Then they asked to be exempted from offering mandatory prayers.

Then they asked to be exempted from offering mandatory prayers. The Prophet (a.s) said: “There is no good in a Faith Where there is no prayer!” Then he uttered these words of warning: “You accept Islam, or else I shall send one, towards you, who is from me, (or he said, he is like my Conscience)! He will cut your necks and enslave your women and children and confiscate your wealth and property.”[1] `Umar said that a wish came to his mind that the Prophet (a.s) meant him as that person!

But the Prophet (a.s) caught hold of `Ali’s hand and said twice: “This is him! This is him!” The delegation returned to Ta’if and made their report about the meeting. They all agreed to unconditionally accept Islam. In this expedition too, `Ali’s presence is prominent. Along with the duties of the jihad, he is also active propagating the Faith.

During the siege he destroyed the idols of Banū-Thaqif and Banū-Hawazin and brought about a change in the thinking of the people in the environs of Ta’if preparing them to embrace Islam. He killed a strong warrior of Banū-Khatm forcing them to capitulate. He killed Nafi` ibn Ghaylan and chased away his cavaliers. In the end, they all embraced Islam fearing his valorous attacks! In this campaign, certain aspects of `Ali’s superiority are very evident.

The Prophet (a.s) exchanged confidences with him within sight of the other important ! When others expressed their objections, the Prophet (a.s) said that `Ali (a.s) was not only the keeper of his confidences, but of Allah as well! Then the Prophet (a.s) compared `Ali (a.s) with his own Conscience, with his Own Self! [1] Al-Istī`āb, Vol 2, Page 477 Previous…