Staying Up at Night

the hereafter and abandoning Divine love. Since the dogs pounce at the carrion, therefore Ali compared the lovers of the world to the dogs. Regarding the world, Ali‟s following great words of wisdom are famous:

“World is a carrion. Whoever wants to attain world should get prepared to be in the company of dogs.”

Ali was so indifferent to the world that even after several years of his marriage to Fatimah, there was no addition in the basic household items that Fatimah had brought with her as dowry. The dowry of the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet only consisted of:

A charpoy, a leather mattress stuffed with the date leaves, waterskin, a spouted leather bottle, two millstones, two clay pots and that‟s it!

STAYING UP AT NIGHT

Ali ibn Abi Talib used to spend his nights staying up for adorations. Worshiping Allah was the purpose of his life. He got this devotion from his master, Prophet Mohammad. While standing before his Creator to offer salat, he became so oblivious to the world that he did not remain aware of even himself. Once an arrow pierced so deep in his body that it got difficult to take it out. He suggested to take it out while he was offering salat. Hence, the same was done and when the arrow was taken out he did not mutter even once in pain. Zubayr ibn Sa‟id relates that amongst the people of Hashim tribe no one worshipped more than Ali. When he adorned the seat of Caliph, there was no lessening in his devotions. He stayed busy in resolving the matters of state throughout the day and stayed up all night in prostrating his Holy Lord. Ali was very much devoted to fasting as well. He not only fasted during the month of Ramadan but also in other days. Sometimes