Tafsir of Ta-Ha 20:35

[Meaning:] All-Knowing of our states, and that what I have called upon You for is from that which is suitable for us and benefits us in realizing what I have been tasked with regarding the establishment of the rites of the Message, and that Aaron is the best of aides in performing what I have been commanded.

The particle bā’ is linked to basīrā, and it has been placed before it out of regard for the end-rhymes (fawāṣil). The sentence occupies the position of providing a justification for the first causality, following the consideration of its justification by the first cause.

’Abd ibn Ḥumayd reported from al-A’mash that he pronounced the kāf of the pronoun (in these three places) with a sukūn (quiescence).

It has been narrated that the Prophet (may Allah the Exalted grant him peace and blessings) supplicated with a similar supplication, except that he placed Ali (may Allah the Exalted ennoble his countenance) in the position of Aaron (peace be upon him). Ibn Mardawayh, al-Khatib, and Ibn ‘Asakir reported from Asma’ bint ‘Umays that she said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah the Exalted grant him peace and blessings) facing Thabir, and he was saying: 'Shine forth, O Thabir! Shine forth, O Thabir! O Allah, I ask You for that which my brother Moses asked of You: that You expand for me my breast, and make easy for me my task, and loosen the knot from my tongue so that they may understand my speech. And appoint for me a minister from my family, Ali my brother; strengthen my back through him, and make him share in my task, so that we may glorify You much and remember You much; indeed, You have been, concerning us, All-Seeing.'"

It is not hidden that here it is necessary to interpret the "task" as the task of guidance and calling to the Truth; it is not permissible to interpret it as prophethood. It is not correct to derive from this evidence for the successorship of Ali (may Allah the Exalted ennoble his countenance) immediately following the Prophet (may Allah the Exalted grant him peace and blessings) without delay.

Similar to what has been mentioned is that which is authentic from his statement (peace and blessings be upon him) to him when he left him in charge of his household during the Battle of Tabuk: "Are you not pleased that you should be to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me?" as explained in al-Tuḥfah al-Ithnā ‘Ashariyyah. Indeed, there is in that a manifestation of the exceeding virtue of Ali (may Allah the Exalted ennoble his countenance) that is not hidden. It is also appropriate to interpret his request (peace and blessings be upon him) for the loosening of the knot in a way that implies the continuity of that state, given that he (peace and blessings be upon him) was the most eloquent of people in speech.