Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

12. CHILDHOOD

There are three phases in every human being’s life: childhood, youth and old age. There are different requirements in every phase of ones life. Childhood is for play. In this phase the individual does not have full sense of things. The childish activities prove this. They cannot distinguish between right and wrong while at play

The aptitude of Abu Talib’s son was different from the other children. He was never seen at childish games and play. He was away from other activities that children enjoy indulging in. His looks indicated courage and determination and his actions dignity. His physical and mental activities were different from those of other children. The development of his physical identity was faster than that of the children of his age. He grew in a day as much as another child in a month. Therefore, his body was strong and the sense of comprehension far advanced. The author of Arhaj al Matalib, Najmuddin Fakhr al Islam Abu Bakr ibne Mohammed al Marandi writes in Munaqib al Ashab about the reason for giving the name Haider to Hazrat ALI (a.s.) that while he was still a babe in arms, his mother once left him alone at home. The house was at the foot of a hill. A snake came down from the hill, came near the baby and started hissing. The baby caught the snake in one hand and pressed it till it died. When his mother came back, she noted the dead reptile in the hand of the babe and said,“Haiyyak Allah! Ya Haidara! - O my tiger! May Allah keep you alive !” When he grew up and started walking around, he used to lift heavy stones with ease.and bring them down from the top of the hills. He was fond of breaking the idols.

According to the norms of Arab upbringing, Hazrat Abu Talib trained his children in archery, horse riding and wrestling. He used to gather his sons and nephews together and arrange their matches in these disciplines and taught them the finer points of the martial arts. Hazrat Ali (a.s.), though he was the youngest of all, was never subdued by the others. He used to defeat all his brothers and cousins without any difficulty. This was a Divine Gift to him. Ibne Qatiba writes:

“Lam yasara Qat Ahd al asra-aa”

“With whomsoever he wrestled, he defeated him!”

Ref: Al Ma-arif, Page 91

Besides this physical strength, Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was far advanced in the development of his mental capabilities. He had a great sense of distinguishing between the right and wrong from his very childhood. He recognized the Real Creator (Allah) as soon as he opened his eyes. Living in the environment of idolatory, he never thought the idols fit for worship! When people were hesitant to accept Islam for long after the Prophet declared his Annunciation, he had understood its importance prior to this declaration. Therefore he himself has said:

“Ari nural wahi war Risala waasham reeh al Nabuwa

I see the light of Wahi and Nabuwat and get the

Fragrance of Nabuwat,”

Ref: Nahj al Balagha

His high vision saw the light of Nabuwat and smelled its fragrance. Even before the Annunciation of the Prophet (s.a), he made him his role model. Therefore, Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s childhood, like his youth and old age, was a mountain

of greatness..Viewing the period of his childhood, one understands that a great personality was in the making. This greatness was a gift from the Almighty Allah!

13. EDUCATION & UPBRINGING

The ideal environment that Hazrat Ali ibne Abi Talib had was his singular privilege. He opened his eyes in the lap of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.), had his upbringing under his tutelage and spent his youth in his august company. He benefited from the Prophet ( s.a.)’s fountainhead of learning and grew up under his care asHazrat Fatima binte Asad says:

“When Ali (a.s.) was born, the Prophet (s.a.)

Gave him this name and made him suck his tongue.

He dropped his saliva in the mouth of the baby and

put his tongue in his mouth. Sucking the tongue, the

baby slept. On the second day we searched for a foster mother (Daaya),

But Ali (a.s.) took away his mouth from the bosom of

the women. We thought of Mohammed (s.a.). He put his tongue

in the mouth of the baby who then slept soundly.

This went on till Allah desired it to be so.”

