The Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, is the rightful leader of the Muslim community after the death of Prophet Muhammad. This belief is based on their interpretation of events following the Prophet's death and the concept of leadership within Islam.
1. The Shia perspective stems from their belief in the concept of Imamate, which holds that leadership of the Muslim community should have continued through the family of the Prophet Muhammad, specifically through Ali and his descendants.
2. According to Shia tradition, Ali was chosen by divine order as the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad due to his close relationship with the Prophet, his knowledge, and his spiritual qualities.
3. The Shia view Ali as the first Imam, a spiritual and temporal leader, whose authority was passed down through a line of Imams who are believed to be infallible and chosen by divine appointment.
4. This belief in the leadership of Ali and his descendants distinguishes Shia Islam from Sunni Islam, where the majority consider the first three caliphs (including Abu Bakr and Muawiya) as the rightful successors to Prophet Muhammad.
In summary, the Shia believe that Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, is the rightful leader of the Muslim community based on their understanding of the succession of leadership within Islam.
