Imam Ali (A.S.)'s Position

The Rank of Imam Ali (A.S.) as Indicated in the Sayings of The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
It was not only at Ghadir Khumm that the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, proclaimed 'Ali, peace be upon him, to be the leader of the Muslims and his successor, officially and in the presence of the people. In the third year of his mission, when he was commanded to proclaim his prophethood openly, he appointed 'Ali, peace be upon him, as his successor. It is known that for the first three years of his prophetic mission, the Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, did not make his summons public, instead calling people to Islam in secret. It was in the third year of his mission that he was instructed to invite his relatives to Islam openly. [1]
He thereupon instructed 'Ali, peace be upon him, to invite forty of the leading personages of Quraysh to a banquet, and forty of the Prophet's relatives accepted.
At their very first session, the nonsensical ravings of Abu Lahab, his raging anger and unbridled arrogance, caused the meeting to break up in confusion. The following day, when again everyone was gathered in accordance with the instructions of the Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, first food was served to the guests, and then it was time for spiritual nourishment. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, stood up among his relatives, praised and supplicated the Creator, and said:
"I swear that there is none worthy of worship other than the One God, and that I am His envoy to you and the entirety of mankind. I have brought you the means of felicity in both worlds. My Lord has commanded me to summon you to the religion of Islam, and I give you glad tidings that whoever among you accepts my summons the soonest and aids me in my mission will be my brother (akhi), my legatee (wasiyyi) and my successor (khalifati)."
Those words greatly disturbed those present at the gathering, for their pride was offended, and it almost seemed that the voice of truth and the summons of prophethood would remain unheeded. Suddenly 'Ali b. Abi Talib, peace be upon him, arose and cried out: "O Muhammad, I believe in the oneness of God and your messengerhood and I distance myself from the idol worshippers."
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, ordered 'Ali, peace be upon him, to sit down. He then repeated twice more his earlier proclamation, but those words of truth made no impact on the hearts of those gathered in that assembly. No one apart from 'Ali, peace be upon him, responded to the call of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family. ''Ali's acceptance of that summons and his declaration of agreement with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, came at a time when he was just entering manhood. While everyone else sat voiceless and silent, he arose courageously and affirmed his acceptance of the Prophet's call a second time. Thereupon the Prophet turned to the assembly and said:
"'Ali is my brother and legatee and my successor among you. Obey him, follow him, and pay heed to his words." [2]
The reaction of the assembled guests was extremely hostile, for they wished to strip this declaration by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, of its effect, and they therefore stood up and quit the meeting in the most unworthy and discourteous fashion. This event constitutes one of the plainest and most significant chapters in history, and none of the well known historians has ever seen fit to deny its occurrence, Not even the most narrow-minded among them have been able to excise this historic occurrence from their writings.
At that delicate and dangerous juncture, when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, found himself alone in pursuing his great and glorious goal, he needed a helper and ally capable of supporting him powerfully and historically. Such a person could only be one who was prepared to devote himself fully to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and who had attained the highest degree of sincerity, courage, and obedience to God, so that once he came to exercise the office of successor, he would be a mirror reflecting all the knowledge, wisdom and moral purity of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, knew that although some of his relatives might accept his call and come to embrace Islam, none among them would be prepared to commit himself to active collaboration or to confront the various forces arrayed against him, the idolators of Arabia and the People of the Book. Such a commitment would necessarily involve a protracted and merciless struggle against all sectors of Arab society, for none of them was prepared to tolerate the summons to change their beliefs and abandon their idols. The suggestion that they should do so could not fall to arouse their intense hostility, so that a conflict was completely inevitable, a conflict that would lead to the destruction of the possessions of anyone who allied himself with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.
Someone who was ready to make himself a protective shield for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, under those unfavorable conditions and even to risk him own life had to be an extraordinary individual. Without doubt there was none among the relatives of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, who possessed the necessary qualities apart from 'Ali, peace be upon him, who was indeed destined to demonstrate in the bitter and punishing events that were to occur extraordinary and even unique qualities of heroism and devotion.
The significance of the proclamation made by the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, on that day is thus clear. It permits us to understand why he undertook to name as his successor and legatee the one and only person who promised him full collaboration.
Taking into consideration the Qur'anic verse, "The Prophet says nothing out of mere fancy, and whatever he utters is the fruit of revelation from his Lord,"(53:3-4) we must conclude that on that very day, during the earliest part of his mission the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, clearly and unmistakably appointed 'Ali, peace be upon him, to be leader and guide of the people after his death.
The traditions in which this occurrence is recorded furthermore indicate that the question of succession was the direct prerogative of God and the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and that the people cannot resolve so momentous a matter in accordance with their own wishes. Indeed, the question was of such significance that the Imamate was proclaimed together with prophethood on one and the same occasion, in a gathering attended by the foremost relatives of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.
Ibn Hisham, the well known historian, writes:
"'Ali b. Abi Talib was the first man to believe in the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, to pray together with him, and to affirm the veracity of that which God gave him, although on that day he was a ten year old child." [3]
Anas b. Malik remarks: "The Prophet began his mission on Monday, and 'Ali embraced Islam on Tuesday." [4]
Ibn Majah in his al-Sunan and al-Hakim in his al-Mustadrak record 'Ali, peace be upon him, to have said:
"I am the servant of God and the brother of His Messenger. I am the supremely veracious one, and none but a liar shall say the same after me. I made the prayer seven years before anyone else did." [5]
The Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, emphasized on various occasions that the question of leadership of the ummah pertained to God alone, and that he played no role in this respect.
al-Tabari records the following in his history:
"A tribal chief by the name of al-Akhnas made his allegiance and obedience to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, conditional on the leadership of the ummah being assigned to him after the death of the Prophet The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, responded: 'This is a matter that belongs to God; He will appoint to this office whomever He deems fit' The chief in question was disappointed and he sent a message to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, saying that it was unacceptable that he should toil and exert himself only to see the leadership go elsewhere." [6]
Can it then be permissible to prefer a leader chosen by the people to the one selected by God and His Messenger, or to place that lofty personage under the authority of someone else, obliging him to obey him and follow his command? The Qur'an clearly proclaims: "None has free choice when confronted with the command of God and His Messenger. Whosoever disobeys the command of God and His Messenger falls prey to obvious misguidance." (33:34)
When, therefore, God selects a certain person to be the guide and leader of the people, that person is the caliph." even if the Muslim community does not make it possible for him to exercise governmental authority. It is the same as in., the case of prophethood: if God appoints a person as prophet, that person is a prophet, even if people do not believe in him and refuse to obey him.
