Addressing them, the Prophet said: "O Men!

Addressing them, the Prophet said: "O Men! Do not complain against Ali! By God, he is more strict in way of Allah than anyone who might complain against him". Ali never showed any latitude to anyone in the way of Allah. If he ever showed favour to anyone, it was for God's sake. Naturally, such a policy is antagonising and offends the greedy and selfish at heart.

( 93 ) Amongst the Prophet's companions, none had such selfless friends as Ali had likewise, none of them had such daring and desperate enemies as Ali had. He was a man whose even funeral was apprehended to be assaulted by his enemies. He himself was aware of such a situation. He had anticipated it. He, therefore, made the will that his grave should be kept secret from all except his sons.

So much so that after the passage of one century, i.e., after the downfall of Omeyyades, extinction and liquidation of Kharijites, and after animosities and vengeance had subsided, his sacred grave was made known to public by Imam-i-Sadiq. Previous…