Beginning of Islam

Upon the beginning of Prophet Muhammad’s Prophethood, Imam Ali was the first male who accepted Islam. He accepted Islam on the day after the first revelation to the Prophet. He joined the Prophet in his worship of God. Imam Ali also informed his father, Abu-Talib, about his belief in the Prophet. Abu-Talib responded that your cousin would not invite you to anything but good; hence always accompany him. Abu-Talib also encouraged his other son Ja’far to accept Islam and join the Prophet and Imam Ali in their worship of God. Ja’far followed his father’s words and became a dedicated Muslim like Imam Ali and openly revealed his belief. He later led the Muslim migration to Habashah or Abyssinia and continued supporting Islam until his martyrdom, years later, at the battle of Mu’tah. Furthermore, Abu-Talib’s wife, Fatimah bint Asad became the second woman to accept Islam after Lady Khadijah. Therefore, Abu-Talib’s family was not only the closest to the Prophet, but was also the leading family to accept Islam. History proved that they were faithful to Islam and the Prophet until their last breath.
Abu-Talib knew the Prophet better than anyone else and believed in his prophethood ever since he took on the responsibility of his guardianship. He knew that as soon as the Prophet began his mission, the Quraysh would become a threat for the Prophet’s life and mission. Thus, unlike Abu-Talib’s family who openly declared their belief in Islam, Abu-Talib wisely chose to conceal his faith as a strategy to keep his social and political position, and to efficiently protect and support the Prophet.