shivers again. Fatimah looks at him with... a small smile. Another moment of quiet --
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) (almost wistful) My grandad says when he first came to UK, Sunnis and Shias all lived on the same streets and prayed together at the same Mosque... Oh you don't call it a mosque or a masjid do you... What is it?
FATIMAH Imam baragh. They both fall silent...
ABU BAKR Even though you’re wrong -
FATIMAH I’m not -
ABU BAKR You are... (grin, like admitting a secret) ... this has been good, right? I haven’t had a proper discussion like this for, like, ever! Didn’t get this at Qur’an school! -- recognition on Fatimah’s face -- she smiles --
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) Man, that was long! Every day after school, straight over to Mosque...
FATIMAH ... learning the prayers, learning the Arabic, reading the Qur’an...
ABU BAKR For years! Over and over and over.
FATIMAH I liked it. I thought it was... pretty easy.
ABU BAKR (half-chuckle) You would. -- they both look at each other with a smile at the same time -- and it catches them both out -- it’s lovely but then suddenly it’s awkward -- suddenly they’re on the brink of much more difficult territory...
ABU BAKR (CONT’D) (awkward) Okaaaay... I should go.
FATIMAH Yeah - -- they both stand --
FATIMAH (CONT’D) - you’re going to get ill –
ABU BAKR My mate lives just there - he’ll lend me some things -
FATIMAH Good.
ABU BAKR Right. (silence) Nice meeting you. https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 8
FATIMAH ... You too.
ABU BAKR Thanks for saving my life.
FATIMAH No problem. We have to stick together. Asthma sufferers.
ABU BAKR Forget the bit where you tried to drown me.
FATIMAH Hey! - -- she sees his grin -- smiles --
FATIMAH (CONT’D) Yeah.
ABU BAKR Salam alaikum.
CAPTION: Peace be with you / Bye then)
FATIMAH Walaikum assalam.
CAPTION: And also with you / Bye)
ABU BAKR I gave you your inhaler didn’t I?
FATIMAH Oh, yeah, thanks. Better get to... mosque. I’m really late.
ABU BAKR Which way are you going?
FATIMAH (points the way she was originally headed) That way.
ABU BAKR Cool. My mate lives... (points in the opposite direction)
FATIMAH Right then.
ABU BAKR Yeah. They both stand for a second -- then set off -- awkwardly getting in each other’s way, then circling each other and walking out of frame on opposite sides -- Fatimah to the left, Abu Bakr to the right -- -- the empty bench remains... are they returning? -- ...
END
https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 9
Factsheet One: Prayer Name of prayer Sunni Shi’a Timing
I. Dawn Prayer - 2 2 dawn Fajr
II. Early 4 midday Afternoon - 8 (4 + 4) Zuhr For most Shi’a Muslims, maghrib III. Late 4 afternoon prayer can be offered only when Afternoon -Asr the redness of sunset has
IV. Early evening - 3 sunset disappeared from the eastern sky. Maghrib 7 (3+4) In contrast, most Sunnis maghrib can be offered when darkness is approaching with the sun V. Night - Isha 4 night disappearing below the horizon.
