The story of Ali Bin Abi Talib
His Ancestry, Family and Attributes:
His full name is Ali Ibn Abu Talib Bin Abdul-Muttalib Bin Hashim. He came from the most respectable family of Quraish tribe, the family of Banu Hashim, and he was the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. His mother was Fatimah and she embraced Islam early and migrated to Madinah. His father Abu Talib was a chief of Banu Hashim tribe and he was the custodian of the Kaaba. Abu Talib was uncle of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Abu Talib was a descendant of the Prophet Ishmael, the son of Ibrahim peace be upon them.
The documents indicated that Ali (R.A.) was born in Makkah on Friday, 13th of Rajab, thirty years after the incident of the Elephant, corresponding 17th of March, 599 CE.
Ali “Ibn” (son of) Abu Talib was the young cousin of Prophet Muhammad. This child, who greatly admired his older cousin, grew into a noble warrior for Islam, a knowledgeable judge, a remarkable exegete of Quran and a righteous leader of the Muslim nation.
His Early life and Acceptance of Islam:
When Ali (R.A.) was at the age of five, Quraish was struck with a drought that affected the economical status in Makkah. Hence, the Prophet peace be upon him appealed to his uncle Al-Abbas to help Abu Talib during the crisis. They offered Abu Talib to care for his children, as Al-Abbas chose to care for Jafar and the Prophet peace be upon him took Ali (R.A.) and gave him every kindness and affection in his early childhood, which influenced him for the rest of his life. He grew up in the household of the Prophet, and when the Prophet received his mission, Ali (R.A.) was the first to become Muslim from early childhood.
Once Ali ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) came back home while the Prophet (S.A.W.) and his noble wife Khadijah (R.A.) were praying. Ali (R.A.) asked about the prayer, then the Prophet peace be upon him told him that it is the right religion from Allah, that demands worshipping no god but Allah. Ali (R.A.) said that he has never heard about this before, and has to tell his father Abu Talib about it, but the Prophet peace be upon him asked him to keep the matter in secret. The next morning Ali (R.A.) came to the Prophet and declared his Islam. At the beginning, he kept his Islam a secret, fearing from his father, but when Abu Talib recognised him, he approved his and asked him to sustain to it while Abu Talib refused to depart the religion of his late fathers till he passed away.
Many scholars point out that Ali was one of many young men and women around the Prophet Muhammad who had never been initiated into the idolatrous rituals of the pre Islamic Arabs. Ali never prostrated before anything or anyone but Allah. Ali spent his childhood with Fatima, the youngest daughter of Mohammad and Khadijah. Some years later when the Muslim community had migrated from Mecca to the city of Medina Ali went to Prophet Muhammad and proposed marriage to Fatima.
Ali however was upset by the fact that he was very poor and had nothing of value to present to Fatima as a bridal gift. Prophet Muhammad reminded him that he had a shield, to sell. Ali sold the shield to Uthman ibn Affan and was about to run excitedly back to the Prophet when Uthman stopped him and returned his shield, offering it as a marriage gift to Ali and Fatima. It is believed that Fatima and Ali were in their middle to late teens when Prophet Muhammad himself performed their marriage ceremony.
The young boy who had followed his older cousin around like a shadow had grown into a noble young warrior. When God revealed the verse, “and warn your tribe. O Muhammad.” (Quran 26:214)
Prophet Muhammad invited all his relatives for a meal; after they had eaten he addressed them and asked who from his family would join him in God’s cause? None had the courage to answer but a boy in his early teens. Ali was that boy and he stood tall in the face of laughter and derision and expressed his desire to help Prophet Muhammad in whatever way he could be of service. In the difficult times that lay ahead, Ali stood firm, and repeatedly demonstrated his courage and love for God and His Messenger.
When the disbelievers of Mecca planned to kill Prophet Muhammad, it became necessary for him and Abu Bakr to leave Mecca under the cover of darkness. As they walked into the desert night it was the teenager Ali who slept in Muhammad’s bed, knowing that at any minute there could be assassins attempting to murder him. Ali survived the night, and in the coming days, he returned the valuables that had been left in trust with Prophet Muhammad, to their rightful owners. Prophet Muhammad considered his young cousin to be amongst the bravest, trustworthy and pious of his companions. Soon afterwards, Ali joined his beloved cousin in Medina.