Ref: Seerat e Nabawia Dahlan, Page 176

Although during the period of fosterage Hazrat Ali (a.s) had his mother’s care, but after weaning the Prophet (s.a.) took up the responsibility. He used to give him the bath and spend hours taking him round in his arms. While awake, he used to sing lullabys to him. He took more care than the parents in the upbringing of Hazrat Ali (a.s.). At the age of six years Hazrat Ali (a.s.) formally came under the care of the Prophet (s.a.).The parents were relieved of his responsibility. The apparent reason of his coming totally under the tutelage of the Prophet (s.a.) was that Makka was passing through one of its worst droughts and Hazrat Abu Talib had difficulty of maintaining his large family. The Prophet (s.a.), realizing his uncle’s straitened financial position felt that he needed to be helped. He discussed the matter with his other uncle, Abbas. He told him that Abu Talib will not express about the difficulties himself. He said that Allah had endowed Abbas with wealth and he could provide his brother some relief by sharing the burden along with the others in the family. Abbas agreed with the suggestion and both of them went to Abu Talib for a discussion. They suggested to him that they came to him with a proposal that they would share the burden of maintaining some of his children. In the beginning he was hesitant, but in the end he yielded. They decided that Aqeel would remain with Abu Talib, and said that Abbas was free to take other sons with him. Therefore Abbas took charge of Talib, Hazrat Hamza agreed to take up guardianship of Jafar and the Prophet (s.a.) himself requested his uncle to allow him to take the responsibility of Ali (a.s.). The fact is that from the Day of Creation (Azl) Ali (a.s.) had been earmarked for him!

The drought came as a blessing in disguise for Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that he came under the direct tutelage of the Prophet (s.a.). Ibne Jareer Tabari writes:

“It was Allah’s Blessing for Ali (a.s.)

that the Qureish suffered one of the

worst droughts at the time. This way Allah

accompliashed what He had planned

for Ali (a.s.)”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 57

It is natural that children do not want to be separated from their parents. But the Prophet (s.a.)’s love and affection didn’t let Ali (a.s.) feel much for the separation from his father and mother. He found his father’s affection in the affectionate looks of the Prophet (s.a.). He received a wealth of joy and happiness under his loving care. The Prophet (s.a.) used to feed the child with his own hands, made him sleep near himself. He took care of the child day and night and attended to all his needs himself. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) himself says about his upbringing:

“I was still a child that the Prophet (s.a.)

took the responsibility of my upbringing.

He used to keep me close to his chest. He made me sleep near

him and made me smell his fragrance. He used to chew some food

and then feed it to me.”

Ref: Nahj al Balagha

This was an example of Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s physical upbringing. But since the Prophet (s.a.) was created by Allah for the moral uplift of the entire world, one can imagine the attention and training that he would provide to the one who has been specifically earmarked for his personal tutelage! On the one hand he was Ali (a.s.)’s benefactor and on the other he was the Mentor for the Entire World. In these circumstances, definitely Ali (a.s) would receive the best of training and upbringing imaginable! Therefore the prophet (s.a.) paid utmost attention to the development of the intellectual and moral development of his ward. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) says about his moral training thus:

“I used to trail the Prophet (s.a.) the way

a she-camel’s little one trails it! Eery day

he used to raise the flags of good morals

for me.and used to order me to follow them!”

Ref: Nahj al Balagha

This upbringing played sucha role in the development of his personality that he was a replica of the Prophet (s.a.) in morals, knowledge and action and was recognized as the reflection of his mentor’s qualities and excellence. Therefore, because of Divine Blessing and the august company of the Prophet (s.a.), Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was endowed with extraordinary qualities.

In his own words, Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) has described thus:

“In my chest is the knowledge that

has been fed to me as a bird feeds

Its little ones!”

This allegory of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has lot of meaning and delicacy in it. As a bird, feeds the food stored in its beak to its off spring, the Prophet (s.a.) transmitted all the knowledge, be it on Sharia, wisdom, Quran, Sunna, Morals and statesmanship,evident and hidden, current or past, to Hazrat Ali (s.a.)’s chest. After completion of this training the Prophet (s.a.) said“Aalam ammati” and“Ana Madinat al Ilm wa Aliun Babaha - I am the city of Knowledge and Ali is its Gate!” . The Prophet (s.a.) very clearly indicated now that anyone desirous of acquiring his knowledge had compulsorily to go through Hazrat Ali (a.s.). Isn’t it a fact that entry to any city has to be made through its gate! Ali (a.s.) is a personality whose knowledge is directly acquired from his mentor, the Prophet (s.a.), and the Prophet (s.a.)’s knowledge is the direct Endowment from Allah!

