When he saw him sitting quietly, the Prophet (a.

When he saw him sitting quietly, the Prophet (a.s) understood that he wished to make some important request. He said, “`Ali! Do you wish to say something?” He replied, “Yes!” The Prophet (a.s) asked, “Then! Tell me!” A blush crossed the face of `Ali (a.s). He kept his eyes down and said in low tone, “O Prophet of Allah (a.s)! You have brought me up from my childhood. And your kindnesses on me were more than those of my own parents!

Now I am approaching you for more kindnesses!” The Prophet (a.s) understood the intent of `Ali (a.s) and happiness reflected from his face. He asked `Ali (a.s) to wait for sometime and went to the inner chamber of his house. He asked Fatimah al-Zahra’, “My daughter! `Ali (a.s) has made a proposal for your hand. What is your opinion about it?” Fatimah al-Zahra’ sat with her head bowed down and did not reply.

The Prophet (a.s) said, “Quietness is acceptance!” he came out with a smiling face and told `Ali (a.s) that the proposal for marriage with his daughter was accepted. He asked `Ali (a.s) to arrange money for the dowry. `Ali (a.s) said, “O Prophet of Allah (a.s)!

Except for armor, a sword, and a camel, I have nothing else!” The Prophet (a.s) said, “Keep the camel and the sword with you and sell the armor to raise the money for dowry and other expenses.” `Ali (a.s) sold the armor to `Uthman for a consideration of four hundred and eighty dirhams and presented it to the Prophet as the dowry.

He gave some dirhams from that money to Abū-Bakr and asked `Ammar ibn Yasir and some other companions to accompany him and buy the household utensils etc from the bazaar. He gave some dirhams to Bilal to buy perfumes etc. It was the month of Dhul-Qa`dah of 2 A.H. In the al-Masjid al-Nabawi (the Holy Prophet’s Mosque) the group to witness the Marriage Covenant between the bride (Fatimah al-Zahra’) and the groom (`Ali) had assembled. The of the Prophet (a.s) were there in numbers.

The Prophet (a.s) delivered the Sermon. It was a speech of erudition and knowledge. The covenanting parties gave their assent. Then this happy occasion was concluded with a prayer by the Prophet (a.s) for the couples’ happiness and prosperity. In the month of Dhul-Hijjah 2 A.H., the bride shifted to the residence of the groom. The Prophet (a.s) got together the Wedding Reception. He ordered meat and bread and the groom, `Ali (a.s), arranged for cooking oil and dates.

The reception was an open house for all the inhabitants in al-Madinah.