Another precious utterance in which the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, emphasizes to the Islamic ummah that 'Ali, peace be upon him, is their leader and ruler is the hadith known as the "hadith of the Rank" (hadith al-manzilah). The circumstances under which it arose are the following:
One day the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, learned that the armies of Byzantium were mobilizing for an attack on Madinah in the hope of gaining a swift victory. Upon hearing this, he ordered precautions to be taken and with a single order he was able to assemble a large force of Muslims to confront the enemy.
At the same time, a report reached the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, that the Hypocrites were also gathering their forces with the aim of causing disorder in the city during the anticipated absence of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, by killing and inciting people to violence.
The Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, appointed 'Ali, peace be upon him, to guard the city on his behalf, and he ordered that he should remain in Madinah until he returned, administering the affairs of the Muslims. When the Hypocrites realized that their treacherous plans had been divulged, they began spreading idle rumors in the hope of weakening 'Ali's position. They hinted that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was angry with 'Ali, peace be upon him, and that it was for this reason that he had not been permitted to accompany him on a major military expedition.
'Ali, peace be upon him, was greatly troubled and saddened by the circulation of these rumors, and he hastened to the presence of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, who had already left Madinah. He told him what had happened, and with a single historic sentence he clarified the special position of 'Ali, peace be upon him, once and for all:
"Are you not content that your relation to me shall be like the relation of Harun to Musa, excepting only that there shall be no prophet after me?"
At the end of this hadith there is a sentence that many Sunni scholars have recorded in their books:
"It is not fitting that I should depart without your being my deputy and successor." [8]
Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas, who was an obstinate enemy of 'Ali peace be upon him, mentions the same hadith in order to demonstrate his high standing.
When Mu'awiyah wanted to have the people of Makkah swear allegiance to Yazid, he convened an assembly of some of the Companions at the place known as al-Nadwah. He began by condemning and criticizing 'Ali, peace be upon him, expecting Sa'd to agree with him at least on this point. But contrary to his expectations, Sa'd turned to Mu'awiyah and said: "Whenever I recall three luminous moments in the life of 'Ali, peace be upon him, I wish from the bottom of my heart that they had been mine. The first of the three came on that day when the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said to 'Ali, peace be upon him, 'Your relation to me shall be like the relation of Harun to Musa, excepting only that there shall be no prophet after me.'
"The second came on the plain of Khaybar when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said: 'Tomorrow I will entrust the banner to one who loves God and His Prophet and whom God and His Prophet love. He will be the conqueror of Khaybar, for he never turns his back on the enemy.'
"The third was on the day when the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, disputed with the Christians of Najran. He gathered 'Ali, Fatimah, Hasan and Husayn, peace be upon them all, around him, and presented them to the divine presence, saying, 'O Lord, these are the people of my house.'" [9]
In the hadith comparing his relation with 'Ali to that of Musa (Moses) with Harun (Aaron), the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, had implicitly designated 'Ali as his brother, assistant and general deputy as well as leader of the ummah, and the fact that he excepted only prophethood indicates the comprehensive nature of the station he awarded to 'Ali, peace be upon him.
If we refer to the Qur'an, we will see that God Almighty granted all the requests Musa made on him, and it was in accordance with one such request that He appointed Harun the helper, assistant, deputy and successor of Musa among his people, and even made him a prophet. [10] Since Harun was the leader of all the Bani Isra'il, the situation of 'Ali, peace be upon him, was analogous. Just like the Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, he was the ruler of all the Muslims, and his acting on his behalf as his deputy when he was not present was therefore entirely natural, a consequence of his comprehensive deputyship. Likewise, the deputyship exercised by Harun when Musa went to the place of assignation was not temporary in nature.
Someone might be of the view that 'Ali's deputyship was restricted to the period that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was absent from Madinah, so that the hadith under discussion cannot be taken as having general significance or as evidence that he was the Prophet's successor.
To this we answer that whenever the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, left the Islamic capital, he would always appoint someone to act as his deputy. If by comparing 'Ali, peace be upon him, to Harun, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, had intended nothing more than the usual appointment of a deputy, restricted in his authority to Madinah for the period of the Prophet's absence, why did he not use a similar expression for those other favored Companions he would appoint as deputy? Why did he not use the same or similar words to describe the services they rendered?
History provides no evidence that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, uttered these words with respect to anyone but 'Ali, peace be upon him. The simple truth of the matter is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, made use of the occasion to proclaim the virtues of 'Ali, to appoint him as his successor, and to make plain that he was his sole legatee. If the Prophet had intended to appoint him only as his deputy for a limited time, it would have made no sense for prophethood to be excluded from the prerogatives of his office. The meaning then would have been something improbable like the following: "'Ali, stand ill as my deputy for a while until I return, but you will not be a prophet after me." The exception made of prophethood makes sense only if the various powers and attributes of Harun should continue to pertain to 'Ali after the death of the Prophet.
Moreover, this expression was used by the Prophet in appointing 'Ali as his successor on other occasions as well, not simply when assigning him deputyship in Madinah, as history bears witness. For example, in the earliest days of the Hijrah, when the Prophet caused every Muslim to conclude a pact of brotherhood with another Muslim, 'Ali hastened sorrowfully to the presence of the Prophet and said: "How is it that you have assigned every Muslim a brother, but have not chosen anyone to be my brother?" In the presence of a group of Companions, the Prophet then replied: "I swear by the Lord Who sent me with the message of truth, I delayed the matter only in order to make you my brother. You are to me as Harun was to Musa, excepting only that there shall be no prophet after me. You are my heir and my brother. " [11]
This hadith demonstrates among other things that the barring of 'Ali from prophethood was not because of any unfitness on his part, but only to the fact that Muhnammad, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, was the Seal of the Prophets. Had prophethood not been sealed with him, 'Ali would doubtless have been a prophet.
The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, called 'Ali, peace be upon him, his brother on a number of occasions.
