Birth

When the Prophet (SAW) of God was thirty years old, Ali (AS) was born on 13 th of Rajab in the 30 th year of Aamul Feel inside the sacred Kaaba- His father Abu Talib (AS) and his mother Fatima bint-e-Asad were very happy on his birth as parents normally are. But it was the Prophet (SAW) who was most particularly pleased to see the baby. Perhaps the very features of the child were already indicating that he would grow up to be of immense help to him and prove to be his right hand in the time to come.

Period of Suffering

The moment the Prophet (SAW) proclaimed his prophethood every particle under the sun turned against him. Those very people who used to acclaim his truthfulness and trustworthiness began calling him a lunatic, a sorcerer and what not? Thorns were laid in his path, stones were pelted at him, and garbage was thrown on his head. In these hard times only a child was there to share his misery. This child was the same Ali (AS) who never lost his courage in collaborating with his cousin and in professing his love and loyalty towards him. On every occasion he acted as a shield to the Prophet (SAW) against all odds. This continued for long till that crucial moment arrived when his enemies firmly decided to boycott him and the members of his household. The situation worsened so much that even their lives were in extreme danger. Abu Talib (AS) ultimately took all his companions, including Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (SAW). to a safe fortress in a mountain valley. They had to lead this life of confinement for three years. Every night there was a fear of night assault by the enemy. In view of this Abu Talib (AS) did not allow the Prophet (SAW) to pass the whole night on one bed Instead- he used to interchange his bed during the night with that with one of his sons, Jafar. Aqeel and Ah. The idea was that if the enemy ever found out the Prophet's bed and attacked him, then one of his own sons may fall a victim to their assault but no harm should come to the Prophet (SAW). In this way right from his childhood Ali (AS) continued to repeat in practice the lesson of self-sacrifice in defence of the holy Prophet (SAW).

Hijrat

After some time Abu Talib (AS) left this world. The demise of his loving uncle broke the Prophet's (SAW) heart. He made up his mind to migrate to Madinah. Thereupon the enemies unanimously decided to surround the house of the Prophet (SAW) at night and finally kill him. The Prophet (SAW) coming to know of it, called his cousin Ali (AS) and told him about it saying, "My life can be saved if you sleep on my bed tonight covered with my mantle while I leave Makkah incognito." Had it been some body else this news would have terrified him. But Ah (AS) expressed his gratitude to God that the life of the Prophet (SAW) will be saved through him. He was happy for being required to slake his life for that of the holy Prophet (SAW) Accordingly at night the Prophet left Makkah for Madinah and Ali ibne Abi Talib (AS) slept on his bed. Al! around the house blood thirsty enemies with drawn swords and spears were just waiting for the break of dawn to break into the house and kill the Prophet (SAW). In the mean time Ali (AS) was resting peacefully and quietly on the bed and did not at all think of the lurking danger to his life. The enemies discovered in the morning that the person resting on the bed was Ali (AS) and not Muhammad (SAW). They pressurized Ali (SAW) to disclose the whereabouts of the Prophet (SAW) but Ali (AS) with a brave countenance firmly refused to oblige. Consequently, the Prophet(SAW) starting from Makkah could traverse quite a long distance without any trouble or hindrance. Hazrat Ali (AS) stayed at Makkah for three days- During this period he returned to their owners all the articles that were left in trust with the Prophet (SAW). Thereafter, he left for Madinah along with the ladies of the Prophet's household. After travelling on foot day and night he reached the Prophet (SAW) in such a state that blood was oozing out of his feet. This incident amply prove that the Prophet (SAW) reposed utmost confidence in Ali (AS). The loyalty, courage and boldness with which Ali (AS) discharged his responsibilities is an example in itself.

Marriage

The first thing that the Prophet (SAW) did on his arrival in Madinah was to solemnise the marriage of his only daughter, Fatima Zahra' (SA) with Ali (AS) . The Prophet (SAW) deeply loved hi daughter and had so much respect for her that whenever she came to him he used to stand up in reverence. Every body wanted to have the honour of marrying this venerable daughter of the Prophet (SAW). One or two of them even mustered enough courage to request him for her hand in marriage. But the Prophet (SAW) refused to entertain their wishes saying that the marriage of Fatima could not be solemnized without divine decree. It was in the first year of Hijrah when the Prophet (SAW) chose Ali (AS) for this honour- The wedding rite-s were performed with utmost simplicity. The daughter of the Prophet of God. The monarch of this world and the world hereafter was married without any dowry from the Prophet (SAW) . It was the amount other Mahar (dower) offered by Ali (AS) from which some household articles were purchased and given to Fatima. it comprised some utensils of clay, pillows made out of the bark of date tree— a leather bedding, a spinning wheel, a grinding stone and a Mashk (leather bag for carrying water)— and that was all. For the payment of Mahar Ali (AS) sold his coat of mail (Zirah). The amount thus obtained did not value above one hundred and seventeen Tolas (about 1.36kg) of silver. In this way an example was set for the Muslims for all time to avoid lavish expenditure on such occasions.

HouseKeeping

The life of Fatima (SA) and Ali (AS) presented an unparalleled ideal for domestic life. It was an example of how a man and a woman can prove to be the real life partners, what should be the distribution of duties between them and how they can be helpful to each other. The house was bereft of all worldly decorations; there was not a single item of personal comfort and easy living. With physical labour and toil, mental peace and mutual love and trust, the house was turned into a paradise. Each morning Ali (AS) left the house with Mushkizu (leather bag) to water the gardens of the Jews and came back home with whatever wages he earned. He would purchase barley from the market and give it to Fatima (SA). She used to grind the barley into flour, cook food and also sweep the house. In her free hours she worked on the spinning wheel to make clothing for herself and the other members of the family. Occasionally she used to spin thread on wages and. in this way. confining herself within the four walls of the house, she used to extend a helping hand to her husband in the struggle of life.