Answer: Yes. There are many references in Sunni sources that indicate the Prophet has used the term “Shia” and in fact, he invited his companions to become the Shia of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and follow his footsteps. Here are some Sunni references:

1. Ibn Hajar and others have reported from Ibn Abbas: "When Allah revealed the verse 7 of Surah al-Bayyanah: (Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creation), the Prophet Muhammad said to Ali: 'It refers to you and your Shia...'" (Al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqah, page. 96) 

2. Hakim Haskani also reported from Ibn Abbas that "this verse (Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creation) was revealed about Ali and his household;" (Shawahid al-Tanzil, Vol. 2, p. 495). "This verse was revealed concerning Ali and the people of his house."

3. He also reported from Imam Ali that he said, "The Messenger of Allah passed away while I was supporting him against my chest and he said: 'O Ali! Have you not heard the words of Allah: (Indeed, those who believe...) they are your Shia and our appointed time and yours is at the reservoir (Kawthar)...'" (Shawahid al-Tanzil, Vol. 2, p. 495).

4. Ibn Marduyah reported from Aisha that she said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: Who is the most honourable of creation to Allah? He said, 'O Aisha! Haven't you read this (Indeed, those who believe...)' (137) I asked the Prophet, 'Who is the most honorable of creation to Allah?' The Prophet said, ‘Have you not read this verse (Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds, they are the best of creation)...’

5. Ibn Asakir reported from Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari that he said: "We were with the Prophet when Ali approached, and the Prophet said: 'By Him in whose hand is my soul, this (Ali) and his Shia will surely be the successful ones on the Day of Resurrection. And it was revealed: (Indeed, those who believe...)' So whenever Ali approached, the companions of the Prophet would say: 'Here comes the best of creation.'" (Dur al-Manthur, Vol. 6, p. 589) 

6 .Ibn Marduyah reported from Imam Ali that the Messenger of God said to me: "Have you not heard the word of Allah (Indeed, those who believe...) you and your Shia..." (Jami' al-Bayan, Vol. 30, p. 264) 

7. Tabari in his interpretation reported from Abi al-Jarood from Imam Baqir in the interpretation of the verse (they are the best of creation) that the Prophet said: "It is you, O Ali, and your Shia;" (Jami' al-Bayan, Vol. 30, p. 264) 

Answer: Shia Muslims do not accept the successor ship of Abu Bakr due to several theological and historical reasons cantered around their beliefs about the leadership (Imamate) after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). Here are the primary reasons:

Divine Appointment of Ali: Shia theology emphasises that Imam Ali was appointed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) as his rightful successor directly and explicitly, most notably in the event of Ghadir Khumm, where the holy Prophet publicly proclaimed, "Whomsoever's master I am, Ali is his master." This divine designation is seen as overriding any community consensus or election that led to Abu Bakr’s caliphate.

Concept of Imamate: Unlike Sunni Islam, which views a Caliph primarily as a temporal leader chosen through consensus or election, Shia Islam holds that an Imam must be divinely appointed and infallible, possessing both spiritual and temporal authority. Shias believe that only the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet, specifically the twelve Imams starting with Ali) is divinely appointed to lead the Muslim community.

Events following the Prophet’s Death: the Islamic History recounts that during the crisis following Prophet's departure, while Ali and other close relatives were occupied with his funeral, a group of prominent companions, including Abu Bakr, gathered at Saqifah Bani Sa’ida to decide on the Prophet’s successor. This meeting excluded key members of the Prophet's family and was thus illegitimate. The selection of Abu Bakr at Saqifah is viewed as a political manoeuvre that ignored the Prophet’s designation of Ali as his rightful Successor.

Ali’s Rights: Despite his divine appointment, Imam Ali's claim to the leadership of the Muslim community is also supported by his extraordinary merits and virtues. He had the closest relationship with the Prophet, profound knowledge of Islamic laws and teachings, and a proven record of unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad's mission (peace be upon him and his progeny). The decision to overlook ImamAli in favour of Abu Bakr, followed by Umar, and later Uthman, is viewed by Shia Muslims as a deviation from the rightful and divinely ordained succession. For these reasons, Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have directly transitioned to Ali and his descendants, rather than initiating the caliphate system with Abu Bakr.

