ABSTRACT: The question as to whether prophets within the Abrahamic traditions appointed successors has long been a subject of scholarly debate. This article explores the concept of text-based succession ( naṣṣ ) in Judaism, Christianity, and Shi‘a Islam, arguing that the Shi‘a understanding of the Imamate aligns with the broader Abrahamic tradition of divinely ordained leadership. By analysing the succession narratives of Moses and Jesus within their respective traditions, this study intends to demonstrate that the appointment of successors through explicit textual designation is a recurring theme in the Abrahamic religions. The article also critiques non-Shi‘a theories on the origins of Shi‘ism, emphasising that Shi‘a beliefs are firmly rooted in Islamic scripture and tradition rather than external influences. While this study focuses primarily on Qur’anic and hadith sources within the Shi‘a tradition, it acknowledges the need for further comparative analysis with Sunni perspectives and broader theological-political developments. The implications of these findings for contemporary Muslim leadership dynamics and historical institutionalisation remain an open area for future research. Through this comparative approach, the paper contributes to ongoing discourse on the theological and historical foundations of Shi‘a Islam while inviting further exploration of prophetic succession across doctrinal, political, and historical contexts.
Nejad et al. (Sat,) studied this question.