How Imam Ali (AS) Behaved Towards the Owners of Power

One of the most important events in the political history of the early Islam is the issue of caliphate and succession of the Prophet of Islam (SAAS), for despite the clear emphasis of the Prophet (SAAS) on Imamate and the succession of Imam Ali (AS) to the Prophet, unfortunately, this did not happen. The council formed in Saqifa grabbed the right [of being successor to the Prophet] from Imam Ali (AS) and deprived the newly-established religion of Islam and also the Islamic community of Imam Ali’s guidance and leadership. But the noticing point in this event is the way Imam Ali (AS) behaved towards this dangerous schematization and abjuration, which indicates the great patience and religiopolitical expediency of Imam Ali (AS). The type of confrontation that Imam Ali (AS) selects against the mentioned conspiracy wherein his right was violated is based on the attention paid to the interests of Islam and Muslims and the emphasis on Islamic convergence. Avoiding armed conflict and other provocative methods, Imam Ali (AS) laid the foundation for relative cooperation and even on many occasions gave strategic advice to the three caliphs, but at the same time refused to accept any position, or leadership within their governments. It should be however noted that Imam Ali (AS) has always emphasized his right and acted toward the enlightenment of people in this matter. Eventually, he accepted the caliphate of Muslims when he faced the people’s real request and insistence on his caliphate.