Shi’a text for the call to prayer(adhan) Sunni text for the call to prayer (adhan)
Allah is the Greatest (Four times) Allah is the Greatest (Four times) I bear witness that there is no god but Allah I bear witness that there is no (Two times) god but Allah (Two times) I bear witness that Muhammad is the I bear witness that Muhammad is Messenger of Allah (Two times) the Messenger of Allah (Two I bear witness that Ali is the friend of Allah times) (Two times) Come to prayer (Two times) Come to prayer (Two times) Come to success (Two times) Come to success (Two times) Allah is the Greatest (Two times) The time for the best of actions has come There is no god but Allah (Two (Two times) times) Allah is the Greatest (Two times) There is no god but Allah (Two times) During the prostration Prayer Mat: It is common to see (Sajdah) of the salah, Shi’as Sunni Muslims placing their head usually place their head on on a prayer mat during a piece of earth from prostration (sajdah) Kerbela called a TURBAH Whereas Sunnis may only combine prayers All Muslims pray facing the under certain limited circumstances such as direction of the Ka’aba in Makkah whilst travelling a considerable distance, All Muslims pray five times a day Shi’a Muslims habitually pray Zuhr and Asr directly after each other and the same for All Muslims perform a ritual wash Maghrib and Isha. This means they prayer 5 before they pray and state their prayers on 3 occasions intention to offer prayers
https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 10
Factsheet Two: Zakat
Source A: Simplified from Shia pedia: Centre for Islamic Shi’a Studies http://shiastudies.org/article/al-zakat- welfare-tax accessed 01/10/16 “Islam seeks to prevent inequality amongst its people via a welfare tax that taxes certain goods so that the poorer members of society will receive some support from others who are better off. Zakat is a tax applied in varying amounts, most commonly 2 ½ % on the value of certain livestock, crops, gold, silver and currency. Muslims who qualify for this tax must pay it each year to the qualified scholar of Islam in their district. This scholar takes charge of distributing the money to the poor and needy and other causes mentioned by the Holy Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad. Zakat is often mentioned in the Qur’an with the Salat, to show the importance of this obligation. Several narrations (Hadith) from the Prophet and the Shi’a Imams also say that a Muslim will not enjoy blessings from their wealth or possessions so long as they do not pay the religious dues on them. Giving Zakat is one of the ways that Islam attempts to better the welfare of society without being unfair in how much it takes from one Muslim to give to another.” *** Source B: Zakat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakat accessed 01/10/16 “Among the Sunni Muslims, zakat committees are established, linked to a religious cause or local mosque, which collect zakat.[76] Among the Shia Muslims, deputies on behalf of Imams collect the zakat.[16]” *** Source C: Khums – simplified from Shia pedia: http://shiastudies.org/article/al-khums-wealth-tax From the beginning of Islam, the Prophet made clear that he and his household were not allowed to accept any of the Zakat or Sadaqa (charity) given by the Muslims. This was in order to set an example for the rest of society and also to prioritise the needs of others over his own family. There was a particular problem which emerged at the time of the Prophet where the spoils of war were being kept by individuals instead of being shared with the broader community. In the Qur’an, God commanded the people to observe justice in this matter: And know that anything you obtain of war booty - then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveller [8:41]. The verse commands that a fifth (Khums in Arabic) of what Muslims gain was to be paid to God, the Prophet and his family. Although Sunni schools of Islamic law believe the Khums was only to be applied to war gains, the Imams and later the Shi’a scholars maintained that it extends further and includes excess disposable income. Khums is due on gains from war, treasures found buried in the ground that do not belong to anyone else, and certain other items, and whatever excess income that is not used or needed for a year. With all these categories there is a minimum qualifying amount and some exceptions. In practice, Khums is divided into two parts when being spent: one part that includes the share of Allah and of the Prophet. The second part is for the poor, orphans and stranded travellers from the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). The Khums is to be spent by the qualified scholar to improve religious affairs. The scholar may take the Khums and spend it as he sees fit according to these categories, or he may give the the Khums payer an instruction to spend it themselves in a certain way. In this way Khums complements Zakat and ensures that religious taxes cover all aspects of society. https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 11
Factsheet 3: Successors to the Prophet Muhammad? – A Sunni Perspective (adapted from the work of Dr Chris Hewer) www.chrishewer.org
Calming the community
As soon as rumours began to spread that Muhammad was dead there was great concern in Madinah. Some refused to believe it and threatened to physically attack anyone who said it was true. Some felt that their faith was shattered as it was built on Muhammad and he was dead. Some acted as though they thought that he was immortal. A decisive move was taken by Abu Bakr to quieten the crowd. He had been one of the closest companions of Muhammad. He examined the body, confirmed that he was dead and then spoke the words to the crowd of anxious people that had gathered:
“No doubt! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is Alive and shall never die."
In this way he was reminding the community that Muslim faith was built on God and not on a mortal man. This calmed them but it was clear that strong leadership would be needed to see them through this turbulent time.
