Naturally...

Naturally, this lofty position only befits those who are free of mistake by Allah’s protection, and are absolutely obedient to Allah. See later explanation the term “divine protection” in the footnotes. As such, the pinnacle of monotheism, faith in My religion, and completion of My blessings over My creation is (achieved only) through following Ali, whose obedience is joint to the obedience of Muhammad (PBUH&HF), My Prophet, as well as My obedience.

Anyone who obeys him has indeed obeyed Me, and anyone who disobeys him has indeed disobeyed Me. I have placed him as a (distinguishing) flag amongst My creation so that whoever recognizes him is a believer, whoever denies him is a disbeliever, and whoever associates anyone in pledge with him is a polytheist (in obedience of Allah). One who meets Me (on the Day of Judgement) having accepted him as his guardian shall enter Paradise, and one who meets me having enmity of him shall enter the Fire.

Hence, O Muhammad, raise him as the banner (of truth), remind and renew people’s covenant and pledge that you have already taken (informally in several occasions), for I shall soon take your soul.’” Because what he (PBUH&HF) knew of the inner enmity and hatred of the hypocrites and the dissenters against Ali (PBUH), the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) was concerned about them lest (upon conveying this message) they disperse (people) and return them to the days of ignorance.

Thus, he requested Angel Gabriel to ask his Lord for protection from the evil deign of people, and waited to receive this protection for delivering the message. Similarly, when the Prophet (PBUH&HF) reached the Khif mosque as well as the time the Prophet (PBUH&HF) reached Kuraa al-Ghamim after leaving Mecca for Medina, Gabriel came to him bringing the same order without giving protection.

The Prophet (PBUH&HF) said, “O Gabriel, I am afraid that my people will reject me and will not accept my saying concerning Ali (PBUH).” Once they reached the pond of Khum, three miles before Juhfa, it was five hours past sunrise. At that moment, Gabriel descended upon him again with an admonition and a guarantee of protection from the evil of people, saying, “O Muhammad! Surely, Allah, the mighty and the majestic, conveys greetings to you and states, ‘O Messenger!