14. THE FIRST TO ACCEPT THE FAITH OF ISLAM

Islam is a discipline of life which is in consonance with the human nature and the temperament of the Universe. It doesn’t neglect the requirements of nature at any stage. The aims of Islam and the Nature are identical and their destination is the same! Therefore, in the Holy Quran“Deen-Religion” is also called Islam. ”Innal Deena indallahil Islam - The Religion for Allah is only Islam.” It is also described as Nature too.

“Fa aqim wajhak illdeena hanifa fitrat Allah allati fatar annaas ilaha”

“Turn your face from everything else and turn towards

‘Deen’.This is the ‘Nature’ of Allah on which men

Are created”

The Prophet of Islam (s.a.) says:

“Kullo mawlood yulad alal fitrat

Every child is born on

‘Nature.’”

Ref: Waafi

Imam Jafar e Sadiq (a.s) was asked,“What is ‘Nature’? He replied, “Hai al Islam-It is only Islam!” When Islam is Nature and Nature is Islam, then being born on ‘nature’ will mean that every child , whether he is born to Muslim parents or not, is a Muslim at birth. When he comes under the influence of the non-Muslim parents, and their society, he picks up thoughts and ways of that environment. He moves away from the way of ‘Nature’ and adopts the way of his ‘parents’ and starts practicing their faith. If a child gets the right environment after birth, he will then, having taken birth on ‘Nature’ will be attached to Islam internally and externally.

Hazrat Ali ( a.s.) was born on the Deen-e-Fitrat and received his upbringing in such a congenial environment that in accordance wit his own words:

“I was born on the Deen e Fitrat

And therefore I had precedence

In Faith and Hijrat.”

Ref: Nahj al Balagha

From his early days Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was with the Prophet (s.a.). He received his upbringing under the watchful eyes of the Prophet (s.a.) and followed his thoughts and beliefs. He never had anything to do with infidelity and idolatory. Therefore, Ahmed ibne Zainy Dahlan writes:

“Hazrat Ali Rari Allah taala anhu

was never under the influence of

polytheism because he was

under the care and super-

vision of the Prophet (s.a.)

like his own son. He emulated him

in all matters.”

--Seerat Nabawiya, Page 177

Once Sayeed ibne Musayyab asked Imam Zain al Abedeen (a.s.) at what age Hazrat Ali (a.s.) embraced Islam? The Imam (a.s.) replied,

“Was he ever an infidel that you ask such a question?

However, when Allah had Ordained Mohammed (s.a.)

the Prophet, Ali (a.s.) was was ten years old and

he wasn’t an infidel then!”

Ref: Waafi

This question can be asked only about the persons who were infidels and polytheists and had embraced Islam leaving behind their evil ways. If Hazrat Ali (a.s.) is recognized as the first to embrace Islam, and the earliest Muslim, it is because when the Prophet (s.a.) was Ordained in to the Faith, he was the first to endorse his allegiance. Even otherwise Ali (a.s.) was on the same Faith as was the Prophet (s.a.) prior to his Annunciation!

After the Annunciation, the Prophet (s.a.) started his campaign of propagation of the Faith from his home only.It is quite natural that the best persons to vouch for the honesty and integrity are the immediate members of his family. Therefore, when the Voice of Islam had’nt yet left the four walls of the Prophet (s.a.)’s home Hazrat Khadija and Hazrat Ali (a.s.), who was eagerly awaiting the felicitous moment, embraced Islam. Neither Ali (a.s.) doubted the veracity of the claims of the Prophet (s.a.), as some others did later on, nor did he express surprise over his claims. These were the two personalities who were the closest to the Prophet (s.a.) and had precedence over all the others in embracing the True Faith! Hazrat Ameer al Momineen says:

“At that time Islam was not there in any place

outside the four walls of the Prophet (s.a.)

And Hazrat Khadija’s home. However the third

Person in their group was myself.”

