In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

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A Biographical Profile of Imam Ali [a.s]

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This well-written profile of Imam Ali (a) has been copied from a book by Syed Muhammad Askari Jafari. While providing a glimpse into our glorious history, it provides an unbiased and fair analysis of one of the most important personalities of the first centuries of Islam.

Since unfortunately, the name of Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) has been associated with a particular sect, many readers hesitate to accept any statement about him. This adds to the importance of this profile, which has been reduced entirely from non-Shi'ite books and resources, all of them being popular and well-known texts, hadith and collection of traditions, narrations, and history books, written by well known personalities of the majority Muslim sect, so that all readers can read and refer to the facts herein, without any hesitation or doubts.

Contents:

Early Life and Some Scholars' Comments
Imam Ali's Noble Behaviour Towards Enemies
Imam Ali to His Friends and Subjects
Imam Ali's Simple Lifestyle
Dawat al-`Asheera - Prophet's first public invitation
The Night of Migration
The Champion of Islam - Battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar and Hunayn
Declaration of Imam Ali as Vicegerent - al-Asheera, Khaybar, Tabuk, Ghadeer
Imam Ali's Life From the First Year of Migration to the Prophet's Demise
Imam Ali and the Election for Caliphate
The Sad Events of The Demise of Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra
Imam Ali During The Reigns of The First Three Caliphs
Caliphate Restored to Imam Ali
The Battle of Jamel
The Battle of Siffin
The Battle of Nahrawan
Martyrdom
Imam Ali as a Ruler and Statesman
Imam Ali and Philosophy of Religions
References


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This effort dedicated to our guide, our Divine leader, Hazrat Imam Mahdi (a), the Awaited Saviour. May we be counted as his lovers and followers in this world and the next.



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Early life and some scholars' comments Back To Contents

Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, was the first cousin of the Holy Prophet (s). His father, Abu Talib, and the father of the Holy Prophet, Abdullah, were the sons of Abdul Muttalib from the same mother, Fatima. The name of Imam Ali's mother was also Fatima, the daughter of Asad, the son of the famous Hashim. Thus his parents were cousins.

Imam Ali (a) was born on the 13th Rajab, (30 Amul Fil), about 610 A.D., i.e. 23 years before the Hegira (Migration). Historians say that he was born in the precincts of the Holy Ka'bah.[1]

At the time of his birth, his father and his cousin, Muhammad, the Holy Prophet (s), were out of Mecca, his mother gave him the names of Asad and Haider. His father called him Zaid. But when the Holy Prophet (s) returned to the city, he took his young cousin in his charge and gave him the name of Ali, saying that it was the name decreed for him by Allah. [2]

Among his various Kunniya (patriotic appellations), the most famous were Abul Hasan, Abus Sibtain and Abu Turab.

His titles were Murtaza (the chosen one), Ameerul Momineen (the Commander of the Faithful), Imamul Muttaqin (the leader of the pious and God-fearing).

The famous historian and biographer Allama Ali ibn Muhammad says, Imam Ali was a man of middle height with black, big and piercing eyes, very handsome and fair complexion, broad shoulders, a long muscular neck, a broad forehead and a little hair on the top of his head.

He used to walk with very light gait and he was very agile in his movements. He had a smiling face, pleasing manners, a jovial temperament, kind disposition and a courteous behaviour. He would never lose his temper. [3]

He was born three years before the marriage of the Prophet (s) with Lady Khadija . Soon after his birth, the Prophet (s) took him under his care and Ali was like a son to him. He used to live with the Prophet (s) and used to sleep with him. He was fed by him, washed and dressed by him, and even carried by him on a sling whenever he would go out. [4]

When the Holy Prophet (s) married Khadija, she adopted this child as her son. Imam Ali (a) himself, has described his childhood saying that:

"I was still a new born baby, when the Holy Prophet (s) took me from my parents. I used to cling to him and he used to feed me, and (when I grew a little older), he never found me uttering a lie or feigning a deceit. To me he was like a guiding star and I used to follow his actions and deeds carefully. I was attached to him like a foal of camel attached to its mother. He used to place before me high values of morality, and used to advise me to follow them; every year, he would spend some days at the grotto of the Mt. Hira and I used to be with him, I was his only companion then and none else could meet him at Hira, there I used to see the light of revelation, and used to smell the fragrance of Prophethood. Once the Holy Prophet (s) told me: "Ali! You have attained a very eminent place. You see what I see and you hear what I hear." [5] (See also Nahjul Balagha, Sermon a190)

Once the Holy Prophet (s) told Imam Ali, "O Ali! Allah has ordered me to keep you near me. You are to me like an ear that retains everything, because yours are the retaining ears that the Holy Book (Quran) has praised". [6]

Ibn Abil Hadid, the commentator of Nahjul Balagha cites Abdullah ibn Abbas saying, "Once I asked my father, 'Sir, my cousin Muhammad had many sons, all of whom died in infancy, which of them he loved the most?" He replied, "Ali ibn Abi Talib". I said, "Sir, I was inquiring about his sons." He replied: "The Holy Prophet (s) loved Ali more than all of his sons. When Ali was a child, I never saw him separated from Muhammad for half an hour, unless Muhammad went out of the house for some work. I never saw a father love his son so much as the Holy Prophet loved Ali and I never saw a son so obedient, so attached and so loving to his father as Ali was to Muhammad."

