ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Peshawar Nights Fifth Session, Tuesday night, 27th Rajab 1345 A.H. Hafiz: From your eloquent talk last night, I conclude that you wanted to prove that ‘Ali was the immediate successor of the Prophet, though in fact this hadith has only a specific significance. It was narrated during the journey of Tabuk. There is no proof that it has general significance. Well-Wisher: In this hadith the word "Manzila" (Rank) is used in the general sense.

The word showing exception clearly proves that the reference is of general significance. The Prophet named ‘Ali along with the word "prophet" and described his ‘Manzila’ using the phrase: “except that there shall be no prophet after me.” Most eminent ulama’ and authors have quoted the hadith from the Prophet, who is reported to have said to ‘Ali.

"Are you not content that you are to me as Aaron was to Moses except that there shall be no prophet after me?" During his absence of forty days, Moses did not leave matters to the discretion of his followers. He appointed Aaron, the best man among the Isra'ilis, to act as his Caliph and successor. Similarly the last prophet, whose religion is most perfect, had even greater reason to protect his people from the chaos of their free will.

He preserved the code of religion so that it might not pass into the hands of the ignorant, those who would change it according to their whims. The ignorant people would depend on their own conjecture and create divisions in the matter of law. So, in this sacred hadith the Prophet says: "‘Ali is to me as Aaron was to Moses," confirming that ‘Ali held the same levels of merit and authority as Aaron did.

‘Ali was superior to the whole umma (community), and therefore the Prophet appointed him his helper and his successor. Hafiz: What you have said about this hadith is above question. But if you just consider the matter carefully, you will admit that this hadith has no general significance. Its significance is confined to the Battle of Tabuk when the Prophet appointed ‘Ali his Caliph for a fixed time.

Hadith of manzila narrated several times Well-Wisher: You might have been justified in your remark if this hadith had been narrated at Tabuk only. But the Prophet repeated the same hadith on different occasions. It was narrated when brotherhood among different individuals among the muhajirs (refugees) was established in Mecca.