This Is My Faith - Al-fatlawi, Ali - الصفحة ٣٨٠ - What is Shi’ism?
Hasan: There are no such things as theories! With a little thinking, they appear to be unacceptable.
Anwar: Will you please mention them in brief?
Hasan: These are some of the theories.
First theory: Shi’ism was originated after the death of the Prophet (PBUH); this is rejected because we have already given evidence that Shi’ism existed during the life of the Prophet (PBUH).
Second theory: Shi’ism was originated during the reign of Othman Bin Affan; this is also rejected.
Third theory: The origin of Shi’ism goes back to the tragic incidents of Al-Taf and the martyrdom of Imam Al-Husain (PBUH).
Fourth theory: Shi’ism has Persian origins.
Fifth theory: Shi’ism was originated during the life of Imam Al-Sadiq; there are still more of these so-called theories and they are wholly rejected.
Anwar: Excellent job! You seem you would want to say something.