Jubayr ibn Mut'im, the companion of the Prophet said: "Once his father addressed him and some young men of his family, Have you noticed the child (Ali) loving, venerating and obeying that young man (Muhammad) instead of his own father, what an intensity of love and veneration! I swear by our gods, the Lat and the Uzza, that instead of having so many offspring of Nawfal around me, I had a son like Ali."

Once the Holy Prophet (s) said: "O Ali! I wish to achieve every such thing for you that I desire to acquire myself and I want to keep you away from all those things which I abhor." [7]

Whenever the Holy Prophet was in anger, nobody dared to address him except Ali. [8]

Abbas, the uncle of the Holy Prophet (s) used to say that they (the Holy Prophet and Ali) loved each other intensely. The Prophet (s) was so fond of Ali that once when Ali was a child, he sent him out on some errand. He took a long time to return. He started getting worried and anxious and in the end he prayed to Allah, "O Lord don't let me die unless I behold Ali once again." [9]

Ali started acting as the bodyguard of the Holy Prophet (s) even when he was about fourteen. The young men of Quraish, under instigation of their parents, used to pelt the Holy Prophet (s) with stones. Ali took up the work of acting as his defender, he fell upon those young men, broke the nose of one, knocked down the teeth of the other, pulled the ears of the third and threw down the fourth. He often fought against those who were older than him. He was often himself hurt, but he never forsook the self-imposed duty. After some days, he got the nickname of Qazim (the breaker or thrower) and nobody dared throw anything at the Prophet when Ali was with him and he would not allow the Holy Prophet (s) to go out of the house alone.

Offering his sacrifice at the night of Hegira and his subsequent behaviour in all the battles are enough proofs of the intense love of Imam Ali (a) for the Holy Prophet (s).

Jurjy Zaydan (George Jordac) who died recently was a famous Christian historian, linguist, philosopher and poet of modern Egypt. Arabic was his mother tongue, but he was so well-versed in English, French, German, Persian and Latin that he used to contribute his work to historical and philosophical magazines of France, Germany and England. Regarding, Imam Ali (a) he says:

"No one can praise Ali to the extent that he (Ali) deserves. So many instances of his piety and fear of Allah are cited that one starts loving and venerating him. He was a true, staunch and devout follower of Islam. His words and deeds bore stamp of nobility, sagacity and courage of convictions. He was a great man having his own independent views about life and its problems. He never deceived, misled, or betrayed anybody. In various phases and periods of his life, he exhibited marvelous strength of body and mind which were due to his firm belief in religion and his abiding faith in truth and justice. He never had a servant and never did he allow his slaves to work hard. Often he would carry his household goods himself and if anybody offered to relieve him of the load he would refuse."

Allama Muhammad Mustafa Beck Najib, the famous Egyptian philosopher and Professor of Islamic Studies at Al-Azhar University, in his equally famous book "Himayatul Islam", says:

"What can be said about this Imam? It is very difficult to fully explain his attributes and qualities. It is enough to realize that the Holy Prophet (s) had named him the gateway of knowledge and wisdom. He was the most learned person, the most brave man and the most eloquent speaker and orator. His piety, his love of Allah, his sincerity and fortitude in following religion were of such high standard that no one could aspire to reach him. He was the greatest politician because he hated diplomacy and loved truth and justice, his was the policy as taught by Allah. On account of hi sagacity and thorough knowledge of human nature, he always arrived at correct conclusions and never changed his decision. His was the best judgement, and had he no fear of Allah, he would have been the greatest diplomat amongst the Arabs. He is loved by all, and everyone has a place for him in his heart. He was a man of such surpassing and pre-eminent characteristics and such transcending and peerless qualities that many learned men got perplexed about him and imagined him to be an embodiment of Allah. Many amongst the Jews and Christians loved him, and such philosophers who had come to know of his teachings bowed down before his incomparable vast knowledge. Roman kings would have his pictures in their palaces and great warriors would engrave his name on their swords!"

Another philosopher and historian of Egypt, Ustad (Professor) Muhammad Kamil Hatha, pays his tributes to Imam Ali (a) in the following words:

"His life is an agglomeration of pleasing incidents, bloody encounters and sad episodes. His personality is very prominent on account of his transcending and high qualities. Each aspect of his life is so lofty and glorious that a study of one phase makes you feel that it was the best phase of his character and the most beautiful picture of his personality, while contemplation of any other phase will enchant you more and you will come to conclude that no human being can attain that height, and a third aspect will fascinate you equally and you will realize that before you is a personality of such sublime eminence that you cannot fully appreciate its greatness and you will feel that Ali was an Imam (leader) in the battlefield, was an Imam in politics, was an Imam in religion, was an Imam in ethics, in philosophy, in literature, in learning and in wisdom. It is not difficult for Allah to create such a person!" [10]

John J. Pool, the historian (author of the life of H.M. Queen Victoria) in his book, "Studies in Muhammadanism" says:

"This prince (Imam Ali) was a man of mild and forbearing character, wise in counsel and bold in war. Muhammad had given him the title of the "Lion of God". Ali and his sons, Hasan and Husain were truly noblemen -- men of righteousness, men of brave, humble and forgiving spirit. Their lives deserve to be commemorated; for there was a peculiar pathos about them (their lives) which were not spent selfishly or in vain. as Mathew Arnold in Essay in Criticism says: "The sufferers of Karbala had aloft to the eyes of millions -- the lesson so loved by the sufferer of Cavalry (Representation of Crucification): "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and Ye shall find rest unto your souls". He further says that Ali was the First Caliph to protect and encourage national literature. This prince was a scholar himself and many of his wise sayings and proverbs are published in a book. It is a remarkable work and deserves to be more widely read in the West".

