These few could then make it available to others as and when...

These few could then make it available to others as and when the people had the time and ability to study it. The person he selected to head this group was Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). Since, Ali (a.s.) was under the care and guidance of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) from his infancy, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) brought him up to a level of maturity, Taqwa, and understanding that allowed him to accept the knowledge of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and become a source of it for the people.

His pure spirit accepted and absorbed the divine light as it was given to him. When Imam Ali (a.s.) was still a young boy, the people of Mecca were affected by drought. Abu Talib - the father of Imam Ali (a.s.) - was a very respected personality. At the time of the drought, he had great difficulty in looking after his family because of their large numbers.

At this time, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) discussed the issue with his uncle, Abbas, and they decided that they should offer to look after one of the children of Abu Talib so as to ease his burden. Abu Talib (a.s.) accepted their offer and gave Ali (a.s.) to the Prophet (s.a.w.w.). The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) loved the boy and gave him the best education and training. Imam Ali (a.s.) himself says, "I was with the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) since my childhood.

Every day, he would open for me the door of his knowledge, give me some of his excellent akhlaq and discipline me in the best way. He used to care for everything I needed and gave me the order to follow him in whatever he did.

" The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) told me that Allah (S.W.T.) ordered him to feed me with his knowledge and my ruh (spirit) would be ready to accept and understand it." In the years to come, Imam Ali (a.s.) proved to be the best and most knowledgeable companion of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.).

So much so that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said, "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is the gate of that city." Whoever wants to attend and go to the city he has no choice other than to pass through the gate and to the door of that city. Imam Ali (a.s.) was appointed as the source of all Knowledge. He was in direct contact with the Unseen One. Despite this, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) ordered him to write down all the verses and ahadith that he learnt from him. Imam Ali (a.s.) asked him, "O Prophet!

Are you afraid that I may forget them?" The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) replied, "No, I am not afraid of that.