Prophet Muhammad so cherished his young cousin he called him by many fond and endearing names. The name that Ali treasured most was Abu Turab (Father of Dust). Once when Ali was sleeping in the mosque courtyard, his back became covered with dust. Prophet Muhammad approached him, pulled him to his feet, and wiped the dust of his back, laughingly calling him Abu Turab. Prophet Muhammad also called Ali Haidarah (the lion). Prophet Muhammad’s young shadow grew into a respected warrior for Islam.
Ali was the fourth rightly guided Caliph. 2 He followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman, and ruled the Muslim Empire, according to the divinely revealed law of God, from approximately 656 to 661 CE. Ali was the young cousin and son in law of Prophet Muhammad. He spent his childhood emulating the noble character of his beloved cousin, and his youth learning the details of Islam. Ali grew into a noble warrior; physically strong and assertive but with a humble heart, filled with love for God and His messenger Muhammad. Muslims remember Ali for his courage, his honesty, his generous and kind behaviour towards others, and his unswerving devotion to Islam.
After the migration to Medina, Ali married his childhood companion Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad. The young couple led a simple and austere life, for Ali did not care for material wealth, rather he was focused on pleasing Allah and attaining everlasting life in the hereafter. They had no servants or slaves. Ali drew and carried water and Fatima would grind the corn until her hands were rough and sore. Once when the young couple approached Prophet Muhammad asking for a servant he rebuked them by saying that he could not give them such luxuries when hungry poor people filled the mosque. Ali and Fatima returned home feeling quite dejected.
That evening Prophet Muhammad visited Ali and Fatima in their home. He sat on the edge of their bed and taught them words of remembrance with which to praise Allah. He assured them that remembering Allah would be more beneficial for them than a servant or slave to ease their workload. Ali never forgot the words of advice given to him that night, later in his life he said that not a night passed that he did not recite those words before sleeping. Ali and his family went to great lengths to please Allah, often they would go hungry themselves giving away all their food to people poorer than themselves. Ali’s generosity new no bounds, he treated everyone, friend or foe, with respect and kindness.
Ali (R.A.) During Prophet Muhammad's Peace Be Upon Him Era:
Ali (R.A.) was so reliable and trustworthy that the Prophet peace be upon him designated him as one of the scribes who would write down the text of the Holy Quran, which had been revealed to the Prophet peace be upon him during his lifetime. As Islam began to spread throughout Arabia, Ali (R.A.) helped to establish the new Islamic order by carrying the massages and declaring the Islamic guidelines.
Further, Ali (R.A.) was instructed to write down the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the peace treaty between the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and Quraish. Ali (R.A.) was sent to Yemen to spread the teachings of Islam. He was also charged with settling several disputes and putting down the uprisings of various tribes.
His Bravery and Struggle to Support Islam:
Ali (R.A.) was well known of his bravery. He participated in almost all the battles against the unbelievers during the time of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, except for the Battle of Tabuk in the year 9th Hijri, as the Prophet had placed Ali (R.A.) in charge of the city.
As well as being the standard-bearer in those battles, Ali led parties of warriors on raids into enemy lands. At the Battle of Badr, he defeated the Umayyad champion Walid Ibn Utba as well as twenty other polytheist soldiers. Ali was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, when the bearer of the Islamic standard was martyred, it was Ali who raised it up, but challenged by the unbeliever Talha Ibn Uthman, promptly Ali Attacked him and he fell to the ground. It was Ali too, who drew around the Prophet with other Companions, in the battle of Uhud, when the archers deserted their spots in quest of booty, and in the chaos which ensued when almost all took flight, Ali (R.A.) whom Allah Had protected, stood steadfast beside the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.
In the Battle of the Trench, Ali bravely defeated a prominent leader of the unbelievers called Amr Ibn Wudd. In the Battle of Khaybar, Ali defeated the great Jewish commander Marhab. When the Muslim army failed to conquer the Jewish fortress twice, the Prophet peace be upon him offered the command and the standard to Ali . The fortress fill to the onslaught of the Muslims and victory attained. Additionally, Ali (R.A.) was one the Companions who stood unwavering beside the Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Hunain.
