And this was done through Harith Ibn Nu'man's devotion and...

And this was done through Harith Ibn Nu'man's devotion and leaving his house for 'Ali.[^12] Perhaps due to such a reason, 'Abd Allah Ibn 'Umar said, “For knowing 'Ali's status to the prophet, you'd better see location of his house to that of the prophet.”[^13] In the course of the brotherhood, the Messenger selected 'Ali (a) as his “brother”.[^14] When the Messenger made sermon, Imam 'Ali (a) used to repeat his remarks in a farther distance.[^15] And in the time of the Prophet's anger, no one but 'Ali (a) dared to talk to him.[^16] People made 'Ali (a) as their mediator in solving their problems.[^17] Quoting 'Ayisha, the Sunnites said, “Fatima among the women and 'Ali among the men were the most beloved to the Messenger.” [^18] In Manzalat tradition which is one of the most definite merits of Imam, the Messenger regarded his relationship with 'Ali (a) as that of Moses with Aaron.[^19] In case of any problem, when someone was to be sent for settling things, The Messenger sent 'Ali (a).[^20] Once Imam was asked, why is it that you quote traditions more than the other companions?

He answered, ** ** لأني كنت إذا سألته أنبأني وإذا سكتّ ابتدأني “ Because When I asked the Messenger a question, He taught me the knowledge and when I kept silent, he started to speak himself.”[^21] Imam used to say, I faced nothing unknown unless I asked of the Messenger about it and committed the answer to my memory[^22].

I memorized everything he said and never forgot anything.[^23] In a letter he wrote, ** ** وأنا من رسول الله كالصنو من الصنو والذراع من العضد “ My relation with the Messenger is that of one branch with another or of the wrist with the arm.”[^24] He said, “I followed the Messenger just as a baby camel follows its mother.”[^25] إني لم أردّ على الله ولا على رسوله ساعة قطّ “I never disobeyed God or his Messenger at all.”[^26] Concerning the declaration of aquittance, God told His Messenger, This message must be delivered either by you or someone on behalf of you.

That is why he made Abu Bakr return midway and handed the message to Imam 'Ali so that it might be read on “Greater Pilgrimage”.[^27] There are beautiful sentences, in Qasi'a sermon, about Imam's intimacy with the Messenger. Here are some of his remarks, “You know my position of close kinship and special relationship with the Prophet. From the very beginning of my life he took me in his lap and kept me embraced to his chest.