Title: Was Hadhrat Ali Identical to the Prophet (pbuh)? Question: The Shiites believe that Hadhrat Muhammad (PBUH) was identical to Hadhrat ALI . They also claim that Hadhrat Ali was made of the same NOOR (light) of which Hadhrat Muhammad (PBUH) was made of. Is this statement true? Answer: It should be clarified that, according to my knowledge, the referred statements are not a part of the beliefs of all the Shiite sects. Some of the Shiite sects may ascribe to such beliefs, not all of them. As far as my opinion on the topic is concerned, I do not find any basis of ascribing to such a belief. If holding such a belief is a part of the basic teachings of Islam, then it should have a clear basis in the Qur'an. If it is not, then I am not even interested in expressing (or even forming) my opinion about it. I would also like to clarify that even the belief that Muhammad (pbuh) was made of some ' Noor ', is not based on the Qur'an and is, therefore, not a part of the necessary beliefs that a person must ascribe to, as a Muslim. 19 th May 2000