Heavenly Jewels

invalid according to them, since how is possible for Ali to be Alawi, when it refers to those after him. They Raafdhis also say that the Imam must be maasoom. This too is unacceptable just as we have already explained that only the Ambia and Angels are Maasoom. Rule: By one being worthy of appointment as an Imam is not sufficient. It is necessary that he must be appointed by the preceding Imam or those Muslims that are appointed to handle the religious affairs of the people. Rule: To follow the Imam (Khalifa) is totally fard upon all Muslims, for as long as his commands are in accordance with the Shariah. We are not allowed to follow anyone who acts contrary to the Shariah. Rule: The Imam should be a person who is an Aalim and a courageous person, or one who is assisted by the Ulama. Rule: The leadership (Imaamat) of a woman or a non adult (one who has not reached puberty) is disallowed. If the preceding Imam had appOinted a Non adult as the Imam, then the people should appoint a guardian to carry out the duties until he reaches puberty. The non adult will only be a honorary Imam. The actual Imam during for this duration will be the Guardian. K 1 . K . 1 Belief: After the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the True first Khalifa is Abu Bakr Siddique, followed by Umar-e-Farouk, then Uthman-e-Ghani, the Ali-e-Murtuda and finally Imam Hassan who ruled for six months (may Allah be pleased with them). These personalities are known as the Khulafa-e-Raashideen and their Khilafat is known as the Khilaafat-e-Raashida, for they have truly fulfilled their duties as the representatives of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). K 2. Belief: After the Nabis and the Rasools, the greatest personalities in the creation of Allah are Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali (may Allah be" pleased with them). Anyone who says Ali to be more superior to the other three khulafa is a mislead person. 1 16