In the name of Allah the Beneficient the Merciful
Two men were in each others company on the road to Kufa. One was a Muslim and the other was a non-Muslim. As they progressed, the non-Muslim traveller asked his companion:** I am going further than Kufa, to a small village where I live. Where are You going ? **His Muslim companion said: **I live in Kufa. **They proclaimed happily, discussing various things, helping each other, all in a spirit of cordiality. When they drew near to Kufa, the non-Muslim took a side road towards his village. Just as he was about to bid farewell, he observed that his Muslim companion was coming with him. **Didn’t you tell me that you are going to Kufa where you lived? **The Muslim replied: **Yes, of course. **On this the non-Muslim inquired: **Then why were you coming this way? That is the only road leading to Kufa? **I know, said the Muslim, but we have long been companions. Our Prophet (S.A.W) said that when two are companions to each other on a journey they have obligations and duties towards each other. You gave me company and now it is my duty to follow you a few steps and then make a gentle departure. **No wonder that your Prophet (S.A.W.) managed to spread his faith so quickly. His teachings were indeed great. **And then it so happened that once the same non-Muslim entered Kufa. There he found that his Muslim companion had been none other but Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A). He soon became a Muslim and remained faithful to Islam throughout his life.
Source:Pearls Of Wisdom Assafina Publications