In the above verse the word "Wisdom" implies the best knowledge seeking to act with fullness and soundness of one's own
conscience.
True knowledge is spiritual illumination or divine guidance worked through the grace of God as and when the necessity occurs.
This being the active result of the constant seeking for it by those who obtained nearness to the Almighty!
It is held by many Sunni scholars, that this verse was revealed for Imam Ali ( as ). It is not surprising that, such a unique gift ( of being
granted wisdom ) is inspiration (Ilhaam) is conferred upon the purified ones.
"And among men there is one who selleth his self ( soul ) seeking the pleasure of God; and verily, God is affectionate unto His
(faithful) servants." (2:207)
It is held unanimous by the Scholars of the two Islamic schools of thought, that this verse was revealed for Imam Ali (as), when he
readily slept in the bed of the Prophet (pbuh&f), when the latter to the will of God had to migrate from Mecca to Medina. The one
who would agree to offer himself instead of the Holy Prophet ( pbuh&f ) who was wanted by the enemy must essentially have;
- Implicit faith in the duty of a man to earn the pleasure of the Almighty Allah and His Prophet Muhammad ( pbuh&f ), at any cost,
even at the cost of his own life.
- The courage of surrendering himself willingly with the utmost peace of mind, to sleep under the swords, ready to fall upon him.
- The confidence and faith in God's protection.
- The safety of the Prophet ( pbuh&f ) prefered to his own safety.
And on the night of Hijrah, Allah the Glorious Revealed to Jibrail and Mikail, "I have established brotherhood between you two and
have ordained the life of one longer than the life of the other. Now, are you willing to make a present of the extra length of life to the
other?"
But each preferred the longer life for himself. Then Allah revealed,
"Why not follow the example of Ali ibn Abu Talib. I have established brotherhood between him and Muhammad (pbuh&f). He is now
sleeping on the bed of Muhammad in order to save his life by sacrificing his own. Now descend both of you to the earth and protect
him from his enemies."
Both the angels descended. Jibrail took up his position near Ali's head and Mikail near his feet. Jibrail was crying out aloud
"Excellent. Excellent. O son of Abu Talib! There is none like you. Allah is making boast of you before the angels."
The Almighty says: .... .you are only a warner, and (there is) a guide for every people. Holy Qur'an (13:7)
It is stated that when this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah placing his hand on his chest said:
"I am the warner, and for every people there is a guide. Then pointing towards Imam All (a.s.), he said: You are the guide, All, by you
the believers will be guided after me .
The Almighty says: "...Allah it is Who is his Guardian, and Gabriel and the Righteous among the believers..." Holy Qur'an (66:4)
All leading schools of thought are unanimous that the Righteous among the believers is none other than Ali ibn Abi Talib (as).
On the revelation of this verse, the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: "0 Ali, these are you and your followers "Do you consider (the
person who undertakes) giving of water to the pilgrims and the guarding of the Sacred Mosque like him who believes in Allah and the
Last Day and strives in the way of Allah. They are not equal in the sight of Allah; and Allah does not guide the unjust people. ". Holy
Qur'an (9:19)
Once Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib and Talha ibn Shaiba proudly boasted in front of Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) about their respective duties;
the supplying of water to pilgrims and holding the keys of the Holy Ka'ba. Imam Ali answered them that he has been praying towards
the Ka'ba six months before anyone else (besides the Prophet) ever bowed in prayer and has never ceased struggling in the way of
Allah. It was then that this verse was revealed to the Prophet as a proof of Ali's superiority over all other Muslims.
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