Admonishment of Close Relatives (Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib’s (ra) Narration)
In regard to this incident, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) states in the Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin:
“The Holy Prophet (sa) instructed Hazrat Ali (ra) to make arrangements for a feast and invite Banu Abdil Muttalib so that the message of truth be delivered to them. Hence, Hazrat Ali (ra) made arrangements for a feast and the Holy Prophet (sa) invited all of his immediate relatives, who at that time, more or less, amounted to 40 people.
“When they finished their meals, the Holy Prophet (sa) attempted to make an address, but the wretched Abu Lahab said something which caused everyone to disperse. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) said to Hazrat Ali (ra), ‘We have lost this opportunity, but arrange for another feast.’ Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) gathered his relatives once more. This time the Prophet (sa) addressed them saying:
“‘Look here O Banu Abdil Muttalib! I have brought unto you the like of which has been brought to no other tribe by any man. I call you to God. If you pay heed to my call you shall become the inheritors of all the bounties of religion and this world. Now tell me, which of you shall be my helpers in this cause?’
“Complete silence had overtaken the gathering, when suddenly, a feeble 13-year-old boy stood up with tears in his eyes and said, ‘Although I am among the weakest and youngest of all, I shall support you.’
“This was the voice of Hazrat Ali (ra). When the Holy Prophet (sa) heard these words of Hazrat Ali (ra), he turned to his relatives and advised, ‘If you but knew, listen to the voice of this child and believe.’ When the participants saw this spectacle, instead of taking a lesson from it, they burst into laughter and Abu Lahab stared at his elder brother Abu Talib, ‘Lo! Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] orders you to follow your son!’ Then these people left mocking the weakness of Islam and the Holy Prophet (sa).”
(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), p. 128-129)