Ref: Nahj al Balagha

Besides this precedence in embracing Islam, these two had the privilege of being the first to offer the Islamic Prayer along with the Prophet (s.a.). For a long time after the Annunciation, these were the only two who were seen praying along with the Prophet (s.a.). Therefore Ismail ibne Iyas says that his grand father, Afeef, narrated that he used to visit Makka for trading and used to be the guest of Abbas ibne Abd al Mutallib. Once, near the Kaaba he spotted a handsome, young person looking towards the sun and then facing the Kaaba, saying“Allaho Akbar” . In a while a child came and stood on the right behind the young person. Then a lady came and stood behind both of them. The young peson did a genuflection and both the persons behind him followed suit. When he raised his head, they did the same. Then he prostrated and the two behind him prostrated too. Afeef was much impressed with this way of offering prayer. He asked Abbas, who those three persons were? He informed,“The youth is my nephew Mohammed (s.a) ibne Abd Allah, the child is another nephew of mine, Ali (a.s.) ibne Abi Talib and the lady is the wife of Mohammed (s.a.), Khadija binte Khawilad. Mohammed (s.a.) has advised me that this method of prayer was communicated to him by Allah!” He added:

“By Allah! I don’t know if there is a another person,

Besides these three, on the face of the earth who

Is a follower of this Faith.”

Tabari, Vol 2, Page 65

When Afeef became a Muslim later on, he used to say with great craving:

“How I wish I had embraced Islam on that

Day to be the third person to join the Fold.”

Ref: Tabari, Vol 2, Page 65

Afeef had witnessed the scene when on the land, and under the sky, there were only three persons praying to Allah and he always nursed the feeling of regret that if he had received the Guidance, he would have become the fourth person in the Faith.and his name would have gone down in the roster of Muslims after Ali (a.s.) and Khadija (a.s.). If someone else had embraced Islam in that period, his name too would have appeared in these narrations..Abbas too mentioned only the names of these in his narration. Precedence in Islam of Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) has been recognized by almost all the historians and biographers. Therefore Ibne Hisham says:

“Amongst men the first person to embrace Islam,

to join him in his prayer and witness what all

Allah sent through the Prophet (s.a.) was Ali (a.s).

At that time his age was ten years.”

Ref: Seerat Ibne Hisham, Vol 1, Page 262

In this regard the evidences of certain important companions of the Prophet (s.a.) too are mentioned here:

The Prophet (s.a.) himself said:

“The first Muslim amongst you

Is Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)”

Ref: Al Iste aab, Vol 2, Page 457

Hazrat Ameer al Momineen (a.s.) says:

“I was the first to embrace Islam

on the call of the Prophet (s.a.).”

Ref: Tareeq Khatib Baghdadi, Vol 4, Page 233

Abdallah ibne Abbas says:

“First of all Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)

embraced Islam.”

Ref: Isteaab, Vol 2, Page 458

Abu Dhar Ghiffari says:

“I have heard the Prophet (s.a.) say to

Hazrat Ali (a.s.),‘You were the first to

accept the Faith and bear my witness.’”

Ref: Isteaab, Vol2, Page 208

Salman Farsi says:

“In this Ummat the first to reach near

the Prophet (s.a.) at the Cistern of Kauthar

and the first to embrace Islam is Ali ibne

Abi Talib (a.s.)”

-Al Isteaab, Vol 2, Page 457

Abu Ayoob Ansari says:

“The first person to profess Faith on the

Prophet (s.a.) was Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.)”

Ref: Shara al Taqreeb, Vol 1, Page 85

Zaid ibne Arqam says:

“The first to witness faith on the Prophet (s.a.)

Was Ali ibne Abi Talib (a.s.).”

Ref: Vol 4, Page 368

Besides precedence in embracing Islam, the first to join the Prophet (s.a.) in his prayers were only Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Khadija (a.s.). Besides these two, during the early days of Islam no third name is mentioned having joined the prayer. If anyone else had joined the ranks of Muslims in that period, why the history is silent about their joining or not joining the prayers with the Prophet (s.a.)? For the first seven years these were the only two who used to join the Prophet (s.a.) at the prayers. Therefore Hazrat Ali (s.a.) says:

“I prayed with the Prophet (s.a.)

Seven years prior to the others.”

