The Brave Young Companion

Ali: The Brave Young Companion

“What are you doing, cousin?” Ali’s voice broke the quiet as he peered into the room. He had come upon a sight he’d never seen before: the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his wife, Khadijah, bowing and prostrating in unison, their movements graceful and deliberate.

“This is prayer,” the Prophet (ﷺ) said gently, rising from his position. “It is how we worship Allah, the One True God.”

Ali furrowed his brow, his young mind working to grasp the significance of what he’d just witnessed. “Should I tell my father, Abu Talib, about this?” he asked.

The Prophet (ﷺ) placed a reassuring hand on Ali’s shoulder, his expression kind yet firm. “Not yet, my young cousin. Let us keep this between us for now.”

Ali nodded, though his curiosity only grew. That night, as he lay in bed, he found no rest. What was this new way of worship? And who was Allah, the One True God? These thoughts swirled in his mind, sparking questions he couldn’t ignore.

By morning, his resolve was clear. He sought out the Prophet (ﷺ), his small frame straight and determined. “Cousin,” he said, his voice steady despite his youth, “teach me how to become a Muslim.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) paused, looking at him carefully. “Are you sure, Ali? You are still so young.”

“I am sure,” Ali said with a conviction far beyond his years. “I believe in what you’ve told me.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) smiled, his heart swelling with pride. At just ten years old, Ali became the first young person to embrace Islam, a decision that would shape the rest of his extraordinary life.

Ali’s choice wasn’t surprising to those who knew him well. He had been raised in the Prophet’s home for much of his life. Years earlier, during a severe drought in Mecca, Abu Talib had struggled to provide for his large family. The Prophet (ﷺ) had stepped in, taking young Ali into his care to ease his uncle’s burden.

Living under the Prophet’s roof had shaped Ali deeply. He had grown up witnessing the Prophet’s honesty, kindness, and unwavering commitment to justice. Accepting Islam felt natural—it was an extension of the values Ali had been surrounded by since childhood.

But life wasn’t easy for the early Muslims. The Quraysh were relentless in their opposition to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers. They mocked, threatened, and even tortured those who dared to believe in Allah. Yet Ali stood firm, always ready to defend his cousin and the message of Islam.

One fateful night, the Prophet (ﷺ) summoned Ali with an urgent tone. His expression was calm but serious, and Ali knew immediately that something significant was about to happen.

“Ali,” the Prophet (ﷺ) began, “Allah has revealed that the Quraysh are plotting to kill me tonight. I must leave for Madinah to fulfill Allah’s command. But I need your help.”

Ali straightened, his gaze unwavering. “What do you need me to do, cousin?” he asked without hesitation.

“They plan to attack my home tonight, believing I’ll be in my bed,” the Prophet (ﷺ) explained. “Will you sleep in my place? It will give me time to escape safely.”

Ali didn’t need to think twice. “Of course, my dear cousin,” he said firmly, his voice steady and sure. “I would give my life for you and for this message.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) smiled, a mixture of pride and gratitude shining in his eyes. “You are brave, Ali. May Allah protect you.”

That night, as the stars glimmered faintly above the silent city, Ali prepared to take the Prophet’s place. He wrapped himself in the familiar green cloak the Prophet (ﷺ) often wore and lay down on the bed. Outside, the Quraysh assassins surrounded the house, their swords gleaming in the pale moonlight.

Ali closed his eyes, his heart steady despite the danger. “If this is what it takes to protect the Messenger of Allah,” he thought to himself, “then it is an honor to be in this position.”

He could almost hear the whispers of the Quraysh outside, their hatred sharp and palpable. Yet Ali remained calm. His faith gave him strength, his love for the Prophet (ﷺ) gave him courage.

As dawn approached, the Quraysh burst into the house, their swords raised, ready to strike. But instead of the Prophet (ﷺ), they found Ali. Their shock quickly turned to fury as they realized their plan had failed.

“Where is Muhammad?” they demanded, their voices harsh and threatening.

Ali, still calm despite the danger, met their anger with silence. Frustrated and humiliated, the assassins stormed out, leaving Ali unharmed. Thanks to his bravery, the Prophet (ﷺ) had escaped safely to Madinah.

But Ali’s mission wasn’t over. Before he could join the Prophet (ﷺ), he had a vital task to complete. Despite their hostility, the Quraysh had always entrusted the Prophet (ﷺ) with their most valuable possessions. Even as they sought to kill him, they trusted him to safeguard their belongings.

“Ali,” the Prophet (ﷺ) had instructed before leaving, “return these belongings to their rightful owners. Let no one say we abandoned trust, even with those who oppose us.”

Ali took this responsibility to heart. He moved through the streets of Mecca with purpose, returning each item with honesty and care. It was a testament to the Prophet’s unwavering commitment to justice and trustworthiness—a legacy that Ali upheld with pride.

Only after completing this task did Ali set out on his journey to Madinah. The road was long and perilous, stretching endlessly across the harsh desert. Ali traveled alone, with no companion to ease his loneliness or share his burden. By day, the sun blazed mercilessly, and by night, the cold winds chilled him to the bone.

Each step was a trial, every mile a test of his endurance. His feet blistered against the scorching sand, his throat parched with thirst. But Ali pressed on, driven by a single thought: “I must reach Madinah. The Prophet (ﷺ) is waiting for me.”

The journey was not without danger. Ali had to remain vigilant, knowing that the Quraysh would not hesitate to harm him if they found him. But his determination never wavered. He prayed for strength, drawing courage from his faith and his deep love for the Prophet (ﷺ).

Finally, after days of grueling travel, Ali reached the outskirts of Madinah. His body was exhausted, his clothes dusty and worn, but his heart was light with relief. He had made it.

As he entered the city, the people of Madinah greeted him warmly, their faces bright with joy at his arrival. But no one was more joyful than the Prophet (ﷺ), who rushed to embrace his young cousin.

“Ali, you made it!” the Prophet (ﷺ) exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth and pride.

Ali managed a tired smile, his face alight with relief and happiness. “I would cross a thousand deserts for you, cousin,” he said simply.

The Prophet (ﷺ) placed a hand on Ali’s head, his voice soft yet firm. “My brave cousin.”