Story No. 255 – Justice as part of Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali’s (as) life: Behavior towards guests

Prophet and Imams

There are numerous incidents from the life of Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali (as) which we have read and heard from others. We must carefully analyze those incidents to see the core message. Justice had become such an integral part of Imam Ali’s (as) life that whatever he said and did, Adl (Justice) was projected from it. Study the following incidents:

A father and a son were once guests of Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali (as). As they arrived, Imam Ali (as) received them warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Imam Ali (as) sat opposite to them, engaging them in a friendly conversation. And then it was time for the meal. After food had been served and eaten, Qambar, Amirul Mumineen’s well known servant, brought a basin and a pitcher full of water for washing the guest’s hands. Imam Ali (as) took the pitcher himself and asked the father to extend his hands so that he would pour the water.

“How is it possible that my Amir (Leader) serves me? It should be other way,” the guest said.

Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali (as) said: “Here is your brother in faith, eager to serve his brother and to earn the pleasure of Allah (SWT). Why do you prevent him?”

But the guest hesitated. Finally Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (as) said: “As your Amir, I request that you allow me the honor of this service.”

And when the guest complied, Imam Ali (as) said: “Let your hands be washed thoroughly. Do not hasten, thinking that I should be relieved of this duty early.”

When it was the son’s turn, Amirul Mumineen, Imam Ali (as) instructed his own son Muhammad ibn Hanafiyyah, to hold the pitcher and wash the guest’s hands. Looking at his son, Imam Ali (as) said:

I washed your father’s hands. My son washed your hands. If your father had not been my guest today, I would have washed your hands myself. But Allah (SWT) loves to see that when a father and a son are present in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.