the authority and supremacy of hazrat amir al-mominin ali bin abi-talib from the verses of the holy quran

The virtues and superiority of the first Shia Imam, Amir al-Mu’minin (peace be upon him), are subjects acknowledged by all Muslims. Even those who do not accept him as an Imam or infallible (free from error) cannot deny the many Quranic verses revealed in his honor.

Ibn Abbas, a renowned Quranic commentator accepted by both Shia and Sunni, narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) that God has not revealed any verse starting with “O you who have believed” except that Ali (peace be upon him) is at the head of the believers and their leader. Ibn Abbas also holds that over 300 verses have been revealed praising Amir al-Mu’minin.

Here are ten examples:

1. The Verse of Wilayah (Guardianship)

• Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:55: “Your guardian can be none but Allah, His Messenger, and the believers who establish prayer and give zakat while bowing.” This verse is a fundamental proof of Ali’s (peace be upon him) guardianship and succession to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Occasion of Revelation: According to narrations, a poor man entered the Prophet’s mosque asking for help, but none assisted him. He raised his hands to heaven and prayed, “O God, witness that I sought help in the Prophet’s mosque but received none.” At that moment, while Ali (peace be upon him) was in prostration, he pointed to his ring. The poor man came, took the ring, and the verse was revealed.

1. The Verse of Sale (Purchase)

• Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:207: “And among the people is he who sells himself seeking the pleasure of Allah. And Allah is kind to the servants.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse is associated with the event of “Laylat al-Mabit” when Ali (peace be upon him) slept in the Prophet’s bed to protect him from the Quraysh’s attack. Sunni scholar Ibn Abi al-Hadid also acknowledges that this verse was revealed about Ali (peace be upon him) and the event of Laylat al-Mabit.

1. The Verse of Tabligh (Delivering the Message)

• Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:67: “O Messenger, deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord. If you do not, you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse was revealed after the Prophet’s final pilgrimage, at Ghadir Khumm. It emphasizes the Prophet’s responsibility to announce Ali (peace be upon him) as his successor. This event is also recognized in Sunni sources.

1. The Verse of Perfection (Completion of Religion)

• Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3: “Today I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse was revealed during the event at Ghadir Khumm, where the Prophet declared Ali (peace be upon him) as the leader of the Muslims. Shiite scholars interpret this as confirmation of Ali’s leadership and the perfection of Islam.

1. The Verse of Best of Creatures

• Surah Al-Bayyina, 98:7: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures.” Occasion of Revelation: When Ali (peace be upon him) arrived, the Prophet declared him and his followers as the best of creation. Sunni scholars, including Hakim al-Haskani, have cited various traditions supporting this interpretation.

1. The Verse of the Best of Believers

• Surah At-Tahrim, 66:4: “If you two [wives] turn in repentance to Allah, then indeed your hearts have deviated; but if you cooperate against him – then indeed Allah is his protector, and Gabriel and the righteous among the believers.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse is related to an incident involving the Prophet’s wives and emphasizes that Ali (peace be upon him) is the “righteous believer” mentioned here.

7. The Verse of Charity (Spending)

• Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:274: “Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and publicly, their reward is with their Lord.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse is associated with Ali (peace be upon him) who gave away his wealth in charity in various circumstances. It was revealed in recognition of his acts of charity.

7. The Verse of Private Talk (Whispering)

• Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:12: “O you who have believed, when you private-converse with the Messenger, offer before your private-conversation a charity.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse was revealed due to the practice of wealthy Muslims who would have private conversations with the Prophet while the poor were excluded. The verse emphasizes the importance of charity before private discussions.

7. The Verse of Love

• Surah Maryam, 19:96: “Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection.” Occasion of Revelation: This verse is believed to be related to Ali (peace be upon him) and reflects the Prophet’s prayers for the love of Ali (peace be upon him) to be placed in the hearts of the believers.

7. The Verse of Support (Victory)
   • Surah Al-Anfal, 8:62: “But if they intend to deceive you – then sufficient for you is Allah. It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers.”
   Occasion of Revelation: This verse was revealed to assure the Prophet of divine support in times of deceit, with Ali (peace be upon him) being the foremost among the believers.