A Critical Study of Muhammad ʽAmmāreh's Documentation of  the Political Legitimacy of Election'

Discussions on the way in which someone is appointed as a ruler has been one of the challenging discussions among Muslim scholars. Various schools and denominations have thought of and prescribed different way or ways due to their acceptance of orthodox or unorthodox principles and fundamentals. One theory which is widely supported by the Sunni scholars is the theory of ‘election’ according to which the appointment of a ruler is considered to be the people’s right, and their right to vote and election their own ruler is deemed very crucial. In this research work, the researcher seeks to scrutinize the argumentation offered by Muhammad ÝAmmÁreh, distinguished neo-MuÝtazilite scholar, and his reliance on the words of Amir al-Mu’menin Ali (may Allah’s peace be upon him) to establish his claim. The writer holds the view that what Muhammad ÝAmmÁrah brings as evidence based on these reports and ascribe them to the Imam to establish the theory of ‘election and allegiance’ is incomplete, or rather, insufficient.