Answer: By referring to the Holy Quran, we come to understand that there are verses that indicate the Imamate and leadership (Wilayat) of Imam Ali or the collective of the Ahl al-Bayt, some of which are mentioned below:

1. Verse of Wilayah Allah the Almighty says: "Your guardian is only Allah, His Messenger, and the believers who maintain prayers and give charity while bowing."(Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse-55)

The story of the revelation of this noble verse, as reported in historical, interpretive, and narrative books, goes as follows: One day, a poor man asked for help in the mosque but was ignored by the people. Imam Ali, who was in the state of bowing during prayer, gave his ring as charity to the poor man. Then, this verse was revealed by Gabriel to the Prophet, who was at home at the time.

Ibn Kathir has authentically reported from Salama bin Kuhail that Imam Ali gave his ring in charity while bowing, and at that moment, this verse was revealed: (Indeed, your Wali...). (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p. 64.)

Also, Al-Hakim Nishapuri has authentically reported from Imam Ali that this verse (Indeed, your Wali is Allah...) was revealed to the Prophet, who then left his house and went to the mosque. People were in the states of bowing and standing in prayer. The Prophet performed the prayer, and at that time a beggar appeared. The Prophet asked him: "O beggar, did anyone give you anything?" He replied, "No one except the one who was bowing, i.e., Imam Ali, gave me his ring." (Ma'rifat 'Ulum al-Hadith, p. 102.)

Ibn Asakir also authentically narrates from Imam Ali the same account. (Tarikh Dimashq (History of Damascus), Vol. 42, p. 356.)

Furthermore, this verse can be used to deduce the Wilayat and Imamate of Imam Ali in another way, as the term "Wali" of the Messenger of Allah refers to priority in control and leadership where the Quran states: (The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves) (Surah Al-Ahzab, Verse 6), and on the day of Ghadir, the Prophet said: "Am I not closer to you than yourselves?" They said, "Yes." Then he declared, "Whoever I am his master, Ali is his master."

This hadith has been narrated by ten companions and recorded by more than fifty Sunni scholars in their books, such as al-Tabarani, Abu Bakr al-Jassas, al-Wahidi, al-Zamakhshari, etc.

Verse of Obedience: The Almighty God says: “Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those of authority among you” (Surah An-Nisa, Verse 59.) 

The term "those of authority" refers to the infallibles whose obedience is obligatory just like the obedience to God and His Messenger. However, the claim of infallibility is not made for anyone other than these twelve Imams.

In other words, "those of authority" refers to the twelve leaders mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) in the Hadith of the Twelve Successors, starting with Imam Ali as specified in the Hadith of Ghadir, and all of them belong to the Prophet’s household as stated in the Hadith of Thaqalain.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "Whoever obeys me has indeed obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has indeed disobeyed Allah. Whoever obeys Ali has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys Ali has disobeyed me" (Translation of Imam Ali, by Ibn Asakir, Vol. 1, p. 364); "Anyone who obeys me has obeyed God, and anyone who disobeys me has disobeyed God. Anyone who obeys Ali has obeyed me, and anyone who disobeys Ali has disobeyed me."

To learn more about the concept of divine leadership (Imamate) please follow the link: https://books.findtruth.co.uk/categories/imamah-%28divine-leadership

Answer: The Hadith of the Twelve Successors is cited in numerous authoritative sources across both Sunni and Shia traditions. Here are some of the notable references:

Sunni References:

1. Sahih Muslim: This collection includes the hadith under the section of "The Affairs of the State," where it is recorded that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "Islam will continue to be triumphant until there have been twelve caliphs, all of them from Quraysh." (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Imara, Hadith 4483)
2. Sunan Abu Dawood: The hadith is mentioned with slight variations, emphasizing the number of rulers and their connection to Quraysh.
   • Reference: Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Mahdi, Hadith 4284
3. Sunan al-Tirmidhi: Also mentions this hadith, noting the twelve leaders following the Prophet.
   • Reference: Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2223
4. Sunan Ibn Majah: Contains a version of this hadith discussing the caliphs.
   • Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Fitan, Hadith 4085

Shia References:

1. Al-Kafi: Written by Al-Kulayni, this Shia hadith collection provides details on the twelve Imams, emphasizing their divine guidance and leadership roles.
   • Reference: Al-Kafi, Vol. 1, Hadith about the Twelve Imams
2. Bihar al-Anwar: A comprehensive collection by Allama Majlisi, which includes extensive narratives and traditions about the twelve Imams, detailing their virtues and roles as successors of the Prophet.
   • Reference: Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 36
3. Ithbat al-Hudat: Contains detailed biographies and the virtues of the Imams, corroborating the hadith of the twelve successors.
   • Reference: Ithbat al-Hudat by Al-Hurr al-Amili

This hadith is highly significant and is often cited to support the belief in the Twelve Imams, starting with Imam Ali and ending with Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed to be in occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi. The hadith is used to substantiate the line of divine and rightful leadership through the descendants of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). The Shia interpretation emphasizes that these twelve leaders are divinely appointed, infallible, and from the Prophet’s family, specifically through his daughter Fatima and her husband, Ali (Peace be upon them all).

