Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

68 'Ali ibn Abi Tilib in M akh
prophethood, then 'Ali (4) followed him and believed in him.
Ja'far (&) stayed with al-'Abb2s until he became Muslim and no
longer needed his help?5
We may note that the Messenger of Allah (@) wanted to pay
back the kindness of his uncle Abu Tilib, who had sponsored him
after the death of his grandfather 'Abdul-MuMib. This was one of
the greatest blessings that Allah (s) bestowed upon 'Ali (&), as he
was raised and educated by the one who was guided by ~ iah
The one whose attitude was the Qur'an looked after him and took
care of him. This Qur'anic attitude was reflected in 'Ali (&), and it
was enough that he was raised by the Prophet (,a. He grew up in the
house of Islam and leamed its teachings at an early stage in his life,
before the call of Islam went beyond the walls of the house to seek
followers who would support it and propagate it among other people,
bringing them forth from darhess to light. The scholars differed as to
the next person who believed in Islam after Khadeejah hint
Khuwaylid (%), the Mother of the Believers, who was the first of all
the people. 6 s the next person Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq or 'Mi (may
Allah he pleased with them both)? The scholarly view, which I am
inclined to favour, is that the first one to become Muslim among free
men was Ahu Bakr, the first child to do so was 'Ali, the first woman
to do so was Khadeejah, and the first slave to believe was Zayd ibn
Hzthah (may Allah he pleased with them Thus Amir al-
Mu'mineen 'Ali (&) .. was the first child to become Muslim.
2.2. How did 'Ali become Muslim?
(a).
Ibn Ish2q narrated that 'Ali ibn Abi T3ib (&) came to the
Prophet (g) after Khadeejah (I&,) became Muslim, and he found
them paying. 'Ali (&) said: '%%at is this, 0 Muhammad?" The
Prophet (g) said: "The religion of Allah, which He has chosen for
Himself, with which He sent His Messengers; I call you to Allah