At the third visit...

At the third visit, the Holy Prophet (S) asked ‘Ali (as): “Do you require something?” Yes, replied ‘Ali (as). The Prophet said: “Perhaps you came to seek Zahra's hand in marriage?” ‘Ali (as) said he did. Since this marriage was ordained by God and the Prophet (S) was informed through revelation about its importance, he was to let his daughter know about this proposal and asked her opinion in this relation.

The Prophet (S) said to his daughter Fatimah (as): “You know ‘Ali very well; he is the closest person to me. He has precedence over others in service and virtue. I besought God to…