Ibn Abil Hadid says:

"Imam Ali (a) had a personality in which opposite characteristics had so gathered that it was difficult to believe that a human mind could manifest such a combination. He was the bravest man that history could cite and such brave persons are always hard-hearted, cruel, and eager for bloodshed. On the contrary, Ali was kind, sympathetic, responsive and warm-hearted person, qualities quite contradictory to the other phase of his character and more suited to pious persons. He was very pious but more often pious and religious persons avoid society and do not care to mix with corrupt and sinful persons. Similarly warriors, kings and dictators are usually arrogant and haughty. They consider it below their dignity to mix with poor, lowly and humble persons. But Ali was different. He was a friend to all. As a matter of fact he had a soft corner in his heart for poor and humble and for orphans and crippled. To them he always was a kind friend, a sympathetic guide and a fellow sufferer; he was meek towards them but haughty and arrogant against notorious warriors and generals, so many of whom he had killed in hand to hand combats. He was always kind but strict with wayward persons, sympathetically teaching them the ways of Allah. He always smiled and passed happy and witty rejoinders. It was difficult to overcome him in debates or repartees, his rejoinders and retorts always bore high mark of culture, education and wisdom.

He was a scion of a very illustrious, rich and noble clan, as well as son-in-law and great favourite of the Holy Prophet (s), at the same time, the greatest warrior and marshal of his time. Yet, in spite of his riches, he ate, dressed and lived like a poor man. To him wealth was for the use of other needy persons, not for himself and his family. Change of times and change of circumstances did not bring any change in his bearing, mien or character. Even when he ascended the throne of Arabia, and was acclaimed as the caliph, he was the same Ali as the people had found him during the previous regimes."

Once when in the presence of Abdullah ibn Imam Malik ibn Hanbal, a discussion took place about Imam Ali (a) and his Caliphate, Abdullah brought the discussion to an end by saying: " The Caliphate did not bring any honour or glory to Ali, but it was the Caliphate, honoured and glorified by Ali, and it received the status actually due to it."

I want to add one more point to the points discussed by Ibn Abil Hadid. World cannot quote an example other than that of Imam Ali (a) of a first class warrior, and a marshal who is also a philosopher, a moralist and a great teacher of religious principles and theology. A study of his life shows that his sword was the only help that Islam received during its early days of struggle and its wars of self-defence. For Islam, he was the first line of defence, the second line of defence and the last line of defence! Who was with him in the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar and Hunayn? This is one aspect of his life.

While the other phase of his character is portrayed by his sermons, orders, letters and sayings. What values of morality they teach, what ethics they preach, what intricate problems of monotheism they elucidate, how rich they are in philosophy, how they train us to be good, kind, benevolent and pious rulers, and faithful, sincere and loyal subjects; how they persuade us to be warriors who can fight only for Allah, truth and justice, and not mercenaries, murdering and plundering for riches and wealth; and how they instruct us to be teachers who can teach nothing injurious and harmful to mankind. Was there any such combination before and will there ever be?? (See also "Imam Ali's wonderful character -- contradictory virtues and qualities")

To Oelsner, (the famous French Orientalist and author of Les Effects de La Religion de Mohammed), Ali was an embodiment of chivalry; and personification of gallantry and generosity. He says:

"Pure, gentle and learned without fear, and without reproach, he presented to the world the noblest examples of Chivalrous grandeur of character. His spirit was a pure reflection of that of Muhammad, it overshadowed the Islamic world and formed the animating genius of succeeding ages".

Osborne, in "Islam under the Arabs" says:

"Ali had been advised by several of his counsellors to defer the dismissal of the corrupt governors previously appointed until he himself was sure against all enemies. The pillar of Islam, the hero without fear and without reproach, refused to be guilty of any duplicity or compromise with injustice. This uncompromisingly noble attitude costed him his State and his life; but such was Ali, he never valued anything above justice and truth".

Gibbon (in "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, vol. V) says:

"The zeal and virtues of Ali were never outstripped by any recent proselyte. He united the qualifications of a poet, a soldier and a saint. His wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings; and every antagonist in the combats of tongue or of sword was subdued by his eloquence and valour. From the first hour of mission to the last rites of his funeral, the Prophet (Muhammad) was never forsaken by this generous friend (Ali) whom he delighted to name his brother, his vicegerent and the faithful Aaron of second Moses".

