Do the Shiites cite the Hadith of Al-Manzila: "You are to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that you are not a prophet; for it is not fitting that I should depart except that you are my successor over every believer after me" as proof of Ali's caliphate (may God be pleased with him)?

The hadith of "Al-Manzilah" (The Status), narrated by Imam Ahmad and others, which includes the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Ali: "I will surely send a man whom Allah will never disgrace, who loves Allah and His Messenger... Are you not pleased to be to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me? Indeed, it is not proper for me to leave except that you are my successor," is disputed in its authenticity. The first part of it, concerning "Al-Manzilah" (the status), is established in the two Sahih collections. However, the part related to the caliphate and the phrase "in every believer after me" and "closing all doors except Ali's door" is weak and denounced, due to Abu Balj's sole narration of it and its contradiction with historical facts of the Sirah.

The hadith cannot be used as proof for Ali's entitlement to the caliphate after the Prophet (peace be upon him) for several reasons:

1. The hadith was meant to comfort Ali when he stayed behind in Medina with the women and children during the Battle of Tabuk, and it was not a general address to the Ummah commanding obedience to him after the Prophet's death. 2. The Prophet appointed others as successors besides Ali on many occasions, and they too were in the status of Aaron to Moses. 3. Aaron did not succeed Moses after his death; rather, Joshua bin Nun succeeded him. Therefore, there is no indication in it of succession after death. 4. Ali's succession was over women and children, whereas Abu Bakr's succession was over men and in matters of religion such as prayer and Hajj. 5. The hadith is an argument against the Shi'ah, for if it were a testament to the caliphate, Ali would have been negligent in fulfilling the trust by not demanding the caliphate and by pledging allegiance to the three Caliphs.