This is while the other did not possess those virtues.

This is while the other did not possess those virtues.[^12] Among the Banu Hashim, ‘Ali ( ‘a ) was also the nearest person to the Prophet (S). He grew up in the house of the Prophet (S) and under his training.[^13] He ( ‘a ) slept in the Prophet’s (S) bed during the night of hijrah , returned to their respective owners the possessions entrusted to the Prophet (S) and joined the Prophet (S) in Medina.[^14] The most important of all is ‘Ali’s ( ‘a ) position in Islam.

The Most Noble Messenger (S) determined this position at the very beginning of the Prophetic mission. When the Prophet received instruction from God to invite his kith and kin, it was only ‘Ali in the assembly who was ready to assist and accompany the Holy Prophet ( ‘a ).

Then, in that very assembly, the Most Noble Messenger (S) announced before the elders among his relatives that ‘Ali is the executor of his will { wasi }, minister { wazir }, caliph { khalif }, and successor notwithstanding the fact the he was the youngest among those who were present.[^15] The Holy Prophet (S) informed his on several occasions of the status and…