An Explanation of the Contradiction and Inconsistency between the Four Reasons
November 11, 2026BACK⇒ Return to Table of contents
Conclusion
This concludes this study. It has revealed a stark contradiction and inconsistency between the explanations found in Imami Shia ideology for Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu silence concerning the alleged seizure of his right to the Caliphate and his failure to use the sword to fight and recover that alleged right.
The fair-minded and rational Shia ought to reflect impartially on the contradictions and inconsistencies that exist within Shia thought on pivotal questions affecting its most important and consequential doctrine: Imamah.
How can these mutually contradictory reasons be attributed to an infallible Imam in reports found in major sources and adopted by leading scholars and authorities in statements recorded in their books, which I have quoted verbatim in this study?
In conclusion, the Imamiyyah are left with two options, both of which are bitter:
First option: the infallible Imam actually uttered these contradictory explanations for Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu silence. This would not only undermine the Imam’s infallibility and invalidate his Imamah, but would also place him outside the ranks of the wise because of the contradictions attributed to him.
Second option: these reasons, transmitted in numerous reports in major Imami sources, are false and fabricated upon the tongue of the infallible Imam. In that case, doubt would extend to the rest of the transmitted material of Shi’ism, leaving no confidence in it and causing the entire Imami religious system to collapse.
How fitting are their contradictions for the words of the poet:
حُجَجٌ تَهَافَتُ كَالزُّجَاجِ تَخَالُهَا حَقًّا وَكُلُّ كَاسِرٍ مَكْسُورُ
Arguments that have crumbled like glass; you think them to be true, but every strong argument is itself refuted.
I ask Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, through this study, to give sight to blind eyes and hearing to deaf ears, and to make it a means of guidance for whomever Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala wills to guide.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, his entire family, and all his Companions.
Written by one who left Shi’ism: ‘Abdul Malik ibn ‘Abdur Rahman al Shafi’i.
25 October 2022 / 29 Rabi’ al Awwal 1444 AH.
BACK⇒ Return to Table of contents
Conclusion
This concludes this study. It has revealed a stark contradiction and inconsistency between the explanations found in Imami Shia ideology for Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu silence concerning the alleged seizure of his right to the Caliphate and his failure to use the sword to fight and recover that alleged right.
The fair-minded and rational Shia ought to reflect impartially on the contradictions and inconsistencies that exist within Shia thought on pivotal questions affecting its most important and consequential doctrine: Imamah.
How can these mutually contradictory reasons be attributed to an infallible Imam in reports found in major sources and adopted by leading scholars and authorities in statements recorded in their books, which I have quoted verbatim in this study?
In conclusion, the Imamiyyah are left with two options, both of which are bitter:
First option: the infallible Imam actually uttered these contradictory explanations for Sayyidina ‘Ali’s radiya Llahu ‘anhu silence. This would not only undermine the Imam’s infallibility and invalidate his Imamah, but would also place him outside the ranks of the wise because of the contradictions attributed to him.
Second option: these reasons, transmitted in numerous reports in major Imami sources, are false and fabricated upon the tongue of the infallible Imam. In that case, doubt would extend to the rest of the transmitted material of Shi’ism, leaving no confidence in it and causing the entire Imami religious system to collapse.
How fitting are their contradictions for the words of the poet:
حُجَجٌ تَهَافَتُ كَالزُّجَاجِ تَخَالُهَا حَقًّا وَكُلُّ كَاسِرٍ مَكْسُورُ
Arguments that have crumbled like glass; you think them to be true, but every strong argument is itself refuted.
I ask Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, through this study, to give sight to blind eyes and hearing to deaf ears, and to make it a means of guidance for whomever Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala wills to guide.
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad subhanahu wa ta ‘ala, his entire family, and all his Companions.
Written by one who left Shi’ism: ‘Abdul Malik ibn ‘Abdur Rahman al Shafi’i.
25 October 2022 / 29 Rabi’ al Awwal 1444 AH.