Mas'udi, the famous historian of Islam says:

"If the glorious name of being the first Muslim, a comrade of the Prophet in exile, his faithful companion in the struggle for the faith, his intimate associate in life, and his kinsman, if a true knowledge of the spirit of his teachings and of the Book, if self-abnegation and practice of justice, if honesty, purity and love of truth and if knowledge of law and science constitute a claim to pre-eminence, then all must regard Ali as the foremost Muslim. We shall search in vain to find either among his predecessors except the Holy Prophet, or among his successors, those virtues with which Allah had endowed him".

Imam Ali's faith

As has been declared by all historians of Islam, Imam Ali (a) from his infancy was adopted and looked after by the Holy Prophet (s). Therefore, naturally his religious tendencies from his very childhood were those of the Holy Prophet (s). The question as to when he embraced Islam is out of consideration. He was a Muslim from the very beginning! His religion was the religion of the Prophet Muhammad (s). At the age of 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, and 14th year, he was following the religion which the Holy Prophet (s) had at his 35th, 37th, 40th, 42nd and 44th year of his life! (this being the difference between the respective ages of the Holy Prophet (s) and Ali, about 30 years). If the Holy Prophet (s) at any period of his life was a non-Muslim, then Ali at that period was also a non-Muslim. This is the logic of facts! Ali was like a son to the Holy Prophet (s) therefore his religion from the very beginning was the religion followed by the Holy Prophet (s).

Mas'udi further says: "The general consensus of opinion amongst the Muslim historians and theologians is that Ali was never a non-Muslim and never did he worship idols, therefore, the question of his embracing Islam does not and cannot arise".[11]

Marriage to Hazrat Fatima (s)

"Imam Ali was married to Lady Fatima, the only daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) from Lady Khadija. He had been betrothed to her several days before the expedition to Badr. But the marriage was solemnized three months later, Imam Ali (a) being in his 21st year and Lady Fatima in the 15th year of her life". [12]

It was the happy marriage. The inherent distinctiveness of their respective characters blended so well with each other that they never quarreled and complained of each other and they led a happy and contented life. Each one of them was rich in his own rights. All that they owned went to the poor, the crippled and the orphans and they themselves often starved. Their only luxury in life was prayers and the company of each other and their children. They willingly shared the sorrows and sufferings of the poor. They were given a slave girl, Fizza; and the Holy Prophet (s) had made arrangement that every alternate day was the off day of Fizza and her mistress would do all the household work. Even when Lady Fatima (s) was ill on Fizza's off day, Fizza would not be allowed to attend to her duties, but Imam Ali (a) would work; and the hero of the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar and Hunayn was seen grinding oats, igniting the oven, baking the bread and looking after the children.

Salman al-Farsi says: "What a household, the only daughter of the Holy Prophet (s) and wife of vicegerent leading the life of a poor labourer. If they had spent one-tenth of what they were distributing daily, they would have led a life of ease and comfort".

From Imam Ali (a), the Lady of Light (Fatima) had four children and the fifth (Mohsin) was a still birth. The causes of this mishap and also that of her death are very sad and tragic incidents of their lives. The names of their children were Hasan, Husain, Zainab (wife of Abdullah ibn Ja'far) and Umme Kulthum (wife of Ubaydullah ibn Ja'far).

During the lifetime of Lady Fatima, Imam Ali (a) did not marry another woman. After her death he married Yamamah and at her death another lady, having the name of Hanafia, from whom he had a son, Muhammad Hanafia, and after her death, he married again, thus he had many children some of whom had unparalleled places in the history of mankind, e.g. Hasan, Husain (the hero of Karbala), Zainab (the defender of Islam in Kufa and Damascus), Abbas (the commander of Husain's army) and Muhammad Hanafia, (the hero of the Battle of Naharwan).



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Imam Ali's noble behaviour towards enemies Back To Contents

I have cited below few cases which go to show what type of man was Imam Ali (a). He was as Pool says: "Truly a noble man, a man of righteousness and a man of brave, humble and forgiving spirit", and as Oelsner says: "Pure, gentle and learned, without fear and without reproach, setting the nobles example of character to the world". Out of hundreds and hundreds of cases to select I find it rather difficult which to choose and which not to choose. I have selected a few according to the standard of my knowledge and visualization."

Talha ibn Abi Talha was not only a bitter enemy of Islam, but was also hostile towards the Holy Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a). His exertions to harm these two and their mission is a historical fact. In the Battle of Uhud, he was the standard-bearer of the army of Quraish. Ali (a) faced him and in a hand to hand encounter, dealt him such a severe blow that he reeled and fell down. Imam Ali left him like that and walked away from him. Many Muslim warriors ran up to Ali and advised him to finish Talha, saying that he was Ali's worst enemy. Ali replied: "Enemy or no enemy, he can't defend himself now, and I cannot strike a man who is not in a position to defend himself. If he survives he is welcome to live as long as his life lasts"

In the Battle of Jamal, in the thick of the encounter his slave Qambar brought some soft drink saying, "My master! The sun is very hot and you have been constantly fighting, have a glass of this cold drink to refresh yourself". He looked around himself and replied: "Shall I refresh myself when hundreds of people around me are lying wounded and dying of thirst and wounds? Instead of brining soft drink for me take a few men with you and give each of these wounded persons a soft drink". Qambar replied: "My master! They are all our enemies!" He said: "They may be, but their are human beings, go and attend to them."

