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The 'Aqd (Marriage Contract)

The Prophet (s) desired to have the ‘Aqd recited in the mosque and in the presence of the people. Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) joyfully went to the mosque and the Prophet (s) also entered the mosque. The Muha-jiri-n and Ansa-r gathered around them. The Prophet (s) went on the minbar and after praising and thanking Alla-h (swt), said: “Oh people! Know that Jibra-’il descended on me and brought a message from Alla-h (swt) that the ceremony of the ‘Aqd of ‘Ali- (as) has taken place in the presence of the Angels in ‘Bait al-Ma‘mur.’ Alla-h (swt) has commanded that I perform this ceremony on earth and make you all witnesses.” At the point, the Prophet (s) recited the ‘Aqd.

Then the Prophet (s) said to Ima-m ‘Ali- (as): “Get up and give a speech.” Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) got to his feet and after remembering and thanking Alla-h (swt) began his speech and expressed his satisfaction and contentment at his marriage to Hadrat Fa-tima (as).

The people prayed for him and said: “May Alla-h (swt) bless this marriage, and place love and friendship in your hearts.” 13 The Wedding

The wedding ceremony took place on the 1st of Dhul Hijjah, 2 AH 14 (or 6th of Dhul Hijjah, 2 AH) 15, one month after the ‘Aqd.

Between the ‘Aqd and the wedding ceremony, Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) was shy to speak about his wife to the Prophet (s). One day, his brother ‘Aqi-l asked him: “Why don’t you bring your wife to the house so that we can congratulate you for the occasion of your wedding?” This topic reached the Prophet (s), who called Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) and asked him: “Are you ready to get married?”

Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) gave a positive response. The Prophet (s) said: “Insha-Alla-h, tonight or tomorrow night, I will make arrangements for the wedding.” At that time, he told his wives to dress Hadrat Fa-tima (as) and to perfume her and to carpet her room so as to prepare for the wedding ceremony. 16

The Prophet (s) told Ima-m ‘Ali- (as): “There cannot be a wedding without guests.” One of the leaders of the Ansa-r named Sa’ad said: “I gift you a sheep,” and a group of the Ansa-r also brought some 17 corn 18, and some dried whey, oil and dates were also bought from the baza-r. The meat was cooked and the Prophet (s) with his purity took the responsibility of cooking for the wedding, and with his blessed hands, mixed them (the ingredients) and began preparing a type of ‘Arabic dish called Habi-s or Hais. 19

However, although the food was prepared, the invitation was public. A large number took part and with the blessings of the Prophet’s (s) hands, everyone ate and became full from the food, and there was even some left over for the poor and needy; a dish was also placed for the bride and groom. 20

The Prophet (s) told his wives to prepare a celebration for Hadrat Fa-tima (as) After food, the ladies gathered around Hadrat Fa-tima (as) and the Prophet (s) helped her get on his horse. Salma-n al-Fa-rsi- took hold of the horse’s reins and with the special ceremony, brave men such as Hamza and a number of the family and maha-rim of Hadrat Fa-tima (as) gathered around the horse with drawn swords. Many women waited behind the bride and recited Takbir.

The horse began moving, and the ladies began reciting Takbir and praises of Alla-h (swt). At that time, one by one, they read beautiful hymns that had been composed, and with splendour and joy, took the bride to the house of the groom. The Prophet (s) also reached the group and entered the bridal chamber. He requested a dish of water, and when that was brought, he sprinkled some on Hadrat Fa-tima’s (as) chest and told her to do Wudu- and wash her mouth with the rest of the water. He sprinkled some water on Ima-m ‘Ali- (as) as well and told him to do Wudu- and wash his mouth.

The Prophet (s) then took Hadrat Fa-tima’s (as) hand and placed it in the hand of Ima-m (as) and said: “Oh ‘Ali-! May you be blessed; Alla-h (swt) bestowed on you the daughter of the Prophet (s) of Alla-h (swt), who is the best of women (of the world).” He then addressed Hadrat Fa-tima (as) and said: “Oh Fa-tima, ‘Ali- is from the best of husbands.” 21

He then recited a Du‘a- for them: “Oh Alla-h, make them familiar (close) to each other! Oh Alla-h, bless them! And place for them blessings in their life.”

As he was about to leave, he said: “Alla-h has made you and your offspring pure (ritually clean). I am a friend of your friends, and an enemy of your enemies. I now bid you farewell and deposit you with Alla-h.” 22

The next morning, the Prophet (s) went to see his daughter. After that visit, he did not go to their house for three days, but went on the fourth day. 23

Notes:

13 Biha-r al-Anwa-r, vol. 43, pg. 120 and 129

14 Ibid., vol. 43, pg. 92

15 Some have narrated the time between the nikah and wedding to be one year.

16 Biha-r al-Anwa-r, vol. 43, pg. 130-131

17 About 8 pounds

18 Biha-r al-Anwa-r, vol. 43, pg. 137

19 Ibid., vol. 43, pg. 106 and 114

20 Mana-qib Ibn Shahr Ashu-b, vol. 3, pg. 354

21 Izdawa-j Maktab Insa-n Sa-zi, vol. 2, pg. 300

22 Mana-qib Ibn Shahr Ashu-b, vol. 3, pg. 354-355

23 Ibid., vol. 3, pg. 356

Adapted from the book: "From Marriage to Parenthood; The Heavenly Path" by: "Abbas and Shahin Merali"

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