Embracing Islam

At the time of declaration of Prophethood, Ali was ten years old and was being brought up at the Prophet‟s residence. How blessed was his childhood since the Prophet of Allah had taken him under his wings.

One day, when Ali came home, he was surprised to see Prophet Mohammad and his wife Khadija bint Khuwaylid offering salat. When they completed the salat, Ali asked, “What were you doing?” The Prophet of Allah replied, “We were worshiping.”

Ali asked, “What kind of worship is this?” Prophet Mohammad said, “This is the religion of Allah. He chose it for Himself and sent His Messengers for its preaching. I invite you to have faith in Allah- The One Who has no partners.” On hearing this, Ali accepted Islam right away. At the time he was only ten years old. In the beginning he kept his faith a secret. Ultimately, this secret was disclosed when one day Abu Talib saw his son offering salat in one of the valleys of Makkah along with the Prophet. At first he kept gazing at them in shock, then he asked the Prophet, “My dear nephew! What religion is it that you have adopted?” Prophet Mohammad replied, “Respected uncle! This is the religion of Allah, His angels and His Messengers. This is the religion of our forefather Prophet Abraham. Allah has sent me as His Messenger. My uncle! You deserve it more than anyone else that I invite you to this religion and it is your right that you accept it before others. Please accept this religion and also help me.” Abu Talib replied, “Dear nephew! I cannot leave the religion of my forefathers. But I swear to God! Until I am alive no one can harm you.”