It is narrated from Mujahid bin Jabr Abu al-Hajjaj that one of the favours of Allah Almighty upon Sayyiduna Ali bin Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), and one form of the good He intended for him, was that Quraysh were struck by a severe famine, and Abu Talib had a large family (many children). So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to his uncle Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), who was the wealthiest of Banu Hashim: "O Abu al-Fadl! Your brother Abu Talib has a large family, and this hardship that you see has befallen the people. So come, let us go to him and share the burden of his family. I will take one of his sons to live with me, and you take one, and we will provide for them." Sayyiduna Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed, and the two of them came to Abu Talib and said: "We wish to lighten the burden of your household until this difficulty is lifted from the people." Abu Talib said to them: "If you leave Aqil with me, then do as you wish." So the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) took Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to himself, and Sayyiduna Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) took Ja'far to himself. Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) remained constantly with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) until Allah Almighty sent him (peace and blessings be upon him) as a Prophet, whereupon he followed him and affirmed him. And Sayyiduna Abbas kept Ja'far with him, and he remained constantly with him until he accepted Islam and became independent of him.