The best approach in proving the Imamate of Imam Ali (as) for followers of the Sunni school of thought is through means of what has been mentioned in the Quran and narrations which have been mentioned in their own sources. Obviously, this can only be accomplished when an individual is willing and eager to seek the truth. Meaning, one engaged in such a quest should be prepared to turn away from that which is false or irrational.

The Imamate of Imam Ali (as) can be proven through means of many verses found within Holy Quran and narrations from the Prophet (pbuh) surrounding their revelation.

Consider the following verses:

1. The Verse of Tabligh (propagation): “O Apostle! Communicate that which has been sent to you from your Lord, and if you do not, you will not have communicated His message, and Allah shall protect you from the people. Indeed Allah does not guide the faithless lot.”[i] According to authentic Sunni narrations, this verse was revealed on the day of Ghadir Khum. In this historical day, the Prophet announced the wWilayah of Imam Ali (as), thus completing his prophet-hood and making the Imam his successor.

2. The Verse Wilayah: “Your guardian is only Allah, His Apostle, and the faithful who maintain the prayer and give the zakat while bowing down.”[ii] This verse places the Wilayah of Imam Ali (as)[iii] alongside that of Allah and the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

3. The Verse of Ulil-amr: “O you who have faith! Obey Allah and obey the Apostle and those vested with authority among you. And if you dispute concerning anything, refer it to Allah and the Apostle, if you have faith in Allah and the Last Day. That is better and more favorable in outcome.”[iv]

This verse states that following the leadership of the Ulil-amr is obligatory. From this we can also deduce that such leadership requires the Imam to be infallible, a quality possessed by none other than Ali (as). In reference to this verse, there are numerous narrations in Sunni sources which introduce Imam Ali (as) as the successor of the Prophet (as) and Imam of the believers.

4. The Verse of Sadiqin: “O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah and be with the Truthful.”[v]  It has been mentioned in narrations that the word “Truthful” mentioned in this verse is in reference to Imam Ali (as) and Prophet’s household.