A Comparative Study into the Manifestation of “ourselves” in the verse of al-Mubahala According to the Two Branches of Faith

The dispute has occurred among Sunni scholars concerning the manifestation of the word ourselves</em> despite their being unanimous that the verse was revealed about the Ahl al-Bayt (household) of the Prophet (s). Many of them have rightly stated that the said word refers to Ali b. Abi Talib. However, Shiite scholars have argued relying on this verse to prove Imam Ali's successorship to the Prophet (s) and this is not possible unless Imam Ali (a) is taken and considered the manifestation of the word "ourselves" (anfusinā</em>).  Some in the Sunni circles have said the word 'anfus</em>' (selves)in the said verse refers to the Prophet (s) himself while others have said things that do not seem to be correct because we know the manifestation of the word "ourselves" according to the narrations transmitted through the Sunnis show that the Shiite position is closest to reality. What some Sunnis have said is flawed, and that their specious arguments regarding the cause of the revelation of the verse and the manifestation of the word ourselves can be answered and criticized.