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"It is generally supposed that the Holy Prophet had not expressly designated anyone as his successor in the spiritual and temporal government, but this notion is framed) on an incorrect apprehension of fact, for there is abundant evidence that many a time the Holy Prophet had openly indicated Hazrat Ali for Vicegerency." (Syed Ameer Ali in 'The Spirit of Islam')
To prove the truth of the statement: 'that many a time the Holy Prophet had openly indicated Ali for Vicegerency', we shall immediately proceed to study the historical events quoted in authoritative Sunni sources and accepted by the theologians, (i) The first occasion was when Prophet Muhammad was ordered by God to openly and unreservedly invite his kith and kin to Islam in the following words:
"And warn they nearest kinsmen and lower thy wing over the Believers who follow thee. And if they disobey then say: 'I am free (of responsibility) for what you do! and put thy trust on the Exalted in Might, the Merciful*" Holy Qur'an, 26:214-220 . Having been ordered by Allah to preach the doctrines of Islam, he threw off the restraint that crushed him and invited his relatives to a meal. Not one refused, and there came forty persons all told. When the guests had eaten their fill, Prophet Muhammad made as if to address the gathering. But Abu Lahab, having some suspicion, took the words out of his mouth: What kind of spell does our host seek to cast over us?" he cried. In superstitious fear of being bewitched, the guests scattered away in great haste.
Affronted by their lack of courtesy, the Prophet said to Ali: Didst thou give heed to my uncle when he cared not how impolitely he behaved in preventing me from speaking? But no matter, get another meal ready for tomorrow and go round and invite all the same people." Next day, in the presence of the guests, Prophet Muhammad hastened to make himself heard and succeeded) in so doing. "No one living hath ever brought to the Arabs what I bring." he declared; "that is to say, glorious good fortune in this world and supreme felicity in the next. Allah the Most High hath commanded me to summon all men to Him. Who among you wishes to share my work and help me to accomplish my mission? Such a man shall be my proxy and Vicegerent."
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