Every decree is issued at a certain time...

Every decree is issued at a certain time, and every time has a duration, and every duration is fixed. Allah confirms or abrogates what he pleases. His is the Eternal Book. Allah, the Most High, ordered me to marry Fatimah, the daughter of Khadijah, to ‘Ali bin Abi Talib. Bear witness that I have married him (to Fatimah) with a dowry of four hundred mithqals (unit of weight equal to about 5 grams) of silver. That is, it ‘Ali bin Abi Talib agrees to that.” Then he called for a dish of dates.

It was placed in front of the gathering. “Partake of it,” the Prophet (S) ordered, and they ate. All were eating when Imam ‘Ali (as) entered. The Prophet (S) smiled. Then he said: “Allah has ordered me to give to you Fatimah, in marriage with a dowry of four hundred mithqals of silver if you agree to it.” “I agree to it, O Messenger of Allah,” ‘Ali replied.

Anas said: “The Prophet said: 'May Allah strengthen the bond that connects you, make your grandfather happy, bless you, and cause you to produce much good.'“ “By Allah”, Anas said, “He caused them to produce much good.” [^2] Before one month had slipped by after the ceremony of the contract of marriage, Aqeel bin Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, contacted his brother, Imam ‘Ali (as), urging him to consummate the marriage. “Why do you not?” he asked.

“Ask the Messenger of Allah (S) to bring her (to your house), so that your happiness, by your union, will be completed.” They agreed to approach the Messenger of Allah (S) on the matter. But before doing anything, they met with Um-Ayman Barakah, the daughter of Tha'labah, a respected woman and consulted her. She suggested that she would talk about it to the mothers of the faithful (Prophet's wives), who would, in turn, talk to the Messenger of Allah (S). The women met with the Prophet (S).

Um-Salamah, on behalf of them, explained the matter to the Messenger of Allah (S). He sent for ‘Ali. When he came, the Prophet asked him: “Do you want your wife to be brought to your house?” “Yes,” the Imam replied. “With pleasure.” the Messenger (S) agreed. Then the Noble Prophet (S) asked Imam ‘Ali (as) to make a feast for the faithful. The wives of the Prophet (S) themselves cooked the food. The guests enjoyed it.

Then the Messenger of Allah (S) ordered Um-Salamah and the rest of his wives to take Fatimah to her new house.