Who was recognized by the Shia branch as the first rightly guided caliph?

Who was recognized by the Shia branch as the first rightly guided caliph?

• A. Abu Bakr
• B. Umar
• C. Ali
• D. Uthman

Answer: (C)

In Shiʻa belief, leadership after the Prophet Muhammad belongs to the Prophet’s family and is conferred by God through the Prophet. The first in that line is Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Shiʻa tradition holds that at Ghadir Khumm the Prophet publicly designated Ali as his successor and guardian of the Muslim community, ensuring that rightful guidance would remain within the Prophet’s Household. Because of this explicit designation and Ali’s proven piety, knowledge, and justice, he is regarded as the first rightly guided leader—the first Imam—in Shiʻa Islam. The other early leaders are not seen as rightful successors in this tradition, since they did not receive that family-based designation.

In Shiʻa belief, leadership after the Prophet Muhammad belongs to the Prophet’s family and is conferred by God through the Prophet. The first in that line is Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Shiʻa tradition holds that at Ghadir Khumm the Prophet publicly designated Ali as his successor and guardian of the Muslim community, ensuring that rightful guidance would remain within the Prophet’s Household. Because of this explicit designation and Ali’s proven piety, knowledge, and justice, he is regarded as the first rightly guided leader—the first Imam—in Shiʻa Islam. The other early leaders are not seen as rightful successors in this tradition, since they did not receive that family-based designation.