In the Battle of Siffin, Muawiyah reached the river Euphrates before the army of Imam Ali (a) and took position of the river. When Imam Ali's army reached there, he was informed that they would not be allowed a drop of water from the river. Imam Ali (a) sent a messenger to Muawiyah, saying that this action was against the canons of humanity and orders of Islam. Muawiyah's reply was that, "A war is a war, hence one cannot accept principles of humanity and doctrines of Islam. My sole aim is to kill Ali (a) and to demoralize his army and this stoppage of water will bring about these results quickly and easily". Imam Ali (a) ordered his son, Husain (a), to resume the attack and get back the river. The attack took place and the river was captured. It was then Muawiyah's turn to beseech permission to get water from the river. His messengers arrived and Imam Ali (a) told them to take as much water as they liked and as often as they required. When Imam's officers told him that those were the very people who had refused water to them, should they be allowed a free run of the river? He replied, "They are human beings and though have acted inhumanly, yet I cannot follow their example and cannot refuse a man food and drink just because he happens to be my sworn enemy!"

In the Battle of Naharwan, Imam Ali (a) himself was fighting like any other ordinary soldier. During this battle, a man came to face him and in the encounter lost his sword. He realized his hopeless plight of standing before Ali without any weapon in hand. Ali's hand was raised for a blow when he saw the opponent trembling with fear, he lowered his hand slowly and said: "Run away, friend, you are not in a position to defend yourself". This attitude made the man bold and he said: " Ali! Why don't you kill me, it would have made one enemy less for you". Ali replied, "I cannot strike a man, who cannot defend himself. You were begging for your life and it was spared". The opponent got bolder, and said, " I am told that you have never refused a beggar. Now I beg you of your sword, will you grant it to me?" Ali handed him over the sword! Taking possession of the sword he said: "Now Ali! Who is going to defend you against me and save you from my killing-blow?" He replied: "Of course Allah will defend me if He so wills! He has appointed my death to be my guarding angel, no one can harm me before it is due and no one can save me when it arrives". Nobility of though and action affected the foe and he kissed the bridle of Ali's horse and said: "O master! You are a great man indeed! You cannot only forsake the life of your enemy in a battlefield but also you can grant him your sword. May I have the honour to act as your body guard and to fight for you? Imam Ali replied: "Friend! Fight for truth and justice and don't fight for individuals!"

During 39 and 40 A.H., Muawiyah, organized bands of murderers and brigands to enter the border-towns and to carry on loot, plunder, arson and rape. Kumail was at that time the Governor of Hiyat. He asked Imam's permission to organize similar bands and carry plunder in the province of Qirqisya, which was under the control of Muawiyah. Imam Ali (a) replied to him: "I never expected such a suggestion from a man like you. It is more noble and more moral to guard your people and province then to plunder others. They might be our enemies but they are human beings. They consist of civilian population comprising of women and children, how can one kill, loot and plunder them?? No, never! Don't even dream of such a venture!" (See Nahjul Balagha, Letter 61)

It was the month of Ramazan, the month of fasting. It was the time of the morning prayers. Masjid Kufa was overcrowded. Imam Ali (a) was kneeling down before Allah and when he raised his head, a terrible blow fell upon it making a very deep cut. There was a great disturbance and commotion in the masjid. The assassin ran for his escape. The Muslims chased him and brought him before Imam Ali (A)S who was on the prayer carpet that was soaked in blood and he was reclining upon his sons. He knew the blow was fatal and that he would not survive it but when the assassin was brought before him, he saw that the rope which had bound him was so tightly tied that it was piercing in to his flesh. Imam Ali (a) turned towards the Muslims and said: "You should not be so cruel with your fellow-beings, slacken his ropes, don't you see that they are cutting his flesh and he is in agony?" Such was Ali! History is replete with incidents of his chivalrous and kind treatment towards his enemies. (See also "The cursed assassin and the noble martyr")



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Imam Ali to his friends and subjects Back To Contents

Let us see what history says about his behaviour with his friends and relatives.

Abdullah ibn Ja'far was his nephew, whom he had brought up since the death of his father, Ja'far ibn Abu Talib and to whom he had given his beloved daughter Zainab, in marriage. Once Abdullah came to him requesting for an advance installment of his share from Baitul Mal (Public Treasury). Ali (a) refused and when the young man persisted, he said: "No, my son! Not until all the others get their share."

Aqeel, Imam Ali's elder brother, was financially not in sound condition. He asked for something more than his due share before the time. The Imam refused by saying that he could not resort to dishonesty. Aqeel must wait till the time of disbursement and he must bear the sufferings patiently. Imam Ali (a) cited this incident in one of his sermons. (Nahjul Balagha, Sermon 221)

Ibn Hunaif, was his trusted disciple, and a faithful follower. He was governor of a province and was once invited to a function which was followed by a sumptuous dinner. When Imam Ali (a) heard of this, he sent him a very strong letter, criticizing his action. He wrote: "You went to a dinner where only rich people were invited and the poor were scornfully excluded". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 45)

Imam Ali (a) had two slaves, Qambar and Sa'id. After his demise, Qambar related that very seldom he had the occasion to serve his master. The noble Imam used to do his work by himself, used to wash his own clothing, used even to stitch patches on them whenever needed. He would give them good food and descent dresses and would himself eat and dress like a simple man. Let alone whipping or beating, he never even got angry with them. He never used a can, even on his horse, camel or mule. These animals apparently understood his mood and desire and would trot and walk as he wished them to do. His regular phrase with them was, 'Go easy, child'.

