Once the Prophet (may ALLAH send a shower of Blessings upon HIM, AMEEN), while returning from the Khaibar battlefield after the battle had ended, halted at a place called Sabha in order to offer Salat al Asar. After reading the Salat, he reclined for a while, his head on the blessed thigh of Hazrat Ali (may ALLAH be pleased with him). Hazrat Ali had not yet offered his Salat, he however, kept sitting motionless with the Prophet�s head resting on his thigh and took full care that the Prophets sleep be not disturbed.

Meanwhile, the sun went down marking the end of the time for Salat al Asr. On waking up, when the Prophet came to know that Hazrat Ali had missed the prayer on his account, commanded the sun to reappear. Hazrat Ali then offered his Salat after which the sun when down again. Does this Story not prove the deep and sincere devotion that existing between the Prophet and Hazrat Ali? Hazrat Ali chose to sacrifice his most valuable Salat, the best of all prayers, in preference to the comfort of the Prophet.