Thus we read in the Sirah of al-Halabi:
"After the Prophet concluded pacts of brotherhood among the Companions (for example between Abu Bakr and 'Umar, Usayd b. Hudayr and Zayd b. al-Harithah, Abd al-Rahman bn 'Awf and Sa'd b. al-Rabi', and Abu 'Ubaydah and Sa'd b. Mu'adh), he took 'Ali by the hand and proclaimed, 'This is my brother.' Thereafter 'Ali and the Messenger of God were brothers." [12]
On another occasion, when discussing a matter that concerned 'Ali, his brother Ja'far, and Zayd b. al-Harithah, the Prophet addressed ''Ali as follows: "As for you, O 'Ali, you are my brother and comrade." [13]
On yet another occasion he said: "You will be my brother and companion in Paradise." [14]
Let us now see what is meant by brotherhood in this context.
In order to abolish and obliterate all forms of tribal distinction and privilege which were contrary to the norms of divine justice, the Prophet undertook a number of necessary measures, above all by establishing a special type of brotherhood among the Muslims after the migration to Madinah. It was his wish to bring a comprehensive brotherhood into being in the Islamic ummah, not as an abstract idea but as a palpable and objective reality. By the coming together of two adoptive brothers, who were not linked by any ties of blood or kinship but only by closeness to God and belief in the truths of His religion, the new brotherhood of Islam began to blossom in a practical form. Spiritual brotherhood became the equivalent of genealogical kinship. The links between two adoptive brothers, each hailing from a different tribe and town, contributed moreover to a general expansion of friendship and affection between all the members of the two different tribes, so that a network of deep spiritual and emotional links came into being.
The brotherhood of the Most Noble Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, and 'Ali, peace be upon him, had come into being no less than ten years before the Hijrah, when the Prophet convened a gathering of his relatives at his house in order to request their aid. The Prophet's purpose in establishing this fraternal link with 'Ali was without any doubt different from the goal of creating closeness between two tribes or the people of two cities that he pursued in Madinah, not least because no such gap or difference separated him from 'Ali. They were already related to each other as cousins and firm, strong ties already existed between them.
The reason for the brotherhood between the Prophet and 'Ali must therefore have been spiritual and intellectual affinity, a mutual inward attraction. It was 'Ali who more than anyone else resembled the great founder of Islam with respect to his spiritual qualities and knowledge, his devotion and insight. The brotherhood of the Prophet with 'Ali had therefore a special significance that extended beyond this world to the plain of resurrection and the realm of the hereafter. Thus al-Hakim records in his al-Mustadrak the following remark addressed to 'Ali by the Messenger of God, handed down by two separate authentic chains of transmission: "You are my brother in this world and the hereafter." [15]
One day when Abu Bakr, 'Umar and Abu 'Ubaydah were present, the Prophet placed his hand on the shoulder of 'Ali and said: "O 'Ali, you are the first person who accepted Islam and believed in me; you are to me as Harun was to Musa." [16]
Once 'Umar saw a man insulting 'Ali b. Abi Talib. 'Umar told him: "You are a hypocrite, for I heard the Messenger of God say to 'Ali, 'Only 'Ali is to me as Harun was to Musa, excepting only that there shall be no prophet after me."' [17]
A point to be noted in this tradition is that since the Arabic particle innama (only) implies exclusivity, the Prophet cannot have meant 'Ali's deputyship to be temporary, for he also appointed others as his deputies from time to time. 'Umar's words also imply that he understood the Prophet's declaration to make 'Ali his equal in all respects except prophethood, for he told the man who insulted 'Ali, "You are a hypocrite." His hypocrisy was indeed worse than open unbelief.
However high be the rank of a believer, to insult him entails neither unbelief nor hypocrisy. 'Umar and many of the Companions used to insult each other, but no one ever interpreted this kind of behavior as entailing unbelief or hypocrisy. However, insulting the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, does indeed entail unbelief, and it can therefore be said that 'Umar b. al-Khattab understood the words of the Prophet to mean that 'Ali, peace be upon him, had the same rank as the Prophet himself.
The hadith of the Ark (hadith al-safinah) is one more of the well-known and universally accepted traditions found in the books of celebrated Sunni scholars that establish the worthiness of the Prophet's family for assuming the leadership and direction of the Islamic ummah, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari relates the Prophet to have said: "The People of my Household are for you like the Ark of Nuh (Noah). Whoever embarks on it will be saved and whoever turns away from it will be drowned." [18]
With these words the Prophet depicts clearly the rank of his family and their fundamental role in guiding mankind and giving direction to the Islamic ummah. He warns against the perilous consequences of abandoning the lofty persons of his house, a course that will lead whoever chooses it to darkness and misguidance.
The sense of comparing the People of the House (Ahl al-Bayt) to the Ark of Nuh is that whoever follows their guidelines in fulfilling his religious duties and whose acts conforms to their commands is guaranteed salvation from the awesome punishment that awaits on the Day of Judgement Whoever rebels and disobeys, who distances himself from that axis of orientation, is like the one who sought refuge from the dreadful tempest on the mountaintops instead of in the Ark of Nuh. The only difference is that the latter met his death by drowning, while the former will be submerged in the torment of hellfire and eternal perdition.
The Most Noble Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, said in description of the People of his House:
"The People of my House are like the stars that help men find their way on sea and dry land and deliver them from misguidance and errance." [19]
He said further. "Whoever seeks refuge with the People of my House will be safe from misguidance and ruin, and whoever opposes them will fall prey to discord and divergence and join the party of Satan." [20]
From the traditions just cited can be deduced also the dimensions of the House, for whoever is exposed to the possibility of committing error and sin, of deviating from the clear guidelines laid down by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, will never be able to save others from falling into the pit of misery and misguidance or to bring about that radical change in modes of thought, feeling and social organization that is needed to ensure eternal felicity.
It would be possible to object to the Shi'ah or to condemn them for the path they have elected only if their obedience to the People of the Prophet's House were inspired by something other than his instructions and recommendations. Such, however, is not the case.
When the first caliph appointed the second caliph as his successor, what word or sentence did he use? Did he use more than one sentence to indicate that the office of caliphate and leadership of the Muslims that he had exercised now fell to the lot of 'Umar? By contrast, there are numerous expressions and sentences from the Prophet, clear and explicit in meaning, concerning 'Ali; do they not suffice to prove his leadership and succession? The words of the Prophet are far clearer and more explicit than those used by the first caliph; are they not enough to prove at least the claim of 'Ali to religious leadership? Fair-minded and intelligent people can judge for themselves.
