When you face the people of the Scriptures in Yemen...

When you face the people of the Scriptures in Yemen, and they enquire from you about the key to Paradise, you should tell them that it is the acknowledgment of the Oneness and Uniqueness of Allah" It would appear that with all his knowledge of the Book and the Sunnah Mu'az did not give a satisfactory reply when he was asked about the rights of a husband over his wife.[^3] The Prophet, therefore, decided to send his distinguished disciple Ali to Yemen so that Islam might spread there under his continuous teachings, logical arguments, the strength of his hands, and his unparalleled bravery and moral heroism.

Furthermore, Khalid bin Walid had also been dispatched by the Prophet to Yemen sometime earlier than Ali[^4] so that he might remove the obstacles in the way of advancement of Islam, in that area. He did not, however, do anything in this behalf during that period. The Prophet, therefore, called Ali and said to him: "O Ali!

I am sending you to Yemen so that you may invite its inhabitants to Islam and inform them about the Command of Allah as well as about the things, which are lawful, and which are unlawful. At the time of your return to Madina you should collect zakat from the people of Najran as well as the taxes which they are liable to pay and should deposit the same in the public treasury.

Ali replied to the Prophet most respectfully in these words: "I am a young man and have never arbitrated throughout my life and have never occupied the seat of justice". The Prophet placed his hand on Ali's chest and prayed for him in these words: "O Allah! Guide the heart of Ali and protect his tongue from errors". Then he said: "O Ali! Do not quarrel with anyone and try to guide the people to the right path with logic and good behaviour. By Allah!

If Allah guides someone to the right path through you, it is much better than that on which the sun shines". In the end the Prophet made four recommendations to Ali: Make prayer and glorification of Allah your profession, because prayer is usually accepted. Be thankful to Allah in all circumstances, because thankfulness increases blessings. If you conclude an agreement with an individual or a group of persons, honour it.

Desist from cheating others, because the deceit of the evil-doers returns to themselves". During his stay in Yemen, Ali passed spellbound judgements, most of which are recorded in the books of history.