Continuing, Qambar said: "One and only once, he got annoyed with me. It was the occasion when I showed him the money that I had hoarded. It was from my share of income given to me like others from the Public Treasury and the gift I had received from the members of his family. I had no immediate use of it and thus had saved the amount. It was not much, being barely 100 dirhams. When I showed him the amount, he looked and annoyed and what pained me more, he looked very sad. I inquired as to why he was so sad. He said: "Qambar, if you had no use of this money, were there not people around you who were in need of it, some of them might have been starving and some might have been ill, could you not have helped them? I never thought that you could be so heartless and cruel, and could love wealth for the sake of wealth. Qamber, I am afraid you are not trying to acquire much from Islam, try more seriously and sincerely. Take these coins from here". Qambar went out and distributed the money amongst the poor in Masjid Kufa.

Sa'id says, "It was a very hot day. Imam Ali (a) was writing some letters, he wanted to send me to call some of his officers, he called me once, twice and thrice and each time, I purposely kept silent and did not reply. He got up to look for me and found I was not sitting very far away from him. He asked me as to why I did not respond to his call. I replied, 'Sir, I want to find out when and how you get angry'. He smiled and replied: "You can't rouse my anger with such childish tricks".

Once Ubaydullah ibn Abbas, as governor maltreated Bani Tamim clan. They complained to Imam Ali. He wrote to Ibn Abbas,

"You should not behave like a beast with your subjects. They are respectable people and should be treated respectfully. You are representing me and your treatment would be taken as that of mine. Your first consideration should be the welfare of those over whom you rule and then to treat them with due respect". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter 18)

Once a group of non-Muslim subjects complained to Imam Ali (a) that Abdullah ibn Abbas always treated them with contempt and scorn. They were farmers and laboured hard. It had then become a practice that non-Muslims were usually treated scornfully. Imam wrote to Abdullah:

"The farmers complain about your harsh, contemptuous and cruel treatment. Their complaints require careful consideration. I feel that they deserve better treatment than what was meted out to them, give them a better chance to approach you and treat them kindly and politely. They may be heathens and polytheists but being our subjects, and human beings, they do not deserve to be driven away from us and treated harshly". (Nahjul Balagha, Letter a19)

Once Imam Ali was passing through Ambaz with his army. The rich men of the province, as was the custom of those days, came out to greet him. They offered the best Persian horses as presents and requested his permission to serve his army. He met them courteously but politely refused to accept the gifts and said, "You have paid your taxes, to receive anything more from you, even when you offer it voluntarily and willingly, is a crime against the State." But when they persisted and pressed their request, he ordered that the horses could be accepted as their taxes and so far as the feast was concerned, it must be paid out of the war expenses.

The Russians in 1905 found an order of Imam Ali in his own hand-writing which was in Kufi script. This was found in a monastery of Ardabail, chief town of Azar Baijan. This letter was an amnesty deed to the monastery and the Christians of Ardabail. Translation of this deeds appeared in the Russian newspapers and thence it was translated in the Turkish papers and in the Arabic Magazines of Cairo and Beirut, and several commentating articles on the spirit of toleration and the treatment of conquered countries by Islam were written by the Russians and Arab Christians. Apparently from the magazine "Hablul Matin", it was translated by the magazine "Al-Hakam". (Vol. II, No. 47, 1906)

In this deed, Imam Ali (a) says that as a caliph and a ruler, he promises safety and security of life, property, honour, social status and religious freedom of Armanian Christians. This order should be obeyed by his officers and by his successors. The Christians should not be maltreated or looked down because they are non-Muslims. So long as they do not try to betray and injure the cause of the State of Islam, they should not be molested but should be allowed to practice their religion and to trade freely and openly. Islam teaches us to carry a message of peace with us and improve the status of society wherever we go and the best way to achieve this is to create amity, friendliness and concord between human beings; therefore, Muslims should try to develop friendship of these people and should never resort to wrong use of power, force and arrogance. They should not be overtaxed, should not be humiliated and should not be forced out of their homes, lands, and trades. Their priests should be treated with due respects, their monasteries should be protected and they should be allowed to carry on their lectures, teachings and preachings as usual and their religious ceremonies should not be banned. If they want to build their places of worship then fallow and unclaimed lands should be allotted to them. One, who disobeys this order is going against the orders of Allah, and the Holy Prophet (s) and will deserve His Wrath.

Once when Harith ibn Suhayl, the Governor of Kufa, was riding through the city, saw Imam Ali (a) also on a ride. He got down from his horse to accompany the Imam on foot. Imam Ali (a) stopped his horse and said, "It does not behove a man to lower himself before anybody but Allah. Please mount back on your horse. Even if you had not been an officer of the State, I would not have allowed you to lower yourself like this, the sight of such humiliation of man before man never pleases me. It is the worst form of tyranny which can be practiced."