The scholars and leading figures of the Sunni community have regarded it as necessary to follow the views and teachings of the founders of the four schools of Sunni law, even though there is no hadith from the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, enjoining such obedience. We can therefore discern no adequate reason for these same scholars to ignore the teachings of the People of the Prophet's House, in the face of his clear declaration that the Qur'an and the People of the House will remain inextricably linked until the Day of Judgement. [21]
What is even more remarkable is that some of the founders of the four legal schools were themselves students of the People of the House and benefited from their erudition. A leading Sunni scholar remarks:
"All Islamic scholars, irrespective of the school to which they belong, are unanimously agreed on the accomplishments and learning of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be upon him. Sunni Imams who were his contemporaries studied with him and derived knowledge from him. Malik learned from him, as did some of the contemporaries of Malik such as Sufyan b.
'Uyaynah, Sufyan al-Thawri, and many others. Abu Hanifah, whose lifetime more or less corresponded to that of Imam al-Sadiq, peace be upon him, studied religious knowledge with him and regarded him as the most learned man of the age." [22]
Ibn Hajar, another Sunni scholar, relates Imam al-Shafi'i to have said: "The Household of the Prophet is my means of salvation, and they are my means of drawing near to the Prophet. It is my hope that for their sake the record of my deeds will be given into my right hand on the Day of Judgement." [23]
Again al-Shafi'i said: "O People of the Prophet's House, love for you has been made obligatory by God through mention in the Qur'an. Sufficient cause of pride it is for you that whoever fails to invoke blessings on you in his prayer will fail to have his devotions (salat) accepted." [24]
Unlike the views of the mujtahids who founded the four Sunni schools, there is no contradiction or divergence among the teachings of the People of the House, for they were not engaged in independent reasoning on the ordinances of religion. Their teachings are identical with those of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, of which the Imams of the People of the House were infallibly aware. The utterances of the Imams cannot therefore be placed on the same level as the views of the founders of the four Sunni schools.
In view of all this, how can it be justified to ignore and neglect the teachings of the People of the House?
[1] See Qur'an, 26:214.
[2] Ahmad b. Hanbal, al-Musnad, Vol. I, pp. 111, 159. Ibn al-Athir, al-Kamil, Vol. II, p.22; al-Tabari, al-Tafsir, Vol. II, p. 216; Abu al-Fida', al-Tarikh, Vol. I, p. 119; al-Ganji, Kifayatal-Talib, p.89. al-Nasa'i, al-Khasa'is, p. 18; al-Halabi, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.304; Ibn Abi 'l-Hadid, Sharh, Vol. III, p. 255; al-Suyuti, Jam' al-Jawami', Vol. VI, p. 408; al-Khifaji, Sharh al-Shifa', Vol. III, p. 37.
[3] Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.245.
[4] al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 312.
[5] Ibn Majah, al-Sunan, Vol. I, p. 44; al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 112.
[6] al-Tabari, Tarikh, Vol. II, p. 172.
[7] al-Bukhari, al-Sahih, Vol. III, p.58; Muslim, al-Sahih, Vol. II, p. 323; Ibn M'ajah, al-Sunan, Vol. I, p. 28; al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 190; Ibn Hajar, Sawa'iq, p. 30; al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-'Ummal, Vol. VI, p. 152; al-Qunduzi, Yanabi' al-Mawaddah, p. 240; al-Nasa'i, al-Khasa'is ., p.7; Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat, Vol. III, p.24.
[8] al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 63; al-Nasa'i, al-Khasa'is ., p. 63; al-Hamawini, Fara'id al-simtayn, Vol. I, p. 328 al-Dhahabi, Talkhis al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 132; Ahmad b. Hanbal, al-Musnad, Vol. I, p. 331; al-Khwarazmi, al-Manaqib, p. 72; al-Ganji, Kifayat al-Talib, p. 116; Ibn Asakir, al-Tarikh al-Kabir, Vol. I, p. 203; al-Biladhuri, Ansab al-Ashraf, Vol. II, p. 106; Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah, Vol. VII, p. 338; al-'Asqalani, al-Isabah, Vol. II, p.509.
[9] Muslim, al-Sahih, Vol. VII, p. 120; Ibn 'Asakir, al-Tarikh al-Kabir, Vol. I, p. 334; Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah, Vol. VII, p. 341; al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-'Ummal, Vol. XIII, p. 163; Ibn Majah, al-Sunan, Vol. I, p.58; al-Nasa'i, al-Khasa'is, p.50; al-Qunduzi, Yanabi' al-Mawaddah, p. 51.
[10] See Qur'an, 20:29-32.
[11] al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-'Ummal, Vol. V, p.31.
[12] al-Halabi, al-Sirah, Vol. II, p. 97. Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.505.
[13] Ibn Sa'd, al-Tabaqat, Vol. VIII, p. 114.
[14] Ibn 'Abd al-Barr, al-Isti'ab, Vol. II, p. 460; al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, Tarikh Baghdadi, Vol. XII, p. 268; al-Firuzabadi, Fada'il al-Khhamsah, Vol. I, p.114.
[15] al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 414; al-Tirmidhi, Jami' al-Sahih, Vol. V
[16] al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-'Ummal, Vol. VI, p. 395.
[17] Ibn , Asakir, al-Tarikh al-Kabir, Vol. I, pp. 360-61; al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, Tarikh Baghdad, Vol. VII, p.453.
[18] al-Muttaqi al-Hindi, Kanz al-'Ummal, Vol. I, p. 250; Ibn Hajar, al-Sawa'iq, p. 75; al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 343; al-Qunduzi, Yanabi' al-Mawaddah, p. 257. Ibn al-Sabbagh, al-Fusul al-Muhimmah, p. 10; al-Sabban, Is'af al-Raghibin, p. 111; al-Shiblanji, Nur al-Absar, p. 114.
[19] Ibn Hajar, al-Sawa'iq, p. 140; al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 149.
[20] Ibn Hajar, al-Sawa'iq, p. 140; al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, Vol. III, p. 149.
[21] Ahmad b. Hanbal, al-Musnad, Vol. V, p. 181.
