Imam Ali (a) is above the divine prophets
Why do Shia Muslims consider Ali (a.s.) superior to all prophets except the Messenger of God (s.a.w.)?
The belief of Shia Muslims in the superiority of Imam Ali (a.s.) over all prophets is supported by numerous pieces of evidence and arguments, some of which are briefly mentioned here. One such example is the event of **Mubahala**, where, according to the consensus of commentators, the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) in this event were Lady Fatimah, Hasan, Husayn, and Imam Ali (peace be upon them). Therefore, the terms "our women," "our sons," and "our souls" mentioned in the verse refer to these four individuals. Another example is the Prophet's (s.a.w.) description of the virtues of Amir al-Mu'minin (a.s.), where he said, "If anyone wishes to see the knowledge of Adam, the understanding of Noah, the devotion of Moses, the awe of Jesus, and the perfection and beauty of Muhammad, let them look at Ali (a.s.)." Another piece of evidence is the **Hadith al-Tayr**, in which Amir al-Mu'minin (a.s.) is described as the most beloved of God's creation. Therefore, since both Shia and Sunni Muslims agree that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the greatest of all prophets, Amir al-Mu'minin (a.s.) is also considered superior to all prophets except the Messenger of God (s.a.w.).
Ali (a.s.) as the Self of the Prophet
During the event of **Mubahala** between the Prophet (s.a.w.) and the Christians of Najran, God addressed the Prophet, saying: ﴾3:61﴿ ("Say, 'Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls, then let us pray earnestly...'"). There is a consensus among commentators[1] that the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.) in this event were Fatimah al-Zahra (a.s.), who represented "our women," Hasan (a.s.) and Husayn (a.s.), who represented "our sons," and Ali (a.s.), who undoubtedly represented "our souls." This is because, firstly, "our souls" cannot refer to the same individuals as "our sons" and "our women," and secondly, it is clear from the verse that one does not invite themselves. Therefore, "our souls" refers to someone other than the Prophet (s.a.w.), and that is Ali (a.s.). Thus, Ali (a.s.) is so elevated in virtues and perfection that he is considered the self of the Prophet (s.a.w.). It is agreed upon by both Shia and Sunni Muslims that the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is superior to all other prophets.[2]
Therefore, Ali (a.s.) is superior to all prophets except the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), as the gap between the Prophet (s.a.w.) and previous prophets is vast, while the gap between Ali (a.s.) and the Prophet (s.a.w.) is not as significant, as indicated by the term "our souls."
All the Virtues and Perfections of the Prophets in Ali (a.s.)
According to a well-documented hadith narrated by both Shia and Sunni sources, the Prophet (s.a.w.) once said in a gathering of his companions: "Whoever wishes to see the knowledge of Adam, the understanding of Noah, the devotion of Moses, the awe of Jesus, and the perfection and beauty of Muhammad, let them look at this man approaching us." The Prophet was referring to Ali (a.s.), who was approaching at that moment.[3]
Based on the above narrations, which have been reported in various forms by multiple narrators, all the virtues and perfections of the prophets are present in Ali (a.s.), except for prophethood itself. Therefore, Ali (a.s.) is superior to all prophets except the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).
Hadith al-Tayr
It has been narrated by Anas ibn Malik, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Abu Rafi', Ibn Abbas, and Abu Abdullah Basri that one day, the Prophet (s.a.w.) was about to eat a bird that had been gifted to him by one of his companions. At that moment, the Prophet raised his hands in supplication and said: "O God, bring to me the most beloved of Your creation to eat this bird with me." At that moment, Ali (a.s.) entered the Prophet's house and ate the bird with him.[4]
From this narration, it is understood that Ali (a.s.) is the most beloved of God's creation, as the Prophet's statement was not limited to a specific time or group. It is clear that the most beloved of God's creation is also the most virtuous. Therefore, based on the Prophet's (s.a.w.) statement, Ali (a.s.) is superior to all prophets of God.
References
- ↑ Fara'id al-Simtayn, Vol. 1, pp. 377–378, Hadith 307; Abu Hayyan al-Andalusi, Tafsir al-Bahr al-Muhit, Vol. 2, p. 479; Al-Alusi al-Baghdadi, Ruh al-Ma'ani, Vol. 3, pp. 187–190; Ibn al-Jawzi, Zad al-Masir; Al-Qurtubi, Tafsir al-Qurtubi; Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir; Al-Ghadir, Vol. 1, p. 393.
- ↑ Al-Durr al-Manthur, Vol. 2, Part 4, p. 69; Al-Kashshaf, Vol. 4, p. 106; Tafsir al-Manar, Vol. 7, p. 583; Tafsir al-Tabari, Vol. 1, p. 198; Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 3, p. 178; Tafsir al-Mizan, Vol. 2, p. 311.
- ↑ See Al-Ghadir by Allamah Amini for a detailed discussion of this hadith; also, Sharh Nahj al-Balagha, Vol. 9, p. 168; Sharh al-Mawaqif, Vol. 8, p. 369; Sharh al-Maqasid, Vol. 5, p. 299.
- ↑ Sahih al-Tirmidhi, Vol. 5, p. 300; Tarikh Ibn Asakir, Vol. 2, p. 158; Fara'id al-Simtayn, Vol. 1, pp. 209–215; Al-Hakim al-Nishaburi, Mustadrak al-Hakim, Vol. 3, p. 130; Fada'il al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 956; Ibn Athir, Jami' al-Usul, Vol. 9, p. 471; Mishkat al-Masabih, Vol. 4, p. 173; Hilyat al-Awliya, Vol. 6, p. 339.