Chosen by the community
A group of the leading members of the community, in good Arab fashion, went into a huddle together to discuss the question; thus forming a shura (a consultative council). When their deliberations were over, Abu Bakr had emerged as their choice as the head of the community. This proposal was put to the assembled community and, as might be expected in Arab society, the people agreed the choice of their leaders.
A respected elder who was a close friend of Muhammad
Abu Bakr was around the same age as Muhammad, so he had the respect that came with age and wisdom that was so highly favoured in that culture. He was one of the first Muslims and had been a close companion of Muhammad throughout his prophetic ministry, so he understood the teachings and practice of Islam extremely well. He had migrated with Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah and been someone to whom Muhammad turned to lead the congregational prayers when he was away or ill. On one occasion, it is reported that Muhammad joined the congregation behind Abu Bakr.
Personal Authority
Abu Bakr’s daughter, Ayesha, had married Muhammad and so he was in this way related. He was not from one of the dominant clans of Makkah or Madinah and so was acceptable to a wider grouping of different tribes and clans. He was chosen because of his own personal authority and history rather than any position that he might have held. Abu Bakr did not see himself as being divinely-appointed, but rather one who was to lead by following the Qur'an and Sunnah. This meant he could be challenged by members of the community if he should stray from these sources. He had to continue to earn his living in the first half-year after his appointment until it was agreed to pay him an allowance from the communal funds.
https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 12
Successors to the Prophet Muhammad? – A Shi’a Perspective (adapted from the work of Dr Chris Hewer) www.chrishewer.org
First Muslims
After the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Jibrail, it was his first wife Khadijah and his cousin Ali that were the first to believe in the truth of his message and who were the first Muslims. Later, when Muhammad was commanded by God to invite his wider family to follow him, it was Ali who publically declared his faith. In return, Muhammad announced that from that time onwards, Ali was to be his brother, successor, wazir and the executor of his will. From that point forward, Ali was the companion of Muhammad, listening to him, following him and learning from him.
The faithful one chosen by God
One day, a number of people were performing voluntary prayers in the Mosque in Madinah when a poor man came to ask for charity. The only person to respond was Ali who was bowing down in prayer at the time. Ali held out his hand to indicate that the poor man should take his ring as charity. A verse of the Qur’an was revealed at this time that describes the, “guardian with authority” of the community being first God, then Muhammad and then “the faithful one who maintains the prayer and gives charity whilst bowing down” (Sura 5:55). Muhammad said that this confirmed that Ali was the person chosen by God to be his successor.
Ghadir Khumm
In the months before his death, Muhammad led the community on Hajj. On the way back, Muhammad stopped the pilgrims at an oasis called Ghadir Khumm. The whole pilgrim body was gathered together; tradition says that this was approximately 72,000 Muslims. Muhammad climbed onto a rock so that he could be seen and heard. He raised the hand of Ali and said that all those who accepted him, Muhammad, as their master or leader (maula) should take Ali as their maula after his death. All the Muslims who were there pledged their layalty to Ali at this time as the Commander of the Faithful (Amir al-Mu'minin).
The Hadith of the Cloak
Muhammad was covered by a camel hair cloak and called first his grandson Hasan, then Hussain, then Famima and finally Ali to join him under it. The following verse of the Qur'an was then revealed: “Indeed God desires to repel all impurity from you, O Ahl al-Bayt, and purify you with a thorough purification” [Q. 33:33]. This gives a clear indication the term Ahl al-Bayt in this verse refers to these five people and their descendants, the later Imams who are pure, without sin and error.
What happened why the Prophet Muhammad died?
After the Prophet Muhammad died, the family were quite naturally mourning his death and preparing for his funeral. At this time, the elders of the community were organising the shura (consultation) to decide who would be his successor. These elders were reminded about the times when the Prophet had made clear that God had declared that Ali should lead the community after Muhammad’s death. However, it was Abu Bakr that was selected as the first caliph (successor).
https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/shia-sunniCTVC/TrueTubeMcBeathHouse 310 Goswell Road London EC1V 7LW 020 7940 8496 ©TrueTube 2016 13