Answer: There is no doubt that the holy Prophet has predicted the issue of Muslim’s division in many sects for example: Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "The Jews were divided into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and the Christians were divided into seventy-one or seventy-two sects, and my nation will be divided into seventy-three sects."  This Hadith can be found in following books:

• Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 5, p. 4, Hadith 4596
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, p. 25, Hadith 2640
• Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 2, p. 1321, Hadith 3991
• Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 332
• Al-Mustadrak al-Hakim, Vol. 1, p. 61
• Sahih Ibn Hibban, Vol. 7, p. 62
• And others...

Unfortunately, rather than seeking the truth and identifying the correct path, each sect asserts its own correctness. However, a simple examination of the authentic hadiths, well-known to all Muslims, reveals that the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) had already outlined the right path by providing clear criteria to identify the correct sect among the 73.

For example: Hadith of Thaqalayn: The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "O people! I am leaving among you two precious things and if you adhere to both of them, you will never go astray after me: the Book of Allah and my progeny, the Ahlul Bayt."

This noble Hadith, which is transmitted with authentic chains in the sources of both sects, identifies the only saved sect from misguidance as those who cling to the Quran and the Prophet’s progeny, the Ahlul Bayt, to attain eternal bliss.

Or Imam Hafiz Hassan ibn Muhammad San'ani (650 AH) in the book "Al-Shams Al-Munira" quotes the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) as saying: "The nation of my brother Moses split into seventy-one sects, the nation of my brother Jesus split into seventy-two sects, and my nation will split into seventy-three sects, all of whom will be destroyed except for one." When the Muslims heard this, they were distressed, cried out loud, and turned to him asking, "O Messenger of Allah! How can we find the path of salvation after you? And how can we recognize the saved sect so we can rely on it?" The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) responded: "Indeed, I am leaving among you that which if you hold onto, you will never go astray after me: the Book of Allah and my progeny, the Ahlul Bayt. The All-Subtle, the All-Aware has informed me that these two will not separate until they return to me at the Pond (Hawd)." (1151)

Moreover, the famous Hadith of the Ark: The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: "Be aware! The example of my family among you is like Noah’s Ark. Whoever boards it will be saved, and whoever stays behind will be drowned and destroyed." (1152)

This Hadith, transmitted with authentic chains to the point of being widely accepted in both Shia and Sunni books, indicates that the only group who will achieve salvation are those who seek refuge in the Prophet's family, the Ahlul Bayt, after him and consider them as their leaders and guides.

Answer: Yes, according to numerous historical and religious accounts, Imam Ali claimed to be the rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny). His claim is supported by both Shia and some Sunni sources, particularly in reference to events and statements made by the Prophet during his lifetime. Here are a few key points:

1. Imam Ali’s Sermons:
   • In Nahj al-Balagha, a collection of Imam Ali's sermons, letters, and sayings, he alludes to his right to leadership. For example, in one sermon, he states: "By Allah, the son of Abu Quhafah (Abu Bakr) has dressed himself with it (the caliphate), and he certainly knows that my position regarding it is the same as the position of the axis in relation to the handmill. The floodwater flows down from me, and the bird cannot fly to me." (Nahj al-Balagha, Sermon 3, "The Sermon of Shiqshiqiyyah").
2. The Prophet’s Statements about Ali:
   • Numerous hadiths indicate the Prophet’s acknowledgment of Ali’s leadership, such as "Ali is to me what Aaron was to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim). This as the Prophet affirming Ali's role as his deputy and successor.
3. Ali’s Refusal to Acknowledge Early Caliphates:
   • While Ali eventually cooperated with the first three caliphs for the sake of Islamic unity, historical accounts suggest he refrained from pledging allegiance, signalling his belief that the leadership rightfully belonged to him.

Imam Ali’s claims to leadership are central to Shia Islam, which holds that he was divinely appointed and that his succession was an extension of the Prophet's mission. 

Answer: According to Shia belief, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) is the rightful successor of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny), and there are numerous Quranic and non-Quranic evidences supporting this. Some traditions even suggest that the caliphate of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was mentioned in earlier scriptures.

