There is also the tradition that “‘Alī is part of me and I...

There is also the tradition that “‘Alī is part of me and I am part of ‘Alī and nobody acts on my behalf except ‘Alī” (Aḥmad, Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājah, Nasā‘ī, Ibn Kathīr, Suyūṭī, Ṣadūq, Mufīd, Kulaynī). In a passage from the well-known tradition of Ghadīr, delivered shortly before the Prophet’s death, ‘Alī successorship is once again confirmed: “Oh People!” said the Prophet, “Allāh granted me the wilāyah [guardianship], placing me above all believers.

To whom I have been the master, ‘Alī is also his master [ fa man kuntu mawlāhu fa ‘Alī mawlāhu ] (Hākim, Dhahabī, Aḥmad, Tirmidhī, Ṣadūq, Mufīd, Kulaynī).”[^16] In relation to this Shī‘ite doctrine of the “Muḥammadan Light” there is a ḥadīth from the Prophet which affirms that he and ‘Alī are two identical and pre-existing lights that…