AMIR AL-MUMININ'S BEHAVIOR TOWARDS GUESTS: Privilege and Priority of father in Islam

A father and a son were once guests of Amir al-Muminin Ali (A.S.). As they arrived, Amir al-Muminin Ali (A.S.) received them warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Amir al-Muminin 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, Amir al-Muminin's servant, brought a basin and a pitcher full of water for washing the guest's hands. Amir al-Muminin 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.

Amir al-Muminin 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 Amir al-Muminin Ali (A.S.) said: "As your Amir, I request that you allow me the honor of this service."

And when the guest complied, Amir al-Muminin 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 son's turn, Amir al-Muminin Ali (A.S.) instructed his own son Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, to hold the pitcher and wash the guest's hands. Looking at his son, Amir al-Muminin Ali (A.S.) 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 loves to see that when a father and a son are present in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.