It is narrated from the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) who said:

My Ahlul Bait (AS) are stars for the residents of the earth. Do not exceed them and place them ahead of you, because after me, they are your guardians [1]. It is also narrated from Imam Hussain (AS) who said: Allah (SWT) chose God’s servant Mohammad (PBUH) and appointed him as the prophet; and then took him to God and we (Ahlul Bait (AS)) are his family, his successors and we are the most deserving successors for his status/position among people. But others placed other individuals in our positions [2].

[1] Ihtijaj Tabarsi, Vol. 1, Page 198.

[2] Ahlul Bait fil Ketab wa Sunnah, Rey Shahri, Page 134.

Source: en.shafaqna.com