Shia Islam (5): ʿAlī’s leadership  Why did not ʿAlī’s leadership materialize immediately after the Prophet’s death? It is sometimes asked why the Prophet’s Companions ignored his clear designation of ʿAlī as his successor and the leader of the believers. After all, it was his Companions who accompanied him on his preaching and military expeditions, and … Continue reading Shia Islam (5): ʿAlī’s leadership