he entered." It is self-evident that nothing enters into the essence of Allah except Allah, who is the light of the Essence, overflowing and from whom the Greatest Name (al-Ism al-A'zam) emanates. Otherwise, there would be the doctrine of incarnation/indwelling (hulul) and the blending of the created with the Creator.

[169] And from it: The Messenger of Allah (exalted be his might) said: "Indeed, the likeness of Ali in this nation is like the likeness of 'Say, He is Allah, [who is] One'." Let the reader pause and reflect deeply upon the content of this sacred utterance.

[170] And from it: Muwaffaq bin Ahmad transmitted with his chain of narration (isnad) on the authority of 'Abd al-Rahman bin Abi Layla, from his father, who said:

"The Prophet (exalted be his might) gave the banner on the day of Khaybar to Ali, and Allah granted victory through him; and on the day of Ghadir Khumm, he made it known to the people that he is the master (mawla) of every believing man and believing woman, and he said: 'I am peace to whoever is at peace with you, and war to whoever is at war with you, and you are the most trustworthy handhold (al-'urwa al-wuthqa),