-Tareeq e Kaamil, Vol 2, Page 37

To strengthen this claim, some more sayings are recorded here:

Anas ibne Malik says:

“The Prophet (s.a.) was Annunciated

On Monday and on Tuesday Ali (a.s.)

Offered his prayer.”

Ref: Taareeq e Kamil,Vol 2, Page 214

Buraida Aslami says:

“The Revelation came on Monday

And on Tuesday Ali (a.s.) offered the

Prayer.”

Ref: Mustadrak Hakim, vol 3, Page 112

Jabir bin Abdallah Ansari says:

“On Monday the Prophet (s.a.) was ordained

the prophet and on Tuesday Ali (a.s.)

offered the Prayer.”

Ref: Tareeq e Kamil, Vol 2, Page 22

Mujahid says:

“Ali (a.s.) was the first to offer prayer,

and his age at the time was ten years.”

Ref: Tabaqat ibne Saad, Vol 3, Page 33

After all these evidences, there shouldn’t be any doubt about the precedence of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) in embracing Islam and offering the Islamic prayers.But some persons have invented lame excuses to categorise precedence according to age of the persons who had embraced Islam in that period. Therefore they say that Abu Bakr was the first to embrace Islam amongst men, Hazrat Khadija among the ladies and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) among the children and Zaid ibne Haritha among the slaves!! This procedure, instead of establishing the true precedence, makes it confused and blurred!!! The only purpose behind this categorization seems that they want to deny Hazrat Ali (a.s.) the privilege of being the first to embrace Islam! But this procedure itself is a proof of the futility of their claim. If really some other person, of their choice had preced in embracing Islam, there wouldn’t have been the need for them to take shelter behind flimsy categorization. This claim is also not proved through the statements of the contemporary persons who have all talked about Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s precedence in Islam and have made no other reference which can be extended in support of the ostensible categorization. When they claim that Hazrat Ali (a.s) was the first to embrace Islam in the category of children, can they produce a roster of other children who embraced Islam then? Those early days, when the adults, including the big names of later days, were shying away, what was the question of children coming into the fold of Islam!! If it is accepted that Hazrat Abu Bakr was the first among the men who were major to accept Islam, how could it be proved that he embraced Islam prior to Hazrat Ali (a.s.)? To cover this inability to prove his precedence, they are inventing the theory of categorization to withhold their futile claims of precedence. All their claims cannot prove that Hazrat Abu Bakr joined the fold before Hazrat Ali (a.s.) There is no proof, even of the fact, whether Hazrat Abu Bakr had precedence over other major males in embracing Islam!.In fact history points out that a good number of males had embraced Islam prior to him. Therefore Mohammed ibne Saad inquired from his father Saad ibne abi Waqas:

“Did Abu Bakr have precedence over you people

In embracing Islam? He said, ‘No!’ More than

Fifty persons had embraced Islam before him!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 60

Saad ibne abi Waqas is counted as a major companion and one of the Ashra e Mubasshira ( The Ten about whom the Prophet (s.a.) has Guaranteed the Heaven!). Is is proper to to make flimsy claims of categorization of precedence in Islam in opposition to the claims of such an eminent Companion of the Prophet (s.a.)! Another reason to turn down these claims is that around the Annunciation of the Prophet (s.a.), Hazrat Abu Bakr was not there in Makka.He way away in Yemen and learned about the developments only after his return from there. Therefore Ibne Athir writes:

“Abu Bakr says that when he returned to Makka, the Prophet (s.a.)

Had already been Ordained.Uqba ibne abi Moit, Shaiba, Rubiah, Abu Jahl,

Abul Bakhtari and the chiefs of Qureish came to me. I asked them

if any calamity had struck them? Or there had been any severe accident? They said, ‘O Abu Bakr! The biggest saddening news is that the Orphan of

Abd Allah has claimed that he is Allah’s Ordained

Prophet!”

Ref: Asad al Ghaba, Vol 3, Page 208

Therefore, when he was not present in Makka at the time of the Annunciation of the Prophet (s.a.), then no question arises on his precedence over Ali (a.s.) in embracing Islam. The sayings of the Companions prove, and the historians agree, that Hazrat Ali (a.s.), on the day following the Annunciation was seen praying near the Kaaba along with the Prophet (s.a.). This proves that he had embraced Islam either on the Day of Annunciation or the next day when he was seen at prayer!

