In those days, the city of Kufa was the centre of Muslim world.
In the wide territory, except for parts of Syria, all attention
was towards Kufa, for orders to affect people.
A Muslim, and a person from the People of the Book met each
other in the outskirts of this city. They asked each other’s
destination. It became apparent that the Muslim was headed
towards Kufa, and the other man was heading towards a
place close by there. They agreed to accompany each other
as they had a certain amount of distance to go together.
The shared path passed with much discussions, and sincere
sharing. As they arrived at the cross road, where they were to
part, the other man was amazed that the Muslim was still
coming along with him.
He asked:
“Didn’t you say that you were going to Kufa?”
“Yes! I am going to Kufa”
“Then why are you coming this way? That is the way to Kufa.”
“I know. I just wanted to accompany you for a short distance.
Our Prophet (pbuh) said:
“Whenever two people go together for a distance, they have a
right on each other. Now you have a right on me. So I am
accompanying you to fulfil your right. Then I shall continue my
path.”
“Indeed, this wonderful character must have been the reason
that your Prophet gained so much popularity, in such a short
time among people.”
This man’s surprise doubled when he found out that his
Muslim companion was Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbuh), the
khalifa of the time.
The man soon accepted Islam, and became one of Imam’s
companions, and faithful friends.
Usool-e Kafi, v 2, p. 670
Excellent Stories Vol 1