Ever so frequently Ameerul Momineen, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) engaged in lengthy confidential talks with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). This became a subject of much envy and even suspicion on the part of companions and wives.
Such close conversations are narrated for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) specifically and they are not narrated for other companions. Then it follows that none qualifies to be called the companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) like Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), for what is a better definition of companionship than close, confidential talks between two people.
Since Muslims did not consider any other parameter for caliphate other than companionship, then it follows that Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) was best suited for caliphate based on the these confidential talks.
There are several reports of the confidential conversations, some of which have been documented here.
Ibn Asakir, quotes Jabir, in his Tarikh:
On the Day of Taif, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) was seen whispering to Ali (a.s.) and it lasted for a long time.
Some of the companions said: …lengthened his secret talk with his cousin.
He (s.a.w.a.) overheard it and said: It was not I who asked him for that, it was Allah Who wanted so.
- Ibn Asakir in his biography on Imam Ali (a.s.) in v 2 p 310-311
In another version of the narrative it is reported:
He (s.a.w.a.) talked to Ali (a.s.) for a long time, while Abu Bakr and Umar were looking on, as were the other companions. Then he turned to us.
The people said: You took a long time in your confidential talk today, O Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.)!
He (s.a.w.a.) said: I did not have secret talk with him, but Allah had.
- Ibn Asakir in his biography on Imam Ali (a.s.) in v 2 p 310-311
- Tarikh of Ibn Kathir v 7 p 356
Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas narrates:
We were sitting with the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and there were other people with him. When Ali (a.s.) came in, the others had to get out.
When they went out, they began blaming each other, saying, ‘Why did he send us out and let
him in?
They returned and came in (to the Prophet).
He (s.a.w.a.) said: By Allah, it is not me who let him in and sent you out, but it is Allah Who let him come in and sent you out.
- Al-Khasais trad no. 39
When Ayesha sees Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) engaging in confidential talks with Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), she rants at Imam (a.s.):
I only get one day with the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) out of nine days. Won’t you even leave me alone on my day, O son of Abi Talib (a.s.)?!
- Sharh Nahjil Balaghah v 6 p 217
- Behaar al-Anwaar v 32 p 169 from Sharh Nahjil Balaghah
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) had daily confidential talks with the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as he himself relates:
I had two time slots for visiting the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.), at night and at day.
- Ahle Tasannun sources:
- Sunan al-Nesaai v 3 p 12
- Sunan Ibn Majah v 2 p 1,222
- Al-Musnad of Ahmed v 1 p 77
- Al-Musnad of Abi Yalaa p 322
- Al-Khasais p 30
- Kitab al-Adab of Ibn Abi Shaibah v 8 420, 608
Clearly Muslims acted in haste and even error in usurping caliphate from its rightful owner and the true companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and granting it to those who barely qualified on any parameter, leave alone companionship.
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