Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 2 of 2

388 'Ali's attitude towards the Kharijites and Shia
two and a half centuries. The Shia were compelled to find a way out
of the problem of limiting the number of Imams, so they introduced
the idea of the scholar acting on behalf of the Imam, but they differed
concerning the extent of this deputation.4" In modem times, they
were forced to abandon this principle completely, even though it is
the foundation of their religion. They made the appointment of their
head of state something that could be done by means of election; they
abandoned the idea of limiting the number and instead limited the
quality or type, restricting leadership of the state to 'the Shiite
i~rists'.~~~
What the Twelver Shia quote as evidence from the
Sunni books for limiting the number of Imams
It was narrated that Jibir ihn Samurah said: "There will be
twelve rulers. Then he said something that I did not hear. and my
father said that he said: 'All of them from ~ ura~sh."'~~~ In Muslim,
it is narrated that Jibir said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s) say:
'Islam will continue to prevail for the time of twelve caliphs,' then he
said a word that I did not understand, and I said to my father: 'What
did he say?' He said: 'All of them from ~ ura~sh."'~~~ According to
another version: "This religion will continue to prevail and be strong
for the time of twelve caliphs."451 According to yet another version:
"The people's affairs will continue to be prosperous during the reign
of twelve men."452 Ahu Diwood narrated: "This religion will
continue to prevail until you have had twelve caliphs, under all of
whom the Ummah will be united."453 Abu Diwood narrated a
similar report via al-Aswad ibn Sa'eed from Jsbir, and he said that he
added: "When he returned to his house, Quraysh came to him and
said: 'Then what will happen?' He said: 'Killing."3454
The Twelvers cling to this text and quote it as evidence against
Ah1 as-Sunnah, not because they believe in what is mentioned in the