Imam (Scholar) Ahmad described Ali as one of the most virtuous of Prophet Muhammad’s companions and Ali was known to be amongst the Prophet’s most staunch supporters. Ali deservedly became known as a strong warrior and he distinguished himself in the crucial first battle against the unbelieving men of Mecca, known as the Battle of Badr. The young lion of Allah participated in all the battles fought in the early days of Islam except on one occasion. It is reported in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that during the battle of Khaybar Prophet Muhammad bestowed a great honour on his young cousin.
Prophet Muhammad informed his companions “tomorrow I shall give the standard (flag) to a man who loves God and His Messenger and is also loved by God and His Messenger, he does not flee the battlefield, and God will bring about victory through him”. The companions of Prophet Muhammad spent the night wondering who the flag would be handed too. Omar Ibn Al Khattab is believed to have said that it was the only time he longed for leadership, but this particular honour belonged to Ali.
Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Abu Bakr (R.A.):
After the death of the Prophet peace be upon him, all the Companions (R.A.) pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr (R.A.), except Ali (R.A.), who did so later due to the fact that he was engaged in arranging the Prophet's funeral. Besides, he had an oath upon the Prophet's death that he would not engage in anything except prayer until he completed compiling the Quran. Ali gave his pledge of loyalty to Abu Bakr and assisted him throughout his Caliphate.
After terminating the expedition of Usamah, Abu Bakr (R.A.) sent Ali with a group of the Companions to protect the borders of the city in that critical time. In addition, Abu Bakr consulted Ali before fighting apostasy and the Romans. Narrations revealed that judgeship was delegated to Ali during the time of Abu Bakr.
Imam (Scholar) Ahmad described Ali as one of the most virtuous of Prophet Muhammad’s companions and Ali was known to be amongst the Prophet’s most staunch supporters. Ali deservedly became known as a strong warrior and he distinguished himself in the crucial first battle against the unbelieving men of Mecca, known as the Battle of Badr. The young lion of God participated in all the battles fought in the early days of Islam except on one occasion. It is reported in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that during the battle of Khaybar Prophet Muhammad bestowed a great honour on his young cousin.
Prophet Muhammad informed his companions “tomorrow I shall give the standard (flag) to a man who loves God and His Messenger and is also loved by God and His Messenger, he does not flee the battlefield, and God will bring about victory through him”. The companions of Prophet Muhammad spent the night wondering who the flag would be handed too. Omar Ibn Al Khattab is believed to have said that it was the only time he longed for leadership, but this particular honour belonged to Ali.
After Uthman Ibn Affan was murdered in the service of the Muslim nation, Ali was chosen as the fourth of those known as the rightly guided Caliphs. Many Muslims were eager for Ali to take on leadership but Ali was concerned that already the seeds of rebelliousness were being sewn among the believers. He hesitated until some of the companions who had been closest to Prophet Muhammad urged him on and gave him their support. The events surrounding Uthman’s murder had flung the young Muslim nation into a period that became known as the “time of tribulation”. Ali began and ended his Caliphate in times of trial and tribulation however; he remained true to his convictions and ruled in a manner that befitted the child who learned his morals and values at the feet of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (R.A.):
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (R.A.) was elected as the second Caliph after Abu Bakr's (R.A.) death. Ali (R.A.) pledged his allegiance to Umar (R.A.) and helped him as a trusted advisor. During the caliphate of Umar (R.A.), the Islamic army conquered the Roman Emperor in Syria, Egypt and north Africa. Additionally, the Islamic army conquered the Persian Emperor in Iraq, Persia, Khurasan, extending to the borders of Turkey and India. All the way through, Umar (R.A.) used to consult the wise Companions of the Prophet peace be upon him such as Ali (R.A.), and seek their suggestions in political issues.
It was narrated that Ali (R.A.) was the one who advised Umar (R.A.) to set Hijra as the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It was Ali (R.A.) who gave advice to Umar (R.A.) to go to Jerusalem in order to receive the Holy Mosque from the Romans, while Umar (R.A.) placed Ali (R.A.) in charge of Madinah. Ali (R.A.) was one of the electoral council to choose the third caliph which was appointed by Umar (R.A.). Uthman (R.A.) and Ali (R.A.) were the two major candidates.
Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.):
Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A.) was elected as the third Caliph. Ali (R.A.) pledged his allegiance to Uthman (R.A.) and remained in Madinah supporting him. Ali (R.A.) represented a considerable role during the incitement to rebellion against Uthman (R.A.). Ali supported Uthman (R.A.) and defended him by offering advice and facing the provincial opposition coming from Egypt and Iraq. They aimed at displacing Uthman (R.A.) with Ali (R.A.), but the latter resolutely rejected their demands. Thus, they pretended to be retreating, but after three days, they came back to Madinah to besiege Uthman (R.A.) and his family. Ali (R.A.) and his sons defended Uthman (R.A.) ardently and they were intended to fight the rebellious, but Uthman (R.A.) refused killing people for his sake. It was an intricate tribulation in Islamic history, marked by the murder of Uthman (R.A.).
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (R.A.): The Fourth Caliph:
After the killing of third Caliph Uthman (R.A.), Prophet's Companions approached Ali (R.A.) asking him to be Caliph, he has declined the responsibility of this great office first, suggesting to be a counselor instead of a chief. But finally, he decided to put the matter before the Muslim public in the Prophet's Mosque, as a result, the overwhelming majority of the Companions in Madinah considered Ali (R.A.) to be the most suitable person to be Caliph after Uthman (R.A.). Thus, he agreed to take the responsibility. On 25th of Dhul-Hijjah 35H (24th June, 656 CE), pledges of loyalty were sworn to Ali (R.A.).
Several problems faced the new Caliph when he took power. Firstly, he has to establish peace in the state and to ameliorate the deteriorating political situation. Secondly, he needed to take action against the assassins of Uthman (R.A.).
The political state of Madinah was disturbed by the presence of Abdullah ibn Saba and his illegal party, supported by slaves – fled from their bosses- and village dwellers. Ali (R.A.) asked all the followers of Ibn Saba to leave Madinah and return to their regions. The illegal party headed by Abdullah ibn Saba did not obey the Caliph's order and pretended to be staying there as his friends. Their purpose in staying was to create mischief and troubles among Muslims. When the orders of the Caliph were disobeyed, Ali (R.A.) offered entire freedom to the Companions, including Talha and Al-Zubair, who requested to avenge the death of Uthman (R.A.). Soon they believed that it is impossible to detect the killers in such critical circumstances.
The reign of Ali (R.A.) was notably marked by the occurrence of ordeals and troubles among Muslims. A careful reading in Islamic history revealed that the main cause of those troubles were the Sabites party, supported by fled slaves and village dwellers. Their leader Abdullah ibn Saba was a jew but pretended conversion to Islam during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.). The main goal of Ibn Saba was to split the Muslims and spread anarchy in the Islamic society. He Provoked Muslims to kill Uthman (R.A.) since he assumed that Uthman (R.A.) had occupied the seat of Ali (R.A.). He was the main source of mischief and revolution during the reign of Ali (R.A.).
The reign of Ali (R.A.) did not comprise new conquer, but characterized with civil and cultural accomplishments such as; police organization, constructing the court of arbitration and building jails. Besides, Ali (R.A.) transferred the capital of Caliphate from Madinah to Kufah in Iraq, due to its strategic position in the mid of the Islamic country at that time. Kufah thrived as the schools of jurisprudence and grammar were established. In addition, Ali gave his orders to furnish the letters of the Holy Quran with vowel signs for the first time.
His Martyrdom:
On the night that Ali (R.A.), Ibn Al-Tiyah came to him to call him for the prayer when the dawn appeared. At this time, Ali (R.A.) was reclining heavily. So he returned the second time while Ali was still in the same position and again he returned the third time. After the third time, Ali rose and walked to the mosque. When he got to the small door, Ibn Muljam sprang out and struck him.
Ali (R.A.) died in 17th of Ramadan, 40H (25th January, 661CE). His Caliphate continued for five years.
An elder from the Quraishi reported that when Ali (R.A.) was struck by Ibn Muljam, Ali (R.A.) said:
“I have succeeded by the Lord of the Kabah.”
When Ali (R.A.) was struck, he advised his sons and then he never said any other words except:
“La Ilaha Illah Allah''
until his soul was taken. He was washed by his sons Hasan (R.A.) and Hussain (R.A.) and Abdullah Ibn Jafar (R.A.). Al-Hasan (R.A.) led the funeral prayer for him.
May Allah have mercy on Ali Ibn Abu Talib and be pleased with him and assemble us among his company.
