Allah created them of light before the creation

Ahl al-Bayt’s Distinction

Based on the Qur’¡nic verse, the Ahl al-Bayt, whether when they were in Allah’s knowledge or when they were created, were distinct from other human beings, for they are from the same tree and light while other human beings are from different trees:

أنَا وَعَلِيٌّ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ وَاحِدَةٍ، وَسَائِرُ النَّاسِ مِنْ شَجَرٍ شَتَّى.

`Al¢ and I are from the same tree while other people are from a different tree.[1]

Their capacity and amplitude cannot be compared to other human beings in any position. That is why, based on authentic narration, Allah created them of light before the creation of other beings and bestowed knowledge on them. On the importance and dignity of man who is addressed by Allah, the Holy Qur’¡n say:

And it is not for any mortal that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a veil, or by sending a messenger and revealing by His permission what He pleases; Surly He is High, Wise. (42:51)

The excellent examples of these people are the Holy Prophet and Ahl al-Bayt who were addressed by Allah due to the Holy Prophet’s mission and received what was revealed to Allah’s messenger.

Describing Imam `Al¢ (a.s) who is one of the Ahl al-Bayt, the Holy Prophet says:

Surely, you hear what I hear and see what I see.[2]

Imam `Al¢ (a.s) had reached the highest stage of knowledge that a creature could reach, in a way that he would decisively say:

مَا كُنْتُ أعْبُدُ رَبّاً لَمْ أرَهُ.

I do not serve a Lord whom I have not seen.[3]

It was also Imam `Al¢ (a.s) who said:

لَوْ كُشِفَ لِيَ الغِطَاءُ مَا ازْدَدْتُ يِقِيناً.

If all the veils are removed, my certainty would not be added a bit.[4]

Since there was no veil between him and Allah and he was a medium between people and Allah due to his knowledge, the Holy Prophet could have said:

أنَا وَعَلِيٌّ مِنْ نُورٍ وَاحِدٍ.

`Al¢ and I are from the same light.[5]

Angels prostrated themselves before the perfect man for his knowledge of Names and this is due to the legal and not natural person of a perfect man. For this reason all angels are under the spiritual power of the perfect man. Presently, all angels and other beings are under the eyes of Imam Mahd¢, may Allah expedite his reappearance.