This verse is one of the most important verses in the Qur’an, for it commands the believers to send their salutations upon the Holy Prophet (SAW). In this article, we will examine the significance of this verse and how it establishes or at the very least implies that divine leadership is from the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

Hadith Indhar al-’Ashira (The incident of the warning of the next of kin) is a famous Hadith of the Prophet (SAW) during the early advent of Islam in the year 3 AH, where he invites his kinsmen to accept Islam (such as Abu Lahab, Hamza, Abu Talib etc.), and more notably, announces Ali b. Abi Talib (AS) as his immediate successor. Therefore, it is one of the most important Hadiths for Shi’a theology, just like Hadith al-Ghadeer, as it proves the imamate of Imam Ali (AS).

The most common argument against Shi’a Hadith Science is a singular mursal report transmitted in Kitab al-Kafi which says the following: It is narrated that the Commander of the Faithful (A) said: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was once spoken to by a donkey, which said: “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you! My father told me, from his father, from his grandfather, from his father, that he was with Prophet Noah in the Ark...