Salaams ramesha Would you be kind enough to let us know why would someone who was divinely appointed advise his people to 'leave me and seek some one else'.
Leave me and seek some one else. We are facing a matter which has (several) faces and colours, which neither hearts can stand nor intelligence can accept. Clouds are hovering over the sky, and faces are not discernible. You should know that if I respond to you I would lead you as I know and would not care about whatever one may say or abuse. If you leave me then I am the same as you are. It is possible I would listen to and obey whomever you make in charge of your affairs. I am better for you as a counsellor than as chief. - Nahjul Balagha Sermon 91
That's what Hz. Ali (ra) said!!
Can you believe the Prophet (saw) saying that to his followers?
The Prophet (saw) didn't because he was divinely appointed for the Prophet hood.
Had Hz. Ali (ra) been divinely appointed to lead the Ummah after the Prophet (saw) he would never offer to part with the responsibility come what may. And he was the bravest to face any challenge.
Care to tell us who is this 'large ignorant majority' who are 'ignorant enough' to be lead by 'the people with doubtful characters and backgrounds.'
And while you are at it i'll appreciate if you can name a few of these 'the people with doubtful characters and backgrounds'. who have lead the ignorant majority away.
Don't hold anything back.
Trust me the last thing any one of us will do is to run away from an argument.
Please read it in its entirety and not out of context.
"If you want me for your worldly ends, then I am not ready to serve as your instrument. Leave me and select someone else who may fulfil your ends. You have seen my past life that I am not prepared to follow anything except the Qur'an and sunnah and would not give up this principle for securing power. If you select someone else I would pay regard to the laws of the state and the constitution as a peaceful citizen should do. I have not at any stage tried to disrupt the collective existence of the Muslims by inciting revolt. The same will happen now. Rather, just as keeping the common good in view I have hitherto been giving correct advice, I would not grudge doing the same. If you let me in the same position it would be better for your worldly ends, because in that case I won't have power in my hands so that I could stand in the way of your worldly affairs, and create an impediment against your hearts' wishes. However, if you are determined on swearing allegiance on my hand, bear in mind that if you frown or speak against me I would force you to tread on the path of right, and in the matter of the right I would not care for anyone. If you want to swear allegiance even at this, you can satisfy your wish."