Why did Imam Ali (as) not challenge the Khilafat of Abu Bakr?
If Imam Ali (as) had wished, he could have risen up in arms against the decision at Saqeefa – considering that just a few months ago the Prophet(pbuh) had clearly proclaimed him his successor at Ghadeer e Khum. However, there were a number of reasons for his not doing so. It is important to understand the political and social climate that prevailed amongst the Arabs at the time. Since the growth and expansion of Islam over the previous 10/11 years, there had been a growing sense of discontent among the Muslims. To begin with, the early converts and the Helpers of Medina were beginning to feel hardly done by when the later Muslims were given prominence and voice in the society. They felt this was a disregard and belittling of their own struggle and hard work in the propagation of the Deen in the early days. Also, since many of the latter converts had turned to the Prophet (pbuh)and Islam for political and economic reasons, their loyalty to him and the Deen lacked the sincerity of tho...