THE SON-IN-LAW OF THE PROPHET

The Prophet bestowed a unique honor upon Ali, by choosing Ali to be his son-in-law. He married him to his daughter, Fatima Al-Zahra (the Lady of light), for whom her father testified that she is the leader of the women of Paradise, or the leader of- the women of the believers.(1)

He also said: "Fatima is a portion of me, whoever exasperates her exasperates me."

Ayeshah, wife of the Prophet, also said about Fatima:

"I have never seen a more resemblant to the Prophet in manner of speaking than Fatima, daughter of the Messenger of God. Whenever she came to him, he used to welcome her, stand for her, kiss her, take her hand and seat her in his place."(2)

Ayeshah said also about Fatima:

"I never witnessed a person truer than Fatimah after her father."(3)

Outstanding companions wooed the hand of Fatima, but the Prophet rejected them, saying: "I am waiting for a Directive concerning her." (He meant that he was waiting for an order from God.)

When Ali wooed her hand, the Prophet welcomed him, and Ali married her in the first year after the Hijrah. She was moved to him in the following year, after the Battle of Badr.

This marriage was destined to be unique in its consequences. Of its fruits were the two gems of this nation: Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein, about whom the Holy Prophet said: "An Angel came from Heaven to give me the good tidings: That Fatima is the leader of the women of Paradise, and that Al-Hassan and Al-Hussein are the leaders of the youth of Paradise."' (4)

By their birth, the most honorable family was formed. For this family the Messenger ordered the Muslims to pray whenever they pray for him. This is the family whose members the Muslims are urged to follow.

Notes:

1) Al-Bukhari reported it through his channel to Ayeshah in his

Sahih in the section of the Beginning of the Creation, in the chapter of the Evidences of the Prophethood, Part,5, p. 25. 11. AI-Bukhari, in his Sahih, Chapter of Virtues of the Relatives of

the Messenger, and Virtues of Fatimah.

2) Al-Hakim, in his Al-Mustadrak, Part 3, p .154.

3) Al-Hakim Al-Mustadrak, Part 3, p. 160.

4) Al-Termathi in his Sunan (of the 6 Authentics), Part 2, p. 306.

- The Brother of the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w) The Imam Ali (a.s).

- By Mohammad Jawad Chirri.