The Indication of the Hadith of Ali’s Position Relative to Moses Regarding the Caliphate

Question:
Does the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) statement to Ali during the expedition to Tabuk, “Are you not pleased to be to me as Harun was to Musa, except that there is no prophet after me,” indicate the caliphate of Ali after the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), or is it merely an indication of his virtue and distinction?

Answer:
You have already known the answer to this. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said this in a specific case. It was his appointment of Ali as his deputy when he went to Tabuk. He compared it to Musa’s appointment of Harun as his deputy when Musa went to the appointment with his Lord. He said to his brother, “Succeed me in my people.” This was a specific appointment, not a general one. Was this hidden from the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) on the day they chose Abu Bakr? Was the Messenger’s hadith hidden from them? But this is a specific case, not a general one. Yes.