Scholars and commentator have widely related that this verse...

Scholars and commentator have widely related that this verse was in excellence of Imam Ali (a.s.) and it mentions such excellence as is not related to anyone else. It is that the Holy Prophet (S) whispered some secrets to Amirul Momineen (a.s.) and kept them confidential by the command of Allah, which shows such affinity that it is not seen for anyone of the Prophet’s helpers and companions.

It is obvious that when Allah commanded that whosoever speaks secretly to the Messenger of Allah (S), he must give alms (Sadaqah), no one was able to fulfill this condition. His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) fulfilled the condition inspite of difficult circumstances due to lack of affluence, and thus this verse was revealed. His Eminence, Ali (a.s.) says that “this verse proves my excellence over all the Muslims, because whatever I did was not accomplished by anyone else.

That is, I gave ten dirhams in alms to be have a confidential conversation with the Messenger of Allah (S). After that the Almighty Allah abrogated the above verse after ten days.” Umar says, “How I wish that Allah had granted me this honor! We should know that this secret talk took place during the Taif expedition. Only speaking to Ali (a.s.) in this manner shows that Allah did not consider anyone else eligible for Imamate.

It is a matter of great surprise that knowing such excellence of Imam Ali (a.s.), Umar did not allow him to become a Caliph. Rather, he put so many restrictions that Ali (a.s.) should not become the Caliph even after his (Umar’s) death! Bravo! This is called ‘confession of excellence’! We should know that there are many verses in Quran that prove immediate successorship of Imam Ali (a.s.).

Some of them are as follows: “And most surely, I am most Forgiving to him who repents and believes and does good, then continues to follow the right direction.” [^7] “…then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity, they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead, and seeking to give in (their own) interpretation, but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge, say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord, and none do mind except those having understanding.” [^8] “Come, let us call our sons and your sons and our women and your women and our near people and your near people, then let us be earnest in prayer, and pray for the curse of Allah on the liars.” [^9] “Or do they envy the people for what Allah has given them of His grace?