Likewise, when he said to the Asharīs, “They are of me, and I am of them” (1), this was not exclusive to them. Rather, he said to Ali, “You are of me, and I am of you,” and he said to Zayd, “You are our brother and our client” (2). That was not exclusive to Zayd; rather, Usāma is their brother and their client.
In sum, examples and comparisons are exceedingly numerous. They do not entail (3) equivalence in every respect, but only with regard to the point for which the statement was made. Nor does making a comparison entail that the person compared is uniquely singled out by it; rather, someone else may share it with him (4) in that respect.
Allah Most High says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a grain that sprouts seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains” (Surah al-Baqara: 261).
Allah Most High also says:
“And present to them an example: the people of the city” (Surah Yā Sīn: 13).
And He says:
“The example of what they spend in this worldly life is like that of a wind bearing a biting frost” (Surah Āl Imrān: 117).
It has been said that the Quran contains forty-two parables.
The claim that he placed him in Aaron’s position in every respect except prophethood is false; for his statement, “Are you not content to be to me as Aaron was to Moses?”