The Shias of Pakistan

In its very early history, after the demise of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), the Muslim Community (ummah) faced the question of selecting a new political leadership. Like some earlier Prophets, the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) combined both the role of Messenger and head of state. Naturally, his role as Messenger ceased with his passing away. That there was no one to inherit his office was already declared in the Qur’an (Muhammed is not the father of any of your men but he is the Messenger of Allah and seal of the Prophets, Allah has full knowledge of everything) surah al-Atizab 33: 40. The Prophet, however, asked Abu Bakr al-Siddiq to lead the congregational prayer while he was ill, but no explicit indication was issued about who was to replace him as leader of the community due to the Qur’anic command that Muslims should decide such matters through mandatory mutual consultation or Shura, see: Surah Al [Imran 3: 159. Consequently, the matter was decided through consultation and public pledge of obedience, bay[ah, for Abu Bakr who was a natural choice in view of his seniority, administrative experience and long companionship with the Prophet.