The Theory of Dominance in Designating Imam from the Sunni ( People of Tradition and Consensus) Viewpoint

Three methods have been proposed in the Sunni (people of
tradition and consensus) thought for designating the ruler as
well the establishment of the government, namely, the selection
made by the scholars of Islamic Law; vicegerency; and violence
and dominance. Some Sunnis have unconditionally approved of
the method of violence and dominance to designate the ruler,
citing some traditions and the life of some companions of the
Prophet. Whereas, it appears that this approach contradicts the
verses of the Koran, prophetic traditions and the life of some
great companions and successors. To approve of the method of
violence and dominance, some other Sunni thinkers have resorted
to the principle of “ تاروظحملا حیب
ُ
ت تارورضلا” , meaning ‘’ the inevitable
make the forbidden permissible’’; as well as the principle ‘’ ررض لا’’,
meaning ‘’ no harm’’. Yet, it seems that citing these principles is
also incomplete. Besides, the Mu’tazilites did not approve of this
method of designating Imams either. Accordingly, the present
study has sought to analyze and evaluate the proofs the Sunnis
cite to approve of the method of violence and dominance within
their traditional thought.