The personality of Abu Talib...

The personality of Abu Talib, Muhammad's (S) uncle, who was respected and admired by the Quraish, was instrumental in keeping the polytheist Arabs at a distance, and they were afraid of doing any bodily harm to the Prophet. The Prophet continued to teach the young Muslim community, the divine revelations and the basic tenets of Islam. His most enthusiastic disciple and student was none other than his young cousin, Ali, who was the closest personality to Muhammad (S).

A point to note is that while all the early Muslims were mature people and had experienced the fruits and bitterness of growing up among the idols of Arabia, it was only Ali, who entrusted to his cousin's guardianship years before the call of Islam, was like Muhammad (S) - of a pristine pure personality and far removed from contemporary corruption. Perhaps it was divine providence that Ali should be groomed personally by the last and greatest Messenger to mankind.

Hence, the young Ali imbibed all the knowledge directly from the Prophet himself. Consequently the Da'wah (Islamic Call) of the Prophet falls into two clearly discernible periods as follows: The period in Makkah, beginning with the age of 40 till his emigration to Madina 13 years later. The period at Madina, beginning with the Prophet's historical arrival till his sad demise 10 years later at the age of 63. Previous…