Considering these evidences, it is imperative to accept that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) had precedence over others in embracing Islam. If there was the slightest chance of disproving it, people wouldn’t have brought up the flimsy excuse of his being a child and a minor at the time of his entering the fold of Islam. They add another excuse saying that perhaps Ali (a.s.) accepted Islam only to please his benefactor, the Prophet (s.a.). They say that even if there is precedence in embracing Islam, it is not valid because of his being a minor. They say that those who embrace Islam at the age of majority, do so with full conviction and understanding and that their Faith is valid. A minor can accept a Faith in emulation of his elders, while a major person accepts only if he is convinced. These people don’t know that wisdom and conviction not always come with age. Sometimes minors are more wise and intelligent than the older persons. Allah says about Hazrat Yahya:

“Wa aataina al hakm sabia

He was still a child when We made him

an arbiter, intelligent and affable”

Hazrat Eesa (a.s.) has said from his cradle:

“Anni Abd Allah atanil Ktab wa ja-alni

Nabiya

I am Allah’s creature. He gave me

The Book and made me a Prophet.”

In both instances the capability appears at its zenith although the state of ‘maturity” is far away! Although Hazrat Ali (a.s.), at the time of his embracing Islam, was still a minor, he had never worshipped any idols throughout his childhood. He manifested all the signs of wisdom and intellgence at that age. Allama Siyuti writes:

“Lam yabad al awtaan qat lasaghra

Ali never worshipped idols even in

his childhood.”

--Tareeq al Khafa, Page 177

It is a fact that grown up and matured persons of those days showed their ignorance by prostrating to the idols and seeking boons from them. If with age, they had intelligence and wisdom, rhey wouldn’t have indulged in worship of inanimate idols.

This group of persons was on one side, on the other was another group of persons like Abu Othman Jahiz and Ibne Timia who went to the length of saying that the embracing of Islam by a minor is not valid. Therefore, despite declaring oneself a Muslim, a minor is not a Muslim in true sense. This sort of belief is possible only from a person who is in the ranks of Nawasib. The question is whether Hazrat Ali (a.s.) embraced Islam on his own or was invited to do so by the Prophet (s.a.). If he did it on his own, how did he know that he must respond to the call of the Prophet (s.a.) and decided that declaring Faith in him is binding? If the Prophet (s.a.) had invited him to embrace Islam, then he must have thought it valid to induct a minor to its fold. If the acceptance of Hazrat Ali as a minor into the fold was invalid, then the Prophet (s.a.) should have regularized the process sometime in the future after Hazrat Ali (a.s.) attained majority. But nowhere in the history there is any reference of such event. This would mean that Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was not in the fold of Islam. This sort of canard can be expected only from those who themselves have nothing to do with Islam. The fact is that when some people realized about the precedenceof Hazrat Ali (a.s.) embracing Islam, they came up with the talk of his faith as the Islam of Emulation and, as such, was invalid. They closed their eyes to the fact that at that time the condition of the age of maturity for application of Shariah was not in force, nor for acceptance of the Faith. It only depended on one’s understanding and intelligence. Therefore Allama Halabi writes:

“Hazrat Ali (a.s)’s Islam was valid

On this count, although all agree

that at that time he was still a minor.

His own saying is that he was still a

child and had not reached maturity

when he had precedence over others

in embracing Islam. The reason was

that even children were eligible then

and their eligibility was withdrawn

in the year of Khaibar. Bihaaqi says

that this eligibility became invalid

in the year of Qandaq and the

condition of majority was

introduced.Another version

is that the condition of

the age of maturity was

introduced in the year

of Hudaibia. Prior to that

it depended on the

intelligence and

understanding of

the person.”

Ref: Seerate Halabia, Vol 1,Page 269

At the time of the Annunciation of the Prophet (s.a.), Hazrat Ali (a.s.)’s age was about ten to twelve years when a person is sufficiently knowledgeable, intelligent and capable of understanding things. When his Islam was valid in terms of the norms of Shariah at that time, attempts to term it invalid reflects the thinking of the persons who do it!

