Combining the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) statement to Ali, “You are to me as Harun was to Musa,” with the statement that “the best of creation after the prophets is Abu Bakr”?

Question:
How do we combine the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) statement with the fact that the best of creation after the prophets is Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him)?

Answer:
We have said that a specific virtue does not negate a general virtue. Abu Bakr has more virtues than Ali. Ali is better than Abu Bakr in this specific aspect only, but Abu Bakr is better than him in many other aspects. A specific virtue does not negate a general virtue; this is a rule. For example, the one who comes in the last times and holds fast to the religion will have the reward of fifty Companions. Does this mean he is better than the Companions? No, but he is better than them in this specific matter only, which is his patience in holding fast to the religion despite its obscurity. He is better than the Companions in this matter, but the Companions are better than him in many matters. Yes.