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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib The Prophet’s Last Journey One day prior to his demise the Prophet (a.s) called `Ali (a.s) close to himself and said, “O `Ali! Now is the time for my departure! After my death, you must give me the bath, drape me in the shroud and put my mortal remains in the grave. You must fulfill the promises that I have made with people. I have taken a loan from a certain Jew for the expenses of the Contingent of Usamah ibn Zayd.

You must clear this debt!” Then he took out the ring from his finger and asked `Ali (a.s) to wear it. He also gave to `Ali (a.s) his sword, helmet the yellow turban and other arms. That day was over and the next day was Monday 28th of Safar 11H. Now the condition of the Prophet’s health deteriorated. The clouds of death were hovering over his head. He was in semi comatose condition prior to death.

The time was close when the human body stops breathing and the spirit travels towards its final destination. The Prophet (a.s) opened his eyes and when he did not find `Ali (a.s), who had gone out for some errand, he said, “Call my friend!” `A’ishah says: “When the time of his departure was nigh, the Prophet (a.s) asked his dearest one (habib) to be called. Someone went and called Abū-Bakr. The Prophet (a.s) did not look on him and put his head down. He again wanted his Habib to be called.

A person went and called `Umar. When the Prophet (a.s) saw him he put his head down and again asked for his Habib. Now `Ali (a.s) came. When the Prophet (a.s) saw him, he took him under his quilt and remained like that until he was dead. His hand was over `Ali (a.s) at that moment.”[1] This was the greatest tragedy in the History of Islam. Everyone was affected with this sad event but for the Banū-Hashim and his close family it was the most irreparable loss.

The condition of the Prophet’s Daughter was such as if her own life had been snatched away from her. Her children were crying for the loss of their doting Grandfather. The entire world of `Ali (a.s) was changed. In spite of exercising maximum control over his emotions, tears were running from his eyes. Crying, he touched his hands to the face of his [1] Al-Riyā¤ al-Na¤irah, Vol 2, Page 237 departed mentor and cousin and touched his own face.

He closed the eyes of the Prophet (a.s) gently and covered his face with the cloth. Then, as per the wish of the Prophet (a.s), he got busy with the preparation for his interment.