“Typology of opponents of Saqifah Study of Characters and Currents”

Saqifah is considered most decisive event after the death of the prophet. Currents and individuals tried to prove the successor of the Prophet. After the formation of Saqifah meeting, the wining party could conquer the rest of the parties claiming the succession with the power to dominate. Therefore the ruling party led by Abu Bakr after ascending the throne, found many opponents. Theses opponents including Umayyads, the Ansar, followers of Imam Ali (AS) and prohibitors of Zakat opposed the caliphate of Abu Bakr. Followers of Imam Ali (AS) divided into three subgroups: doctorial, political and tribal supporters. The most important opponents of Abu Bakr and his caliphate were the well- known Prophet Mohammad’s companions (Sahabah). They opposed the caliphate of Abu Bakr because of different reasons. There were about forty important figures among Sahabah that opposed the caliphate of Abu Bakr. In this thesis it is attempted to study the goals and objectives of each of the opponents according to Shi’ite and Sunni Documents. Also various goals and strategies and how of their opposition to the ruling party and the leaders of each current are discussed in the thesis.