Knowledge made Adam superior to the angels when Allah ordered them to prostrate towards Adam. In Surah al-Baqarah Ayah 33,” The Lord said to Adam, “Tell the names of the beings to the angels. “When Adam gave their names, the Lord said, “Did I not tell you (angels) that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth and all that you reveal and hide.”
Allah says in Surah al-Zumar Ayah 9, “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”
Asif Barqiyyah (Barqiyyah is derived from Barq i.e. electricity or speed) was the vicegerent of Prophet Suleyman, who had some knowledge of the Book and he brought the queen’s throne from far distance in the blink of an eye. This incident has been described in Surah al-Naml Ayah 38 to 40. Prophet Suleyman asked his people, “Who among you can bring her throne before (the queen of Sheba) comes to me submissively?” A monstrous jinn said, “I can bring it before you even you stand up.” The one who had some knowledge from the Book said, “I can bring it to you before you even blink your eye. When Prophet Suleyman saw the throne placed before him, he said, “This is a favor from my Lord.”
The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) had complete knowledge of the Book (the Glorious Qur’an). Surah al-Ra’ad Ayah 43says, “(Muhammad), the unbelievers say, “You are not a Messenger.” Say, Allah and those who have the knowledge of the Book are sufficient witness (to my prophet-hood).” There are numerous traditions, both from Sunni and Shia narrators, that this Ayah was revealed honoring the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.)
In Surah Ale Imran Ayah7, Allah is reminding about the people who have a firm grounding in knowledge (War Rasekhuna fil Ilm) as stated here, “It is Allah who has revealed the Book to you in which some verses are clear statements (which accepts no interpretation) and these are the fundamental ideas of the Book while other verses may have several possibilities. Those whose hearts are perverse follow the unclear statements in pursuit of their mischievous goals by interpreting them in a way that will suit their own purpose. No one knows its true interpretation except Allah, and those who have a firm grounding in knowledge say, “We believe in it. All its verses are from our Lord.” No one can grasp this fact except the people of reason.”
The poet of the East, Allama Iqbal had said, “Islam ke daman may bas is kay Siva kiya Hai* Ek Zarbe Yadullahi ek Sajda Shabbiri” Because of his (Imam Ali) super natural power, he was called “Yadullah” meaning “Allah’s hand “Shabbir was the name of Imam Husayn (a.s.), who sacrificed himself while prostrating (sajdah) to save Islam.
Imam Ali (a.s.)’s knowledge may be ascribed to the fact that when he (Imam Ali) was born inside “The House of Allah” – Ka’ba, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) placed his tongue in the baby’s mouth. Imam Ali (a.s.) recited some Ayahs of the Glorious Qur'an. He was raised by the Messenger of Allah in his house who had fed him the knowledge as a bird feeds its newborn.
The Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) was uniquely knowledgeable and the most supernaturally powerful which is evident from various battles fought during the time of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). His famous feat of extricating the gates of the fortress of Khyber which used to be opened by forty strong men. Allah had appointed “Talut” as the king as explained in Surah al-Baqarah Ayat 247 which says, “Their Prophet said, “Allah has appointed Saul (Talut)as a king for you. “They replied, “How can he dominate us when we deserve more to be king than he.” Besides, he was not given abundant wealth.” Their Prophet said, “Allah has chosen him as your ruler and has given him physical power and knowledge.”
Similarly, there is a famous tradition of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), “Ana Madinatul Ilme wa Aliun Babuha”” I am the City of Knowledge and Ali is its Gateway”
Source: The Glorious Qur’an
