Likewise, Lord Jesus—exalted be his glory—confessed to his successor our Master Simon—exalted be his glory—by saying: "You are my rock and upon you I build my church." He affirmed that he is the refuge and the trustworthy one. Similarly, our Lord Muhammad—exalted be his glory—demonstrated incapacity in his affairs and need toward his successor. He announced and declared that He is his Lord by taking refuge in Him during his distress and trials, seeking help from Him at every calamity and ordeal by saying: "Where is the fulfiller of my promise? Where is the judge of my debt? Where is the remover of my grief? Where is Ali, my successor?" Among the clearest proofs and arguments is what appeared in the report of the Ascension and what was joined¹ to it regarding the conquest of Mecca and the breaking of the idols of the people of Shirk; for our Master rose upon the shoulder of the Messenger in the outward transmission. Its inward meaning is what those of intellect recognize as the elevation of the Superior over the inferior.

As the Sublime said: {The Compassionate [who] is established on the Throne. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and what is on the earth and what is between them and what is under the soil. And if you speak aloud—then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden. God—there is no deity except Him. To Him belong the best names.}² Exalted is God the High, the Compassionate, and Majestic is His Throne, our Lord Muhammad, the Place pointing to Him in every age and time.

(327) I have related a report regarding this narrated to me by Abu al-Hassan Ra’iq bin al-Khidr al-Ghassani—may God have mercy on him—by his chain: a group of the extremist Shia gathered in the mosque of Kufa and discussed the conquest of Mecca and the ascent of Amir Almuminin—exalted be his glory—upon the shoulder of Lord Muhammad—exalted be his glory—on that day until he ascended the House, broke the idols, and cast them down.