Are you not satisfied that your position to me is the same...

Are you not satisfied that your position to me is the same as (Prophet) Aaron’s position to (Prophet) Moses except that there will be no prophet after me?” Ibn `Abd al-Barr al-Qurtubi, a Sunni scholar of the fifth century, writes: The Holy Prophet appointed `Ali as his successor during the war of Tabuk; he was elected to be the Holy Prophet’s successor for his family and for the people of the city, telling him, “Your position to me is the same as Aaron’s position to Moses… etc.” On the words of al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Holy Prophet likened `Ali to Prophet Aaron in relation to Prophet Moses.[^100] This epoch–making statement of the Holy Prophet, which is called hadith al-manzilah (Narration of Position) is a clear proof of Imamate.

Although this statement is uttered only on a specific occasion, Imam `Ali used to resemble Prophet Aaron in all cases of his associations with the Holy Prophet.[^101] Hardships and obstacles on the way Despite all these obstacles, the army of Islam left Medina, but as it could be predicted; Muslims encountered a lot of hardships concerning the long distances to be covered, the meager number of horses,[^102] the extreme heat and scarcity of water.

For this reason, this war, in the history of Islam, is called war of hardship[^103] or the miserable army.[^104] In any case, the army of Islam arrived at the land of Tabuk. There was no trace of the Roman army.

The whole report of the Roman army had been false.[^105] This rumor had been fabricated to bring forth worry in the Islamic territory.[^106] The Holy Prophet's treaties with local governors The Holy Prophet stayed twenty days in Tabuk[^107] during which he convened treaties with the governor of Aylah and the people of Jarba' and Adhruh. They were obliged to pay tributes.

After a military expedition, the powerful king of Dawmat al-Jandal surrendered and had to pay tribute.[^108] The war of Tabuk took place in the ninth year of Hegira[^109] and some aspects of it are reflected in Surah al-Tawbah, which mainly deals with the hardships and weaknesses of some Muslims at the time of mobilization and the sabotages of the hypocrites. The famous issue of masjid zirar, or a mosque to cause harm and for unbelief, coincided with the war of Tabuk.