15. THE FEAST OF ASHIRA

The Prophet (s.a.), as soon as he was Ordained as the Messenger, he silently commenced his mission. When he entered the fourth year of this activity, he received a Commandment from Allah to openly propagate the Faith:“Wanzar ashiratak al aqrabain-Preach your nearest relations!” On the Revelation of this Verse, the Prophet (s.a.) made Abu Talib’s residence the head quarters of his Mission. He asked Ali (a.s.) to make arrangements for a meal to be served to the progeny of Abd al Mutallib and to invite them to join the feast. Hazrat Ali (a.s.) procured one shank of meat, one measure of milk and about three seers of wheat flour. Then he went round inviting people. At the appointed time about forty persons assembled at the house of Abu Talib. Among the guests were Abu Talib, Hamza ibne Abbas and Abu Lahab. Although the number of guests was high considering the quantity of food, Allah made it sufficient for all the guests and some quantity was left over. When the guests finished the meal, the Prophet (s.a.) rose from his place and tried to make the announcement of his Prophethood and to invite them to the Right Path. Abu Lahab interrupted at this point and said,“Mohammed wants to lead you away from the faith of your ancestors. Don’t give ear to his suggestions lest you get affected with his magical spell!” As a result of the outburst of Abu Lahab the group got restive. Some stood up to depart and others followed them. The Prophet (s.a.) couldn’t communicate what he had planned to say. The second day, the Prophet (s.a.) extended invitation to the same group through Haazrat Ali(a.s.). They again assembled for the meal. After the meal the Prophet (s.a.) rose to give a talk.Abu Lahab once again tried to interrupt. But Abu Talib chided him and asked him to sit quietly.Abu Talib told him:

“Ya aiwar maa anta wa haaza

O unfortunate person! What have you

To do with these things!”

Hearing this, Abu Lahab had no courage to interrupt any further and sat quietly putting his head on his knees. Abu Talib addressed the gathering and asked them to sit comfortably in their places. He asked the Prophet (s.a.) to tell what he wished to say.He said that the people will listen to him with attention and act on what he had to say. The Prophet (s.a.) got encouragement from these words of support and addressed the gathering:

“O progeny of Abd al Mutallib!

ByAllah! No youth in Arabia has

brought any thing better than

what I have brought

for you. I have brought for

you the welfare of this world

and the Hereafter. Allah has

Commanded me to invite you

towards this welfare! Who is

the person amongst you willing

to become my associate and helper.

I assure you that he will be my Brother,

My Vicegerent and my Successor!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Page 63

Barring three or four persons, none of the gathering was happy over the statement and none had the courage to extend his hand in support..Everyone sat quietly with bowed heads. Suddenly, in that quiet environment Ali (a.s.)’s voice broke the silence::

“Although I am young,

definitely younger

than all of them,I shall

be your associate, helper

and protector! If someone cast

An evil eye on you, I shall

break that eye!If someone

created turmoil, I shall

strike him!

The Prophet (s.a.) said:

“O Ali!

Wait for a while!

Perhaps someone

from the grown ups

might come forward!”

When after making the call thrice no one came forward, the Peophet (s.a.) called Ali (a.s.) close to himself, put his hand on his head and said:

“Certainly!

This is my Brother,

My Associate

And

My Vicegerent.

It is binding on

all of you to

listen to him

and obey him!”

Ref: Tareeq e Tabari, Vol 2, Paae 63

When the Qureish heard this statement, they had a sarcastic smile on their faces. They stole glances at each other, joked with each other and some braves told to Abu Talib,“Now you will have to listen to and obey your son!” Although the gathering took Hazrat Ali ( s.a.)’s words lightly, later on it was proved that the promise that the small boy made in the gathering of the Qureish was kept in letter and spirit. In the most difficult situations he shielded the Prophet (s.a.) from the assaults of the enemies. He proved to the world that there was none more deserving of the brotherhood, support and the position of the successor of the Prophet than himself.

