The Remarkable Life of Ali Radhi Allahu Anhu (Part 2)

By Ruby S

Bismillah

As previously discussed, it is well known that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, grew up in a blessed household. He learned from the Seal of the Prophets, learned alongside the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s own children, and had firsthand experience of being one of the first Muslims in history. His childhood stands as evidence that Ali (RA) was an extraordinary child, with wisdom that even the adults around him did not have at the time. By the time he reached his teenage years, his significance was proved by his brilliance and courage.

Time of Hijrah
After a few years of persecution, the new Muslims of Mecca received the command from Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala to migrate to Madinah. Most Muslims had already migrated by the time it was the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s turn to leave his hometown. The city that was their home, the only place they knew, would very soon be left for the sake of Islam.

During this time, the Quraysh were slowly plotting against the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. The angel Jibreel came down to Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam to warn him about an assassination plot that was to be carried out soon against him. The command came for the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam to migrate (make hijra) and so, who better to ask for help than the one of the closest companions, Ali (RA).

Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam gave directions to Ali to cover himself with a cloak, to pretend to be the Prophet in his bed. When the people came, they surrounded the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s house, not realizing that in his bed was his cousin, not the man they were looking for. Rasulullah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam slipped away from Makkah without harm, fully trusting that Ali (RA), with the help of Allah, would take care of matters in his home. The adolescent Ali (RA) risked his own life for the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and what better example can be shown for the amount of love and dedication he had in his heart for Allah and His messenger sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam?

Ali RA followed the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam to Madinah. There, he would be able to live as a Muslim without opposition, amongst others in the ever increasing Muslim community. He soon grew up to be a fine young man, contributing to Islam with his wisdom, intellect and skills.

Marriage to Fatima
Ali (RA) was given permission to marry the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s youngest daughter, Fatimah (RA). Their marriage and children were blessed by the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam himself. What greater honour could one ask for?

Ali and Fatimah (RA) had two boys, Hasan and Husayn, who would grow up to be leaders of the Ummah (community), just like their father. These were the grandchildren of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam and he loved them dearly, as shown in various sayings and actions about them.

The marriage of Ali and Fatimah (RA) was blessed, but their lives were not easy. It came to the point where Ali told Fatimah that he had drawn water until his chest hurt. He would carry heavy loads of water across town to the people. Fatimah replied that she had suffered also, grinding grain until her hands became blistered. Ali asked Fatimah to request that her father would grant them a servant. The reasoning was the there were spoils from war, and the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam would surely help his daughter and son-in-law.

When Fatimah approached her father to ask him for the servant, she became embarrassed of her request. Instead, she merely gave him greetings and returned home. The next time, both Ali and Fatimah went to the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam. He refused them any servant or luxuries, saying the following:

“By Allah, I will not give a servant to you, while the people of the Suffah (bench) bind up their bellies from hunger. I cannot find anything I can spend of them, but I will sell the spoils and spend it on them.” (Durkee)

Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam knew there were people suffering even worse than his own family. He could not allow himself to hand out any luxury to even those that were closest to him, because he was conscious of the fact that there were people suffering far more than his own family was suffering. But the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam also had something to give them, far more valuable than any servant or gift.

That night, he came to Fatimah and Ali’s home, and asked them if he should give them something better than what they had asked for. The couple agreed, and the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam told them of three phrases that they should say after every prayer and before going to sleep. These were, “Subhan-Allah”, “Alhamdu-Li-Allah”, and “Allahu Akbar”. These phrases gave the couple comfort and support in hard times that came.

Ali’s life was difficult, to be sure, but he had full confidence that Allah subhanahu wata ala would ease him through difficulties, trials, and tribulations. He knew he would be rewarded for what he endured in his life, and so anything that seemed troubling became easier as a result. He was blessed to have the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam’s daughter as his wife, as well as two boys who would follow in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Ali (RA) remained a strong Muslim throughout his life, especially when it came to spreading Islam and helping the Ummah.

Source: Those Promised Paradise, Volum I, by Noura Durkee.

To be Continued…!

Next time, be ready to read about Ali(RA)’s best qualities and his later years after the Prophet’s death, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Please feel free to leave feedback for future articles or for this one! Jazakumullahukhair for reading.

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