In Shiite belief, the succession of the Prophet of Islam ﷺ is a divine appointment, not a matter left to public choice. Based on verses of the Qur’an and authentic narrations, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) was appointed by God as the rightful successor of the Prophet.

1. The Verse of Wilayah (Authority)

Arabic:

إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ

(سورة المائدة، آية 55)

English Translation:

“Your only guardian is Allah, His Messenger, and the believers—those who establish prayer and give charity while they are bowing.”

(Qur’an 5:55)

According to Shiite interpretations and many Sunni sources, this verse was revealed about Imam Ali (pbuh) when he gave his ring to a poor man while in the state of bowing (rukūʿ) during prayer. The word Wali here means guardian, leader, and authority.

2. The Verse of Proclamation

Arabic:

يَا أَيُّهَا الرَّسُولُ بَلِّغْ مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلْ فَمَا بَلَّغْتَ رِسَالَتَهُ

(سورة المائدة، آية 67)

English Translation:

“O Messenger! Proclaim what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message.”

(Qur’an 5:67)

Many narrations state that this verse was revealed at Ghadir Khumm, commanding the Prophet to publicly announce Imam Ali’s leadership.

3. The Hadith of Ghadir

Arabic:

مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلَاهُ فَهٰذَا عَلِيٌّ مَوْلَاهُ

English Translation:

“Whoever I am his master, then Ali is his master.”

This hadith is one of the most widely transmitted (mutawātir) narrations in Islamic history and clearly indicates the authority and succession of Imam Ali (pbuh).

4. The Hadith of Position (Hadith al-Manzilah)

Arabic:

أَنْتَ مِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى إِلَّا أَنَّهُ لَا نَبِيَّ بَعْدِي

English Translation:

“You are to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me.”

Just as Prophet Aaron was the successor of Prophet Moses, Imam Ali (pbuh) is presented as the successor of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Conclusion

Based on clear Qur’anic verses and authentic prophetic traditions, the leadership and succession of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is divinely ordained. He is the rightful continuation of the Prophet’s path and the most qualified leader of the Muslim community after him.