Hadith al-Manzila: Difference between revisions

Aaron had a great position before Moses and thus Imam Ali's (a) position and rightfulness for caliphate after the Prophet (s) can be understood. Based on the story of Asron an dMoses in the Qur'an, Aaron was Moses' deputy in his mission, thus Ali (a) was also the Prophet's (s) deputy in his leadership and guardianship, except in his prophethood. Aaron was the second man after Moses among Bani Israel, thus Ali (a) was the same in the Prophet's (s) umma. Aaron was Moses' brother, so was Ali (a) the Prophet's (s) brother based on the frequently narrated hadith of Mu'akhat which has been mentioned in both Shia and Sunni references. Aaron was the best of Moses' people before God and Ali (a) was so.

Aaron was Moses' exclusive deputy in his absence and so was Ali (a), especially due to the Prophet's (s) word that, ""It would not be appropriate that I go to the battle of Tabuk, except you would be my vicegerent here". Aaron was the most knowledgeable person among the people of Moses, and so was Ali (a) as stressed by the Prophet (s). Obeying Aaron was incumbent both upon Joshua b. Nun (Moses' deputy) and Moses' people; so was obeying Ali (a) even with the assumption of the deputyship of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman or anyone else.

Aaron was the most beloved person before God and Moses, so was Ali (a). God supported Moses by his brother Aaron and did the same about the Prophet (s) by Ali (a). Aron was infallible regarding any error or ignorance, and so was Ali (a).

Aaron became Moses' caliph in his absence, however people were deceived by Zimri b. Salu and became calf-worshipper and no one helped Aaron and thus he chose to tolerate them.

Hadith of Manzila interprets all such events for Imam Ali (a) as well. In the absence of the Prophet (s), Ali (a) was his caliph and his similarity with Aaron is about everything happened to Aaron and is not limited to before or after demise of the Prophet (s).