[22] Shaykh Muhammad Abu Zahrah, al-Imam al-Sadiq, p.66.
[23] Ibn Hajar, al-Sawa'iq, p. 108. See too al-Firuzabadi, Fada'il al-Khamsah, Vol. II, p.81.
[24] al-Shiblanji, Nur al-Absar, p. 104.

Imam 'Ali (A.S.) as the First Compiler of the Holy Quran

The course of this discussion will clearly reveal that the scholars from the various Islamic schools as well as the Qur'anic historians [the experts and researcher on the history of the compilation of the Imami/'Uthmani masahif and the masahif of some other ashab or the Prophet's (S) companions] including the non-Muslim Islamologists have no dispute over the historical fact and have mentioned repeatedly that Imam 'Ali bin Abi Talib ('a) was the firs compiler of the Glorious Qur'an, prior to the collection and the compilation of the 'Uthmani mushaf under the supervision of Zayd bin Thabit.
It is important to note that the issue of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) is neither based on inference nor is it a matter of belief but it is rather a historical and well-researched fact, and if there exists any dispute over this issue, it is regarding certain details and the eventual fate of this mushaf. The questions that are generally raised in this regard are:
1. Did Imam 'Ali ('a) collect and compile (bind together between two covers) the Glorious Qur'an in three days or did it take six months?
2. Did the act of "collecting" actually imply "memorization" or did it imply a literal "compilation"?
3. Was the Imam's mushaf compiled on the basis of the order of the revelation of the ayahs or was it compiled in the same sequence as the Uthmani mushaf and other masahif?
4. Did the mushaf also include an interpretation and if it did so, was it included along with the main text or was it marginal?
5. Did it also mention the nasikh wa mansukh (abrogator and abrogated) and their sha'n al-nuzul (the background of the revelation of the verses) as well as the explanatory notes on the muhkam wa mutashabih (clear and allegorical) verses? If so, were the Imam's recordings written within the margins or were they put down besides the main text; and wherever the sha'n al-nuzul was mentioned, did it explicitly contain particular names, not specitied in the main text of the Qur'an, and the names of the munafiqin in particular?
6. Did the nasikh (abrogator) verses appear first or were the mansukh verses put down first?
Attempts have been made to provide answers for these questions in different books of history, including the oldest and the most important of all, namely the Tarikh al-Ya'qubi (which has also been translated into Persian by the late Muhammad Ibrahim Ayati), as well as a number of other books, Qur'anic works, and histories of the Holy Qur'an like the al-Masahif of Sajistani (230-316 AH), the al-Fihrist of Ibn Nadim (b. 380 AH), the exegesis written by Shahristani (b. 548 AH), the al-Itqan of Suyuti (b. 911 AH), the Bihar al-Anwar of 'Allamah Majlisi (b. 1111 AH), and the later works like the History of the Qur'an by Nuldke (1836 - 1930 CE) written in German, the History of the Qur'an by Abu 'Abdullah Zanjani (b. 1360 AH), the History of the Qur'an by 'Abd al-Sabur Shahin (a contemporary writer), the histories of the Qur'an written by scholars like Mahmud Ramyar and Dr. Muhammad Baqir Hujjati, and a few other old and new sources.
Now let us refer to some old and new sources to find the answers to these questions nad to their existing issues and ambiguities in order to arrive at a more clear historical picture of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) which was the very first compiled mushaf after the passing away of the Prophet of Allah (S).
Ibn Wazih Ya'qubi has offered a detailed descussion on this noble mushaf and the description of its manner of compilation in his famous book on history, the Tarikh al-Ya'qubi. He writes:
It has been said that 'Ali bin Abi Talib ('a), following the passing away of the Prophet (S), prepared the mushaf and placed it on a camel and brought it (to the supposedly elderly ashab who were now in political power) and stated: "This is the Qur'an and I have compiled it", He (the Imam) had divided it into seven parts.
Then Ya'qubi mentions the seven parts in detail, along with the names of the surahs. The learned translator of this book into the Persian language, the late Muhammad Ibrahim Ayati, in a footnote referring to the number of the surahs has observed:
The surahs mentioned (by Ya'qubi) are hundred and nine in number and five surahs have been missed out.(1)
The late scholar Mahmud Ramyar has offered the most comprehensive, the most documented, and the most critical discussion on the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a), including the views and comments of others, in his book on the history of the Qur'an. As regards Ya'qubi's book on history and the information provided on the mushaf Imam 'Ali ('a), Mahmud Ramyar mentions:
The other source available is the Tarikh al-Ya'qubi (ibn al-Wazih). This book has recorded historical incidents until the year 252 AH. It is a very reliable book but alas, the sequence (tartib) that it mentions does not match with any narrative or knowledge of the manner. He then quotes the seven parts in detail, and continues as follows) "...The total number of surahs mentioned is one hundred and nine and the five surahs that have not been mentioned are the Fatihah al-Kitab (1), al-Ra'd (12), Saba (34), al-Tahrim (66), and al-'Alaq (96).
Besides this sequece (tartib), Ya'qubi refers to yet another sequence, and quotes Imam 'Ali ('a) as saying:
The Qur'an was revealed in four sections. One-fourth of it is regarding us, one-fourth is against those who hold enmity towards us, one fourth of it contains parables, and one-fourth of it is on the muhkam wa mutashabih (clear and allegorical verses).
However, the fact of the matter is that the description provided by Ya'qubi in dividing the Qur'n into seven sections seems rather strange. That which almost all the historians and narrators have mentioned is the sequence of the surahs in the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) according to te order of their revelation, along with the reasons of revelation as well as the explanatory notes on many of the ambiguities in the Qur'an. Ya'qubi's description, however, the views of all the historians and narrators on this issue.
Most of the narrations indicate that Imam 'Ali ('a) mushaf was compiled on the basis of the order of the revelation of the surahs. For example, beginning with the surah al-'Alaq (Iqra') (96), al-Muddaththir (74), and so on. However, there are differing views as regards the contents of the mushaf nad whether it contained only the revealed text or whether it also contained the sha'n al-nuzul (reasosns of revelation of the verses) and the nasikh wa mansukh (abrogator and abrogated).
Imam al-Baqir ('a) says:
Anyone claiming to have compiled the Glorious Qur'an, exactly in the order that it was revealed by Allah, the Almighty, has lied because no one except 'Ali bin Abi Talib ('a) has collected and compiled the Qur'an in the order of its revelation.