The first instance when the Prophet publicly addressed this matter is believed to be during the gathering known as "Yawm al-Dar" (The Day of the House). This event occurred in the early days of the Prophet’s mission when the following Quranic verse was revealed:

“And warn your nearest kindred.” (Surah Ash-Shu'ara, 26:214)

The Prophet invited his close relatives, the children of Abdul Muttalib, about forty in total, to a gathering at the house of Abu Talib. After serving them food, the Prophet addressed them, saying:

"O children of Abdul Muttalib! I have been sent to you specifically, and to humanity generally, as a Messenger from Allah. I invite you to two weighty words that are light on the tongue but heavy in the scale: the testimony of Allah’s Oneness and my Prophet hood. Whoever among you accepts this call and supports me in this mission will be my brother, my successor, and my caliph after me."

No one responded except Ali (AS), who was the youngest in the group. Imam Ali stood up and declared his readiness to support the Prophet. The Prophet repeated the call three times, and each time, only Imam Ali (AS) stood up. At the end, the Prophet said:

"O Ali, you are my brother, my successor, my minister, my inheritor, and my caliph after me."

This event has been narrated in various sources, with slight differences in wording, and is supported by both Shia and Sunni traditions. Some Sunni scholars, however, either omit or abbreviate the portion of the narration regarding Imam Ali’s succession. (Tārīkh al-Umam wa al-Mulūk (History of Prophets and Kings), edited by Muhammad Abu al-Fadl Ibrahim, Vol. 2, pp. 319–321, Dar al-Turath, Beirut, 2nd Edition, 1387 AH.

Answer: At that time, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) was at the beginning of his mission, and many among his family were unsure about his success. Additionally, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) conditioned his successor’s role on full cooperation and commitment, which other members of Abdul Muttalib’s family hesitated to accept. Imam Ali’s response highlighted his complete faith in the Prophet’s mission, demonstrating that his belief was sincere and free from worldly motives.

Answer: There are many historical books written by Sunni scholars that have mentioned a suspicious person called “Abdullah Ibn Saba”. He is a controversial figure who has been depicted in various ways. Some sources describe him as an individual who promoted heresy and polytheism and defended Jewish beliefs. Others portray him as the source of spreading false ideas within the Islamic community and as someone who led many companions astray.

Additionally, he has been accused of being the instigator of sedition, the main agitator against Caliph Uthman, whose efforts allegedly led to Uthman’s assassination. Some sources go further and attribute all subsequent wars and internal conflicts to him, suggesting that his actions resulted in the deaths of thousands of Companions and their followers.

On the other hand, some historical accounts claim that several fundamental beliefs of Shia Islam, such as divine appointment (Nass), the concept of return (Raj‘ah), and others, originated from Abdullah Ibn Saba. According to these claims, he is portrayed as the founder of Shia Islam, with the intent of distorting its image.

Given these contradictory accounts, it is necessary to examine the following questions:

• Was Abdullah Ibn Saba a real historical figure, or is he a mythical creation?
• Did he play a role in the political unrest of early Islamic history?
• Was he truly the founder of Shia Islam?
• What is the actual connection, if any, between Shia Islam and Abdullah Ibn Saba?

Answer: According to Tabari and other Sunni Writers, during the caliphate of Uthman, a Jewish man from Sana’a (Yemen) named Abdullah Ibn Saba converted to Islam. He is said to have travelled across various Islamic lands, including Kufa, Syria, Egypt, and Basra, spreading his ideas.

He allegedly believed in the return (Raj‘ah) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon his & his progeny), similar to the return of Prophet Jesus (AS). He also preached that every prophet has a divinely appointed successor, and that Ali (peace be upon him) was the rightful successor and the final divinely appointed leader (Khatam al-Awsiya).

Ibn Saba is also claimed to have taught that Uthman usurped Ali’s right to leadership and oppressed him. Therefore, he called upon the Muslim community to rebel against Uthman and overthrow his rule in favour of Ali (peace be upon him).

Several prominent companions are falsely accused of being influenced by his ideas and joining his movement. Some of them are:

• Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
• Ammar ibn Yasir
• Muhammad ibn Abi Hudhayfah
• Abdul Rahman ibn Udays
• Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr
• Sa‘sa‘a ibn Sawhan al-Abdi
• Malik al-Ashtar

According to these fabricated reports, his instigation led to the rebellion against Caliph Uthman, resulting in his assassination. Some sources further claim that Ibn Saba and his followers were deeply involved in the battles of Jamal (Camel) and Siffin that later occurred between Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and opposing forces.

These accusations, however, lack reliable historical evidence, and therefore, many scholars have dismissed Ibn Saba as a fictional or exaggerated character created to discredit the origins of Shia Islam.