There is a letter of Imam Ali (a), which is actually a system of rules and regulations for the administration of a just government and a code for higher values of morality. It is included in Nahjul Balagha (Letter 53) and is referred so often by historians of Europe, philosophers of Arabia and even by Justice Kayani in his presidential address at the Karachi Bar on April 16, 1960. Thus it needs no introduction. In this letter there are instructions which show that he wanted his officers to remember that the people over whom they rule are the trust entrusted to them by Allah, and they should be treated as such.

Imam Ali (a) had a very soft corner in his heart for the old, the weak, the disabled and the poor and children were always his favourites.

It was the hottest day of the season, he had finished his noon-prayers in the masjid and was passing through the bazaar. He saw a young slave-girl piteously weeping. He asked her the reason. She said that her master had given her some money to get dates from the bazaar. The dates which she brought were not liked by her master, he wanted them to be returned and get back the money. The fruit-seller refused to take them back, her master was beating her for the money and the fruit-seller had also punished her for going to him over and over again. She did not know what to do and whom to approach for help.

Imam Ali (a) accompanied her to the fruit-seller to advise him to take the dates back. He was a new-comer to Kufa and did not recognize the Imam and was rude to him. Some passers-by intervened and introduced the Imam to him. He jumped from his shop and begged of Imam Ali (a) to excuse him and said that he would give back the money immediately to her. The Imam replied that it was really mean of him to treat honest suggestion disdainfully and haughtily and to cow down before power and might so abjectly. The owner of the slave-girl had also heard the news of this incident and ran to meet the Imam to apologize for the trouble caused to the slave-girl. Imam Ali (a) told him, "You have no mercy for a person who is under your power and you do not forgive her mistake, have you a right to expect mercy and forgiveness from the Lord? You people have acquired nothing from Islam but its name."

One day he saw an old woman carrying a heavy load of fire-wood which she could hardly lift, she was tottering under the weight. Imam Ali (a) relieved her of her weight, carried it to her house. when Imam Ali (a) told her about who he was, only then she realized that the one who had served her like an obedient servant was none but Imam Ali, the Caliph and the Commander of the Faithful.

It was after his death only that people came to know that he had provided a shelter to a leper in an advanced stage of the disease. The shelter was outside the town, he used to go there daily, dress his wounds, feed him with his own hands (because the leper had lost his hands), wash him, put his bed in order and carry him out of the shelter for a little while so that he may get fresh air. Incidentally, when the relatives and friends of Imam Ali (a) came across this shelter and found a leper in it, they told him the Imam was assassinated as they had just then buried him. The news so affected the man that he died on the spot.



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Imam Ali's simple lifestyle Back To Contents

Imam Ali (a) always ate and dressed in such a simple way that even the poorest could afford better. It was not because he was poor, but it was because he wanted to lead the life of the poorest person and spend all that could thus be spared on the poor. I have noted below certain cases quoted by the historians. These incidents are of the time when he was the ruler of the entire Muslim Empire, except Syria.

Suwayda bin Ghafla says: "One day I went to see Imam Ali (a) in the Government House (Darul Imarah). It was the time of breakfast and before him there was a cup of milk and some barley bread. The bread was dry, stale, hard and did not contain any butter or oil. It could not be easily broken into pieces. Imam Ali (a) was exerting himself to break it and to soften it. I turned towards the maid-servant, Fizza and said, 'Fizza! Have you no pity upon your old master, and why can't you give him softer bread and add some butter or oil to it?' She replied, "Why should I pity him when he never pities himself. He has given strict orders that nothing is to be added to his bread and even chaff and husks are not to be separated from the flour. We, ourselves eat much better food than this, although we are his servants." Hearing this, I told him, "O master! Have pity on yourself, look at your age, your responsibilities, your hard work and your food." He replied, "O Suwayda! You have no idea what the Holy Prophet (s) used to eat. He never ate his fill for three consecutive days." [13]

Abdullah ibn Zurarah says: "I went to see Imam Ali (a) on an Eid (festival) day. He asked me to join in his breakfast. I consented. A very simple kind of food was served before us. I told him, "O master! You are such a rich man and a caliph. I was expecting that a game would be served before us but what do I see?" The great Imam replied, "Ibn Zurarah, you have heard of mighty kings who have led life of luxury. Let me be a ruler leading the life of a poor and humble person -- a humble labourer." [14]

Ibn Abi Rafe', the famous Tabe'i, says: He went to Imam Ali (a) on an Eid day and while he was sitting there, a bag was brought before the Imam, he thought it might contain jewels. The Imam opened the bag, it contained dried pieces of bread, which he softened with water. Ibn Abi Rafe' asked him as to the reason of sealing such a kind of food which even a beggar would not care to steal. The Imam (a) smiled and said: "I keep it sealed because my children try to substitute softer bread, containing oil or butter in it." Ibn Abi Rafe' said, "Has Allah prohibited you to eat a better kind of food?" He replied: "No, but I want to eat the kind of food which the poorest of this region can afford at least once a day. I shall improve it after I have improved their standard of life. I want to live, feel and suffer like them". [15]

Harun ibn Anza said that he accompanied his father (Anza) to meet Imam Ali (a), in winter days and the winter was very severe. He found the Imam in a very thin cotton garment, and the cold wind was making him shiver. Anza asked him, "O Commander of the Faithful! Allah has reserved a share for you and your family from Public Treasury why do you not make use of it?" He replied: "O Anza! I don't want anything from your treasury, this is the dress I have brought with me from Medina." [16]