This is a statement from one of the members Ahl al-Bayt ('a) and is the final statement but we do not have any information on its details. It is interesting to note that there is also a narration that attributes two non-original surahs supposedly named, Khal' and Hafad to Imam 'Ali ('a). In a nutshell, it has been said that Imam 'Ali's ('a) mushaf was compiled in the order of the revelation of the verses, containing their sha'n al-nuzul, the timw of their revelation, as well as the interpretation of the allegorical verses, specifying the nasikh was mansukh (abrogator and abrogated) and the general and specific ('amm wa khass), as well as the method of recitation.
However, the differences among the various qaris (recitors) on the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) or its recitation, based on the information that is available among us today, are mainly the differences in accent or pronunciation (tajwid). Only in three cases, viz. in the Surahs al-'Asr (103), al-A'raf (7:32), and al-Shu'ara' (ayah 215) can any major differences be observed, along with descriptive and exegetic sentences. But it is not really possible to confirm as to what degree these various claims are reliable. What has been attraibuted to Imam 'Ali ('a) as regards the Surah al-'Asr, is very different from the prevalent and existing trend of recitation, in spite of the fact that even the current trend of recitation can be sourced to Imam 'Ali ('a). Therefore, the validity of these narrations is under doubt. Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq ('a) has said (2):
There is a book in our possession dictated by the Prophet of Allah (S) and written in the hand of 'Ali ('a).(3)
Mahmud Ramyar then discusses two other important matters. Firstly, the point that he brings up is that the mushaf attributed to Imam 'Ali ('a) contains as a signature, the words "This has been written by 'Ali bin Abi Talib," whereas according to the rules of grammar, it should have been written as "'Ali bin Abi (not Abu) Talib". However, by referring to some older documentations and certain authentic quotations, he goes on to prove that this style of grammar was used in the early days of Islam and was prevalent even a little prior to the advent of Islam and therefore, it cannot be referred to as a reason to invalidate the attribution of the mushaf to Imam 'Ali ('a).(4) Despite this argument, the validity of the attribution of the said mushaf to Imam 'Ali ('a) would certainly require some solid and irrefutable evidence.
The second point discussed by Ramyar is that several (perhaps more than ten) hand-written manuscripts, all in the Kufic script and scribed on deer-skin, are famous as the Masahif of 'Ali ('a), and in his opinion, it is logically improbable that the Imam ('a) had actually written several copies of the Glorious Qur'an. The late Ramyar then enumerates the reasons for the existence of the numerous masahif attributed to Imam 'Ali ('a).(5)
The second important and ancient (3 century AH) source that has made a reference to the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) is the book, Kitab al-Masahif, written by Sajistani (230-316 AH), whose complete name is Hafiz Abu Bakr 'Abdullah bin Abi Dawud Sulayman bin Ash'ath.
(As regards his high status in the field of research on the Glorious Qur'an and its various forms of recitation please refer to al-A'lam of Zirikli, The Encyclopedia of the Qur'an and Research on the Qur'an as well as the introduction to the book al-Masahif compiled by Arthur Jeffery, the great Islamologist and Qur'anic reaearch scholar who has written several books on the Qur'an, which has been translated into Persian by Feraydun Badrih'i).
In his book, in the section entitled, The compilation of the Qur'an into a book by 'Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), Sajistani writes:
'Abdullah quoting through Muhammad bin Isma'il Ahmasi through Ibn Fuzay through Ash'ath through Muhammad bin Sirin Tabi'i(33 - 110 AH), a resident of Basrah and one of the greatest of the scholars of his age in most Islamic sciences, the author of the famous book, Ta'bir al-Ru'ya, (refer to al-A'lam Zirikli) has narrated for our benefit that when the noble Prophet (S) passed away, (Imam) 'Ali ('a) pledged that he would not put the cloak on his shoulers (dress up or leave home) except for participating in the Friday congregational prayers, until he would complete the collection and the compilation of the Glorious Qur'an in a mushaf. After a few days, Abu Bakr sent comeone to invite him [Imam 'Ali ('a)]. And as the Imam ('a) visited him, Abu Bakr said: 'O Aba al-Hasan! Are you unhappy about our authority?' The Imam ('a) replied: 'By Allah that it is not so; except that I have sworn not to dress up or to leave home unless it is for participating in the Friday congregational prayers, until I complete the collection and the compilation of the Glorious Qur'an.' He then shook hands with him and returned.
Thereafter, in a statement that appears within parenthesis, indicating the inclusion of some matter from another text, the following has been stated:
Abu Bakr (Sajistani) says: 'No one besides Ash'ath has mentioned anything about the presence or the compilation of a mushaf and his words are not true; and it is worth mentioning that it has been said that the sentence, '...until I compile the Qur'an', actually implies, 'until I complete its memorization', because anyoune who memorizes the Qur'an is said to have 'compiled' the Qur'an.(6)
The third reliable and old (4 century AH) source making a mention of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) is the book, al-Fihrist, by Ibn Nadim (b. 380 AH). In the section on the compilers of the Qur'an during the times of the Prophet of Allah (S), he first mentions the name, "'Ali bin Abi Talib, rizwan Allah 'alayh.(7)
In the same section, under the topic "Arrangement of the Surahs of the Qur'an in Mushaf Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali bin Abi Talib karrama Allah wajhah", he writes:
Ibn al-Munadi says: "hasan bin 'Abbas said to me: I came to know through 'Abd al-Rahman bin Abi Hammad, through Hakam bin Zuhayr Sadusi, through 'Abd Khayr, who said regading 'Ali ('a): 'After the passing away of the Prophet (S), he witnessed the concern and apprehension of the people and therefore took an oath that he would not remove his cloak until he would compile the Qur'an. Thereafter, he sat at home for three days and compiled the Glorious Qur'an; and that is the first mushaf in which the Qur'an is collected and compiled through his memory. This mushaf was with Ja'far's family and I personally saw a mushaf with Abu Ya'la Hamzah al-Hasani, that was in 'Ali bin Abi Talib's ('a) handwriting, and some pages were missing from it, and it was preserved by the Bani Hasan family as a legacy (passing from one generation to the next); and the order of the surahs in this mushaf is...'."
