IMAM ALI (AS)S BEHAVIOR TOWARDS GUESTS: Privilege and Priority of father in Islam
A father and a son were once guests of Imam Ali (A.S.). As they arrived, Imam Ali (A.S.) received them
warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Imam
Ali (A.S.) 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, Imams servant, brought a basin
and a pitcher full of water for washing the guests hands. Imam Ali
(A.S.) 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 serves me? It should be other way," the guest said.
Imam Ali (A.S.) said: "Here is your brother in faith, eager to serve his brother and to earn the pleasure of
Allah. Why do you prevent him?"
But the guest hesitated. Finally Imam Ali (A.S.) said: "As your Amir, I request that you allow me the
honor of this service."
And when the guest complied, Imam Ali (A.S.) said: "Let your hands be washed thoroughly. Do not
hasten, thinking that I should be relieved of this duty early."
When it was the sons turn, Imam Ali (A.S.) instructed his own son Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, to hold
the pitcher and wash the guests hands. Looking at his son, Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
I washed your fathers hands. My son washed your hands. If your father had not been my guest today, I
would have washed your hands myself. But Allah loves to see that when a father and a son are present
in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.
