‘And whoever possesses knowledge of the Book.’

[Surah al-Ra'd: 43]

Through Abū Nu'aym (1), it is related from Ibn al-Hanafiyya that he said, ‘It is Ali ibn Abī Tālib.’ In al-Tha'labī’s Tafsīr, Abd Allāh ibn Salām is reported to have said (2), ‘I asked, “Who is this one who possesses knowledge of the Book?” He replied, “That is Ali ibn Abī Tālib (3).”’ This indicates that he is the most excellent and therefore the Imam.”

The response may be given in several ways:

First, the authenticity of the reports from Ibn Salām and Ibn al-Hanafiyya must be established.

Second, even assuming that the report is established, it does not constitute proof, given that the majority oppose it.

Third, this is a lie against them both.

Fourth, this is unquestionably false. Allah Most High said:

“Say, Allah suffices as a witness between me and you, as does whoever possesses knowledge of the Book.”

[Surah al-Ra'd: 43]

If Ali were intended by this, the meaning would be that Muhammad called upon his cousin Ali to testify (4) to the truth of what he had said. It is well known that even if Ali testified that he was a prophet and that everything he had said was true, Muhammad would derive no benefit from his testimony; it would not constitute proof for him against the people, nor would it establish the argument of the one adducing it (5), and no one would submit on that account. They would say, “How would Ali have known that? He learned it only from Muhammad, in which case Muhammad himself would be testifying on his own behalf.”

Another response is to say: [Indeed] (6), he is his cousin and one of the earliest to believe in him, and so he would be suspected of