Imamah-Not Fundamental of Faith

Proof from Nihjul Balagha, Most Authentic Shia Book:

Ali [r.a] shows his reluctance to accept Khilafah/Imamah: 

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The Shia resources [considered reliable by them] affirm that Ali [r.a] did not present himself as a candidate for the Caliphate [Nihjul Balagh Sermon #5] both at the time of death of Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] and 3rd Caliph Usman [r.a]. He accepted  the consensus of people on both occasions. He reluctantly accepted the Caliphate as 4th Caliph on insistence of people [Nihjul Balagh  Sermon # 227]. If Caliphate or Imamah was divinely ordained fundamental of faith of Islam [as claimed by Shiites], which determines the belief and Kufar, then by not making efforts for this office he appears to himself put the people in to disbelief. The fact is that its not so, Ali [r.a] did what was most appropriate at both the occasions. it is ignominious to accuse the brave and fearless man like Ali [r.a] to resort to Deception [Takeyah] According to Nihjul Balagh,  the most authentic book of Shi'ite,  Ali [r.a] is attributed  to have said to the people who wanted to support him to assume the caliphate :  O' People! Steer clear through the waves of mischief by boats of deliverance, turn away from the path of dissension and put off the crowns of pride. Prosperous is one who rises with wings (i.e. when he has power) or else he remains peaceful and others enjoy ease. It (i.e. the aspiration for Caliphate) is like turbid water or like a morsel that would suffocate the person who swallows it. One who plucks fruits before ripening is like one who cultivated in another's field. If I speak out they would call me greedy towards power but if I keep quiet they would say I was afraid of death. It is a pity that after all the ups and downs (I have been through). By Allah the son of Abu Talib is more familiar with death than an infant with the breast of its mother... [Nihjul Balagh Sermon #5 At death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), when some people proposed to him to be Caliph.] Sermon#161 , Nahjul Balagha One of Amir al-mu'minin's companions (from Banu Asad) asked him: "How was it that your tribe (Quraysh) deprived you of this position (Caliphate) although you deserved it most." Then in reply he said: It was a selfish act over which the hearts of people became greedy, although some people did not care for it. The Arbiter is Allah and to Him is the return on the Day of Judgement. "Now leave this story of devastation about which there is hue and cry all round."  [Extract from Sermon#161 , Nahjul Balagh] Why Shia do not follow their Imam, if they believe in it? Ali [r.a] according to this saying had putt of the matter  to Allah. Sermon 91: When people decided to Swear allegiance at Amir al-mu'minin's hand after the murder of `Uthman, he said: "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 whom ever you make in charge of your affairs. I am better for you as a counsellor than as chief [Caliph]". [Nihjul Balagh Sermon #91]

At time of swearing allegiance of Khilafah at Medina, Ali [r.a] is reported to have said:

"You drew out my hand towards you for allegiance [for Caliphate] but I held it back and you stretched it but I contracted it. Then you crowed over me as the thirsty camels crowd on the watering cisterns on their being taken there, so much so that shoes were torn, shoulder-cloths fell away and the weak got trampled, and the happiness of people on their allegiance to me was so manifested that small children felt joyful, the old staggered (up to me) for it, the sick too reached for it helter skelter and young girls ran for it without veils". [Nihjul Balagh  Sermon # 227]