In recognition of the selfless services of Ameer al Momineen (a.s.), the Prophet (s.a.) was bound to make a public announcement of his Succession and Vicegerency! While returning from Hajjat al Vida, at a place called Ghadeer e Qum, the Prophet (s.a.) delivered a Sermon wherein he said:

“Mun kunto Maula

Fa Ali Maula

Ali is the master of him,

Whose master I am!”

Saying this, the Prophet (s.a.) proclaimed the Succession and the Vicegerency of Ali (a.s.). This was an echo of the promise made at the Feast of Ashira and the recognition of the fulfillment of Ali (a.s.)’s Resolution to act as the support and bulwark for the Prophet of Islam (s.a.).

The Daawate Ashira also throws light on the Vicegerency or Caliphate of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) that the Prophet (s.a.) had declared only three things at the Feast:

Tawheed or Unity of Allah

Risalat or prophethood

And

Succession or

Khilafat of

Hazrat Ali (a.s.)

Along with the announcement about Tawheed and Risalat, the mention of Khilafat illustrates its importance in the consideration of the Prophet! This proves that if Tawheed and Risalat are the main pillars of Islam, the Khilafat (of Ali (a.s.) too is of prime importance. As the acceptance of Tawheed and Risalat is imperative for a Muslim, the acceptance of Ali (a.s.)’s Succession and Vicegerency too is necessary

16. HELP & ASSISTANCE TO THE PROPHET COMMENCES

When the Prophet of Islam (s.a.) started open propagation of the Faith, the Qureish, because of their respect and consideration for Hazrat Abu Talib, did not directly attack the Prophet (s.a.) but they set urchins to trouble him and throw stones and brickbats on him. They thought that this way they could force the Prophet (s.a.) to abruptly discontinue his mission. Therefore, whenever he came out of his house, the youths of the Qureish used to follow him, shouting invectives and throwing stones and garbage at him. The Prophet (s.a.) was much disturbed and saddened with this treatment, but he never uttered a word against the culprits. He knew that arguing with the children and youth was not of any use. Once Ali (a.s.) saw the marks of injury on the Prophet (s.a.)’s body and asked him about the cause of the injuries. The Prophet (s.a.) explained to him that the Qureish themselves don’t come out openly against him but send out their children to cause him harm. Whenever he came out, they came together, followed him and threw stones and pebbles on him.Ali (a.s.) was very disturbed to hear this and said,“O Prophet of Allah (s.a.)! In the future you should not go out alone. I shall be with you. If they throw brickbats on you, I will hurl stones at them. Then they will not have courage to do such nasty things again!” The next day Ali (a.s.) was with the Prophet (s.a.) when he stirred out of their home. The Qureish youths, as usual tried to crowd the Prophet (s.a.). They noticed that Ali (a.s.) was standing in front of the Prophet (s.a.). The youths were almost of the same age as Ali (a.s.) but first they hesitated seeing his angry face and then advanced sheepishly. Ali (a.s.) rolled up his sleeves and sprang on them like an angry tiger. He broke the limb of one attacker, struck the head of another and threw another down! The crowd of youth, getting a good beating from a youth of their own age fled defeated! They ran to their elders and complained,” Qazama Ali (a.s.) - Ali (a.s.) has beaten us!” But the elders couldn’t gather any courage to confront Ali (a.s.) because the youths were doing the mischief at their instance only. From that day the youth of Qureish stopped misbehaving. Whenever they saw Ali (a.s.) with theProphet (s.a.), they would try to crouch themselves in some corners to hide from their view! They didn’t dare any time in the future to trouble the Prophet (s.a.).

After this incident, Ali (a.s.) was remembered with the title of Qazeem that means a person who breaks the bones and the ribs! Therefore during the Battle of Ohod when he came out to fight Talha ibne Abi Talha, Talha asked who was coming to fight? He said,“I am Ali Ibne Abi Talib!” When he knew that it was Ali (a.s.) who was against him, he said:

“O Qazeem! I think none other than

you can dare to come and

fight with me!”

Ref: Aiyaan al Shia

Talah remembered him with the title they gave him in their youth!