ABSTRACT
The oft-cited hadith al-thaqalayn (the two weighty matters) attributed to the Prophet on the inseparability of the Qur'an and the 12 divine guides (infallible Imams) underlines the latter's function as the custodians, authoritative explicators, and protectors of Islam's pure and undistorted teachings. 1 The Prophet and the Imams personify the Qur'anic teachings in their lives, and the latter have inherited the former's exoteric and esoteric knowledge as well as his functions, excluding only direct revelation. According to the manzila Harun (status of Aaron) hadith, the Prophet is reported to have asked Ali: “Are you not content to be with respect to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that after me there shall be no other Prophet?” 2
