proof. We shall set forth the evidence demonstrating the falsity of the spurious reports with which they oppose Ahl al-Sunnah, as well as the evidence establishing the authenticity of what the scholars of hadith have transmitted and declared authentic.
Even if we were to concede that we do not cite hadith as evidence, Allah Most High has said:
{The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord—those who establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them. It is they who are truly believers. They will have high ranks with their Lord, forgiveness, and a generous provision.}
[Surah al-Anfāl: 2–4] (1)
Thus, He affirmed their faith without mentioning the Imamate (2).
Allah Most High also said:
{The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then harbor no doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is they who are truthful.}
[Surah al-Hujurāt: 15]
Thus, He declared them truthful in their faith without mentioning the Imamate.
Allah Most High also said:
{Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west. Rather, righteousness is found in those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Scripture, and the prophets; who give wealth—despite their love for it—to relatives, orphans, the needy, the stranded traveler, beggars, and for freeing those in bondage; who establish prayer and give zakat; who fulfill their covenants when they make them; and who remain patient in poverty, hardship, and in times of battle. It is they who are truthful, and it is they who are God-fearing.}
[Surah al-Baqara: 177]
Yet He did not mention the Imamate.
Allah Most High also said:
{Alif, Lām, Mīm. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the God-fearing—those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend from what We have provided for them; those who believe in what has been sent down to you and what was sent down before you, and who have certainty in the Hereafter. They are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is they who are successful.}
[Surah al-Baqara: 1–5],