He who was born in the Ka’bah

Bibi Fatimah bint al-Asad went to the Holy Ka’bah and prayed to Allah (s.w.t.) that her baby should be born safely.

Suddenly, there was an opening in the wall where she was standing. The opening grew bigger and bigger until it was big enough for her to enter in. She went inside the Ka’bah.

When she had entered, the opening closed up. The people nearby wanted to know more, so they went to get the keys of the Holy Ka’bah, but the door would just not open.

After her child was born, she brought him out. Abu Talib saw his wife coming out of the Ka’bah with a new born baby, he ran towards her and took the little baby in his arms. He kissed and hugged him lovingly.

When Bibi Fatimah bint al-Asad brought the baby home, Abu Talib invited all the people to a feast (walima) to celebrate the birth of his child, ʿAlī (a)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) was overjoyed when he say the baby. He would hold him and feed him with his own hands, rock his cradle and even carry him on his shoulder. While doing all this, he would be heard saying, “He is my brother and my successor.”

Abu Talib gave Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) to The Prophet (s.a.w.) when he was very small and Bibi Khadija (s.a.) took care of him just like her own child. The Prophet (s.a.w.) taught him good morals and virtues. Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) used to be very close to the Holy Prophet.

Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) and Bibi Khadija (s.a.) were the first to support the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). When Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) was about 10 years, he was very mature and knew many things since our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) had himself taught him many things.

Then one day, a revelation came down to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) telling him to invite the people to the religion of Islam. He was told to start with his family, so he invited his near relatives for a meal with the intention of telling them about his mission.

40 of his relatives came to his house and even though the meal looked less, they all ate to their fill. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) then told them that he was a Prophet sent by Allah to guide the people to the true faith – Islam.

“O sons of Abdul Muttalib, whoever promises to help me and assist me will be my successor.” the Prophet (s.a.w.) said. He repeated this three times and each time, only Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) stood up.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) declared Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) to be his successor after him. Imam ʿAlī (a.s.) and Bibi Khadija (s.a.) were the first Muslims and the firmest believers in the messenger of the Prophet. They helped and supported him to spread the message of Islam.