Title: Regarding the Position of Ali (ra) Relative to that of the Prophets of God Question: I was just wondering what you think the status of Imam Ali is in relation to the previous Prophets excluding the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). As I have had many conflicts with my brothers who believe Imam Ali is of a greater caliber than the previous prophets before Mohammad (PBUH). Answer: Firstly, I do not possess the information, the knowledge or the ability to decide about people's level of piety and submissiveness toward God. Therefore, I cannot decide about the level of piety of others or their absolute or relative positions in the hereafter. Secondly, even if I were to make such a transgression to give a verdict about the level of piety of others or their positions in the hereafter, it would, obviously, be of no effect; as it would not be according to my verdict but according to that of the All-knowing God that people shall be judged and given their position on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, I do not see any utility in passing any verdicts in this case or even in arguing about the issue. Thirdly, I am more interested in my own forgiveness and salvation than the position that anyone else gets in the hereafter. After all what benefit would it be to me, if someone is given a higher or a lower rank in the hereafter than another. I should be more interested as well as fearful about my own position and rank in the hereafter. Therefore, I should concentrate on understanding and adhering to what the Shari`ah requires from me, rather than conjecture about the rank and position of others. As far as your specific question is concerned, I can only say to the extent that the Qur'an has taught me, which is that I do not distinguish between God's messengers and prophets; I believe in all of them and hold them all to be the epitome of piety and submissiveness toward God, on the basis of God's decision of selecting them to be His prophets and messengers; I believe that God exalted his prophets and messengers, one over the other, from various aspects; I do not hold anyone or the other prophets to be given a position of absolute exaltation over the others, as the Qur'an has not informed me to that effect. All of the above I believe on the basis of the Qur'an. However, because the Qur'an has not informed me about the absolute or relative position of Ali (ra), I would, therefore, refrain from any conjecture in this respect, fearing that this conjecture may amount to transgression on my part. I hope this helps. January 12, 2001