Unfortunately the discussion regarding the names and the order of the surahs is missing from this reliable book, and it is not clear whether this has been intentional or unintentional.
One of the important documents that has been recently of Amir al-Mu'minin ('a) is the book, Tafsir Mafatih al-Asrar wa Masabih al-Abrar, written by the great scholar, Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Karim al-Shahristani (b. 548 AH), the author of the famous book, al-Milal wa al-Nihal, who considered himself as an Ash'ari in theology, and the follower of the Shafi'i scholl in jurisprudence. Following the discovery of this book and the subsequent publication of its photographed version (by Markaz Nashr Nusakh Khatti, Tehran) in two volumes as well as the typeset publication of its first volume, researched by Dr. Muhammad 'Ali Azarshab, along with some explanatory notes and published by Markaz Nashr Mirath Maktub (The Center for the Publication of Written Heritage) in the year 1997, it has become evident and proved that Shahristani had strong Shi'ite inclinations (probably of the Isma'ili sect). In the second chapter of his introduction to the manner of the compilation of the glorious Qur'an, he talks about a mushaf that was with Imam Ali ('a) and writes that on the recommendation of the Prophet of Allah (S) the Imam had included sme exegetical secrets in that mushaf. He then reprimands the ashab [the Prophet's (S) companions] who had assumed charge of the compilation of the Qur'an for not accepting the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) and then continues as under:
...After completing the funeral rites of the Prophet (S), he (Imam Ali) took an oath not to wear a robe, except for attending the Friday prayers, until he compiled the Qur'an; because he had been categorically commanded to do so. He then collected and compiled the Qur'an in the orcder of its revelation without any tampering or addition or subtraction. The Prophet of Allah (S) had earlier mentione (to him) the order and the position of the verses and the chapters ot the Qur'an as regards their sequence...(8)
He then presents a rare point that has perhaps not been mentioned in any other source. In his own words:
... And it has been said that his [Imam 'Ali's ('a)] mushaf comprised the main text and the commentaries within margins.(9)
And then continues as under:
And it is said that after completing its compilation he took it to the people (the so-called elderly ashab) who had gathered in the mosque. They carried it with difficulty and it is said that it was as large as a camel-load. The Imam ('a) announced to them: 'This is the Book of Allah exactly as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S) and I have compiled it between two covers. They said: 'Pick the mushaf and take it back with you, we are not in need of it.' The Imam ('a) said: 'By Allah, you will never see it again. Since I had compiled it, it was my responsibility to inform you about the compilation.' He [the Imam ('a)] then returned home, reciting this verse: '...O my Lord! Surely my people have treated this Qur'an as a forsaken thing'. (25:30) (10)
Another significant feature of the book, Mafatih al-Asrar, is that it quotes the sequence of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) from Muqatil bin Sulaymn (b. 150 AH).
An outstanding feature of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) is that, as stated by Shaykh Mufid (b. 413 AH) and some other research scholars, it contains the interpretations of the meanings of the Qur'anic verses.(11) Moreover, the mansukh (abrogated) verses precede the nasikh (abrogating) ones.(12) It has also been said that the Imam's ('a) mushaf had clarified many ambiguities, including the names of some of the munafiqin (hypocrites), in the margin of the mushaf. These are, in fact, the reasons why this mushaf was not acceptable (by some ashab) and Imam 'Ali ('a), while approving of the Imami/Uthmani mushaf hid his own mushaf forever; and many Shi'ite sources believe that this mushaf has passed on from one generation to the next, of the Imfallible Imams ('a), and is presently in the possession of the Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance)].(13) Certainly, there is no doubt over the historical existence of the mushaf of Imam 'Ali ('a) and its exclusivity in comparison with the other masahif.
Notes:
1. Al-Shahristani, Muhammad bin 'Abd al-Karim, Mafatih al-Asrar wa Masabih al-Abrar; Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, Vol 2, pp. 15-16, with some changes in certain phrases.
2. Kulayni, Muhammad bin Ya'qub, Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 1, p. 242.
3. Ramyar, Muhmud, The History of Qur'an, pp. 365-373.4. Ibid., pp. 374-477.
5. Ibid., p. 378.
6. Al-Masahif, Cairo: al-Matba'ah al-Rahmaniyyah, 1355 AH/1936 CE., p. 10.
7. Al-Nadim, Abu al-Faraj Muhammad bin Abi Ya'qub Ishaq, al-Fihrist, researched by Riza Tajaddud, Tehran: Maktabah al-Asadi and Maktabah al-Ja'fari al-Tabrizi, 1391 AH/ 1979 CE., p. 30.
8. Al-Shahristani, Mafatih al-Asrar wa Masabih al-Abrar, the photographed version, p. 5.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid., vol. 1, p. 12, research and explanatory notes by Dr. Azarshab.
11. Mufid, Awa'il al-Maqalat, p. 94.
12. Al-Zanjani, Abu 'Abdullah, Tarikh al-Qur'an, p. 54.
13. Haqayiq Hammah, p. 160.

Imam Ali Bin Abu Talib (A.S): The pioneer of Thought and Wisdom

1. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "O 'Ali, I am the master of the messengers, and you are the commander of the faithful, Imam of the Allah-fearing, and leader of the excellent, famous ones."
As for Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, he is the pioneer of thought and wisdom in Islam. He is the soul of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, gate of the city of his knowledge, and his testamentary trustee after him. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, lauded his exalted rank and great position. No tradition has been transmitted from him, may Allah bless him and his family, concerning his praising any of his companions like his praising Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him. His purpose of that is to provide evidence of his succession after him.
2. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When I was ascended to the heaven, Gabriel took me by the hand and sat me on a darnuk of the Garden. Then he gave me a quince from it (the Garden), and it (the quince) and what was therein was prepared for Imam 'Ali, peace be on him."
Certainly, Allah has prepared for 'Ali, peace be on him, all favors of the hereafter and made him dwell Paradise and live wherever he likes.
3. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "O 'Ali, I asked my Lord to give me five qualities regarding you, and He gave (them) to me. As for the first of them, it is that I asked my Lord to split open the ground and to dust my head and you were with me, so He (Allah) gave it to me. As for the second, it is that I asked my Lord to let me stop by the Scale of the Balance and you were with me, so He gave it to me. As for the third, it is that I asked him to make you the carrier of the standard, which was the Standard of Allahu Akbar under which were those who gained the Garden, and He gave it to me. As for the fourth, it is that I asked my Lord (to let) you water my community from my pond (hawd), and He gave it to me. As for the fifth, it is that I asked my Lord to make you the leader of my community to the Garden, so my Lord gave it to me. Praise belongs to Allah who has bestowed that upon me!"
Surely, Allah singled Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, with all noble qualities and endowed him with all virtues. He accepted the supplication of His Prophet when he asked Him to give these qualities and virtues to 'Ali.
4. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When the Day of Resurrection occurs, I will take hold of the hijjza of Allah; you will hold my hijjza; your sons will grasp your hijjza; and the Shï'ites of your sons will take hold of their hijjza."
Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, has a noble rank with Allah, the Exalted. Through this rank he has gained exaltedness over the righteous and the Allah-fearing, and through it he, his sons, and his Shi'ites will be distinguished from the rest of the people on the Day of Judgment.
5. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:]
"O 'Ali, you will be the Divider of the Garden and of the Fire; you will knock at the gate of the Garden and enter it with out any reckoning."
This tradition has been narrated by a group of religious scholars from among the Shi'ites and the Sunnis. It gives an account of the outstanding merit of Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, and his great importance with Allah, which none of the people has ever reached except the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family.
6. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When the Day of Resurrection occurs, you and your sons will be on the (backs of) piebald horses and crowned with pearls and corundum. Allah will order you (to be taken) to the Garden and the people look (at you)."
How great the rank of the Imam and his pure sons with Allah is! For He has singled them out with all noble qualities and distinguished them from the rest of his creatures.
7. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "When the Day of Resurrection occurs, I will be called out from inside the Throne: The best father is your father Ibrahim; the best brother is your brother 'Ali b. Abu` Ta`lib!"
Allah singled His great Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, with all kinds of excellence of which is that he was among the progeny of Ibrahim, Allah's bosom friend, and that his brother was Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, who defended the word of monotheism, the values and principles of Islam.
8. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Verily, Allah ordered me to love four (persons): 'Ali, Salman, Abu` Dharr, and al-Miqdad b. al-Aswad."
Surely, these four (leading figures) took part in building Islam and carried the torch of monotheism; accordingly, Allah ordered his Prophet to love them, for they were among the elements of piety and righteousness.
9. He, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "O 'Ali, surely, Allah has already forgiven you, your progeny, your Shi'ites, those who love your Shi'ites, those who love the lover of your Shi'ites; therefore be cheerful, for you are free from polytheism and full of knowledge."
Imam 'Ali, peace be on him, had great communication with Allah, the Exalted, so Allah endowed him with this excellence of forgiving him, his children, his Shi'ites, and their followers.
10. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "Whomsoever I am his Master, then 'Ali is his master. O Allah, be friend of one who is his friend and be the enemy of one who is his enemy; and desert one who deserts him and help one who helps him."
The Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, declared these brilliant words, which were the most expensive medals he gave to the Imam, on the Day of Ghadir Khum, which is the most important 'Id in Islamic world, for he appointed the Imam as a successor after him and ordered the Muslims to pledge allegiance to him. They pledged allegiance to him, so did the wives of the Prophet, May Allah bless him and his family. On that immortal day, the greatest favor toward the Muslims was completed, and on it this holy verse was revealed: This day I have completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion.
11. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "O 'Ali, had it not been for you, the believers would not have been recognized after me."
Surely, Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, is the measure through whom the believer is distinguished from the sinner; so, he who loves him is a believer and he who shows enmity toward him is a sinner. 'Aisha says:
When gold is touched by a touchstone, its cheat appears without doubt.
Cheat is in us, and 'Ali, the purified gold, is like a touchstone among us.1
12. Through his chain of authorities, he said: ['Ali b. Abu Talib, peace be on him, related to me. He said:] "I have inherited two books from Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family: the Book of Allah, the Exalted, and a book concerning the sheath of my sword."
He was asked: "O Commander of the faithful, what is the book concerning the sheath of your sword?"
"He who kills other than his killer and hits other than his hitter, then the curse of Allah be upon him." Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, inherited all qualities of the Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, of which are what he, peace be on him, has mentioned above.
13. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "O 'Ali, you have been given three (things) the like of which I have not been given."
I (i.e. 'Ali) asked: "May my father and mother be your ransom, what have I been given?"
He, may Allah bless him and his family, replied: "You have been given a father-in-law like me; you have been give a wife like Fatima, peace be on her; and you have been given the like of your two sons, al-Hasan and al-Husayn."
Allah, the Most High, singled Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, with these three traits with which He had never endowed anyone.
14. Through his chain of authorities, he, peace be on him, said: [Allah's Messenger, may Allah bless him and his family, said:] "On the Day of Resurrection there will be no rider other than us, and we will be four."
A man from the Ansar stood up and asked him: "O Allah's Apostle, who are they?"
He (the Apostle) replied: "I will be on (the back of) al-Baraq riding animal; and my brother (Prophet) Salih on Allah's she-camel which was slaughtered; my uncle Hamza on my she-camel al-'Adba`'; and my brother 'Ali b. Abu Talib, peace be on him, on one of the she-camels of the Garden and the Standard of Praise will be in his hand; and he will say: There is no god but Allah; Muhammad, may Allah bless him and his family, is the Messenger of Allah! So the human beings will say: That is an angel brought nigh or a prophet sent out or the bearer of the Throne. So an angel from the inside of the Throne will answer them: O group of human beings, that is not angel brought nigh nor a prophet sent out nor a bearer of the Throne; that is 'Ali b. Abu Talib!"
Certainly, on the Day of Resurrection, Allah, the Most High, will manifest the position of His friend Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, and his exalted rank with Him, to the extent that He will make the prophets brought nigh, the messengers sent out, His friends, and the rest of the creatures know the importance of the Imam with Him.
15. Through his chain of authorities, he said: ['Ali, peace be on him, said:] "He who loves me finds me at his death in such a manner which he loves; and he who hates me finds me at his death in such a manner which he hates."
Many traditions indicate that Imam 'Ali, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, attends at the death of everyone, believer and unbeliever. He asks the Angel of Death to treat the person gently if he/she is a believer; and he asks him to treat the person roughly if he/she is unbeliever.