Consider the following...

Thereafter he coughed a little and recited [the following verses of Surat al-Mu’minun]: In the name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful. Indeed the believers have become victorious (23:1)...

Thereupon the Messenger of Allah said: Surely they have gained victory by you; You are, by Allah, their Amir (commander) , you provide them from your knowledge, and hence they gain knowledge; and I swear by Allah you are their Guide, and I swear by Allah they attain guidance through you.[^6] This tradition has so many allusions worthy of contemplation.

Not only does the Holy Prophet (S) call Imam ‘Ali (AS) as the commander of the faithful, but also informs us the close relationship between one’s commandership of the faithful and one’s vast knowledge. In clearer words, since Imam ‘Ali (AS) is the commander of the faithful he practically serves as the source and treasure trove of their knowledge. And that is why he provides them with the knowledge they require.

Another allusion worthy of consideration is that Imam (AS) upon birth already manifested an ocean of knowledge. Perhaps it alludes to the Muhammadan Light ( al-Nur al-Muhammadi ) where he unites with the Holy Prophet (S). For, any kind of grace, whether knowledge or otherwise, is conferred to the creation through this very reality.