The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) informed: No one has a higher status than Ali b. Abi Talib except I. He is the Imam of my nation, he is my heir, and he is my successor. Those who follow him are guided to the right path; those who follow anyone other than him are lost and have strayed off the right path.

Indeed, I am the chosen prophet. I do not say this about Ali from my own inclination. What I say is nothing but revelation brought by Jibraeel from Allah, who owns everything in the skies and in the earth, and whatever is between the skies and the earth, and whatever is under the earth.
Kanz al-Ummaal p 208 Ghaayah al-Maraam p 45 Isbaat al-Hudaat v 3 p 633 Behaar al-Anwaar v 25 p 361