The Successor
Imam Ali (PBUH) said: When the holy verse “And warn your nearest relatives” was revealed, the Messenger of God (PBUH&HF) called me to his side. His eyes were filled with the seriousness of the divine message. He said: “O Ali! God, the Almighty, has commanded me to warn my close relatives. But I know these people well. I know that as soon as I step forward to deliver God's message, they will bring me pain and hardship. That’s why I have remained silent until now.” Then he continued: “Now Gabriel has come down again, and my Lord has told me: ‘O Mohammad! Do what your Lord has revealed to you without delay.’”
Then the Messenger of God (PBUH&HF)
turned to me and said: “O Ali! Prepare some food for us. Place a leg of lamb on it, and also bring a bowl of milk.” I did exactly as he asked and got the food ready.
That same day, I invited about forty men from the Quraysh tribe. They were leaders and elders—well-known people who held high status in Mecca. Among them were the Prophet’s uncles: Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas, and Abu Lahab. The atmosphere in the house felt formal and full of anticipation.
Everyone’s eyes were on the host, and quiet whispers passed among the guests.
When they had all gathered in the Prophet’s house, he called me and asked me to bring the prepared food. I brought it in and placed the pot on the ground. A short silence filled the room, as if everyone was waiting for something important to begin.
When I placed the pot of food on the ground, the Messenger of God (PBUH&HF) calmly and gracefully reached out his hand.
He took a small piece of meat, carefully broke it into smaller parts, and spread them around the dish. Then he said, “In the name of God, take some and eat.”
Surprised looks filled the room, and many hands reached for the food. Everyone began eating, and little by little, you could see they were getting full—until no one wanted to eat any more. I swear by the God of Ali, this was one of the Prophet’s miracles. That small amount of food should have only fed one person, not forty.
Then I brought in the bowl of milk I had prepared earlier.
Each guest drank from it, one after another, and all were fully satisfied—though any one of them could have finished it alone. Yet that single bowl was enough for everyone, and no one remained thirsty. It was a clear sign—for those whose hearts were open.
Then, just as the Messenger of God (PBUH&HF) was about to speak and share his message, Abu Lahab suddenly interrupted.
He raised his voice and, in a mocking tone, said, “Wow! What kind of magic has your friend used that you’ve all become full like this?”
His words fell over the gathering like a heavy curtain. Bitter, quiet laughter spread through the room, ruining the mood of the invitation. One by one, the guests stood up, and the gathering broke apart with whispers of doubt and mockery.
And so, in that moment, the Prophet (PBUH&HF) was not given the chance to speak.
The next morning, the Prophet (PBUH&HF)
turned to me and said: “O Ali! Yesterday, before I could even begin to speak, that man (Abu Lahab) interrupted and ruined the gathering.
Everyone left before hearing a single word from me.
Today, prepare a meal just like the one you made yesterday, and invite them again.”
Imam Ali (PBUH) said: I followed the Prophet’s command.
Just as he had asked, I prepared the food and once again invited the same group of people. The faces were familiar, and the atmosphere was just like the day before.
The Messenger of God (PBUH&HF) called me to bring in the food. I brought it, and he, just like before, began to serve it. The guests started eating, and once again, every one of them ate until they were completely full—even though the food was still very little.
Then the Prophet said, “Now bring them something to drink.”
So, I brought the bowl of milk, and one by one they drank until all were fully satisfied.
Suddenly, the Messenger of God (PBUH&HF) stood up. With a firm voice and a powerful gaze, he drew everyone’s attention.
Then he began to speak:
“O children of Abdulmuttalib! I swear by God, among all the young men of Arabia, I don’t know anyone who has brought something better for his people than what I have brought for you. I have brought you goodness for both this world and the next. My Almighty Lord has commanded me to invite you to this path.”
“So now, who among you will believe in me and help me carry out this mission? Whoever does will be my brother, my successor, my helper, and after me, my representative among my family.” The room fell into a deep, meaningful silence. Eyes shifted from one person to another, but no one said a word...
Everyone stayed silent. They looked at one another but refused to respond. Not a single person spoke up, and no hand was raised to offer support. No one had the courage to accept the Prophet’s call.
In the middle of that silence, I stood up—even though I was the youngest among them. I stood tall and said with a confident voice, “O Messenger of God! I will be your helper in the mission that God has sent you for.”
The Messenger of God (PBUH&HF), with a calm face and eyes full of satisfaction, took my hand and raised it before the gathering. Then he said: “Indeed, this is my brother, my trustee, my minister, and my successor among you. So listen to him and obey him.”
After the Prophet (PBUH&HF) spoke, the room suddenly filled with mockery.
Loud and biting laughter echoed through the crowd —laughter that came not from joy, but from denial and ridicule.
They turned to Abu Talib and, with a mocking tone, said, “Look! He’s telling you to obey your own son and follow him!”
But those darkened hearts not only denied the virtues of Imam Ali (PBUH), but also rejected the greatness and honor of his noble father, Abu Talib (PBUH).
About the high status of Abu Talib—the same noble father who stood as a calm shelter and unshakable supporter of the Prophet during the hardest days of his mission— Imam Ali (PBUH) said: “By the One who sent Muhammad (PBUH&HF) with the truth as a prophet, I swear: if my father (Abu Talib) were to ask God to forgive every sinner on earth, God would accept his intercession.”
