Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was extremely close to Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and being his cousin and son-in-law caused the relationship to be even closer and more special. Hence, we can try and imagine the extent of grief which he underwent at the time when Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) passed away!

It is reported that on one occasion, after the demise of Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to the gathering of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). As he joined the gathering, the people saw that he was wearing a shawl that was covering his head and face, and he appeared to be extremely grieved and sad.

When Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) saw him in this state, he was immediately concerned and asked him, “I notice that you are sad! What is the matter?” Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I am carrying such a great burden of grief which perhaps you will not understand!”

Hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) addressed the people in the gathering and said, “Look at what he is saying (regarding the grief he is experiencing over the demise of Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam))! I ask you in the name of Allah Ta‘ala – tell me, do you think that anyone can be more grieved and affected by the demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) than me?” (Tabaqaat Ibnu Sa’d 2/238)

In other words, despite Hazrat Ali’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) grief being so great, it could not compare to the grief of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as from all the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), he possessed the greatest love for Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and enjoyed the closest relationship with Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).

From this incident, we see the deep love which the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) had for Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with true love for Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).