Zayd ibn Wahab said that once Imam Ali (a) came out of his house and there were patches sewn to his dress. Ibn Nu'aja, who was once a Kharijite and an enemy and yet he was allowed to lead a peaceful and comfortable life by Imam at Kufa, once taunted Imam Ali (a) on the very poor and coarse kind of dress put on by him. He replied: "Let go, what have you to find objection in my dress, it is the kind which our masses can afford, why can't you think of their lives and dresses! I shall improve my standard after I have succeeded in improving theirs. I shall continue to live like them. Such a kind of dress makes one feel humble and meek and give up vanity, haughtiness and arrogance." [17]

Amr ibn A'iz narrated that once he asked Imam Ali as to the reason of his having patches in his dress, he replied: "O Amr, such type of dress makes you soft-hearted, vanishes vanity from your mind and it is the kind which poor Muslims can conveniently afford." [18]. (See alsoNahjul Balagha, Saying 103)

Hasan bin Jurmuz narrates that his father once saw Imam Ali coming out of Kufa Mosque in a shirt made of jute cloth and around him were people so well-dressed that compared to him they looked like princes, he was advising them as how to understand religion. [19]

Abu Nuziya, the draper of Kufa narrates that Imam Ali purchased two shirts from his shop, one was of superior quality, which he handed over to his slave Qambar to put on and the other which was cheap and coarse, reserved it for himself. [20] (See more about Imam Ali's dress and food in Nahjul Balagha, Letter45 and Sermon207)



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Imam Ali's services to Islam Back To Contents

Dawat-Zul-Asheera -- Prophet's first public invitation

The first occasion on which Imam Ali (a) offered his services to the cause of Islam was when the Holy Prophet (s) was first ordered by Allah to preach Islam publicly.

For three years, the Holy Prophet was preaching Islam under absolute secrecy, at the end of the third year of his mission, he received orders to preach his near relations and to admonish them. "The Holy Prophet directed Ali to prepare an entertainment and to invite the sons and grandsons of Abdul Muttalib. This was done and about forty of them came, but Abu Lahab, made the company break up before Muhammad had an opportunity to speak. Next day, a second invitation was issued and when they came and the frugal meal was served the Holy Prophet rose and declared his sacred character, offered the treasures of time and of eternity to whomsoever should become his disciples, and concluded by demanding, who among you will aid me to bear this burden, who will be my Lieutenant, and Vazir, as Aaron was unto Moses? The assembly remained mute with astonishment, not one venturing to accept the offered perilous office, until Ali, Muhammad's cousin, stood up and exclaimed, "O Prophet! I will, though I am indeed the you ngest of those present, the most rheum of them as to the eyes, and the slenderest of them as to the legs. O Prophet, I will be your Vazir over them. On this, locking his arms around the generous and courageous youth, and pressing him to his bosom, Muhammad declared: "Behold my brother and my Vazir and obey him." [21]

Many historians are of the opinion that it was a momentous declaration at a momentous occasion. The first and the greatest service done to the cause of Islam. If the appeal of the Holy Prophet (s) was then left unanswered, the propagation of Islam would have been nipped in the bud.

Carlyle is of the opinion that: "Though all the people gathered there, were not enemies of the Holy Prophet, yet most of them were dead against this religion, and some were quite uninterested. To them, the whole thin, (an adult person preaching a new religion and a young courageous youth offering his services vehemently) looked like a big farce. They laughed at both of them, and dispersed advising Ali's father (Abu Talib) to obey his youngest son from that day onward. But these two people (Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali) proved to the world that there was nothing laughable in their declaration and they had wisdom and courage enough to make their mission a success. He further says that young Ali had really such a personality as could be liked, loved and venerated by everybody. He was the man of excellent character, loving and lovable, so intensely brave that if anything stood against his bravery it was consumed as if by fire, yet he was so gentle and kind that he represented the model of a Christian Knight".

As was said this was really the first and the greatest service to Islam. From this day to the last day of his life, Imam Ali (a) sincerely, bravely and nobly acted as the defender of the faith.



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The Night of Migration Back To Contents

The second great occasion was when the Holy Prophet (s) was forced to leave Mecca, making somebody stay in his place in such a way that his enemies would believe that he was still in his house and thus he might safely go away in the darkness of the night. This departure to Medina is called Hegira, and the Muslim era is named after this event. It took place during the month of September in 662 A.D. on Thursday, the 26th Safar of the 13th year of the Prophetic Mission.

People of Medina were favourably inclined towards Islam and some who had embraced this religion had promised every kind of support to the Holy Prophet (s). Many Muslims who had left for Medina were warmly welcomed by the people (Ansar) of Medina. Quraish, realizing that Islam was gaining a good support with a firm hold on Medina and those who had fled Mecca were being happily settled there, decided to strike at the very root. Their hatred of the Holy Prophet (s) was so intense that nothing would satisfy them but his death. They gathered at Nadva and decided that a few people from each clan of Quraish would jointly attack the Prophet (s) and strike him with their swords at one and the same time. Thus no individual of any single clan would be responsible for his death and Bani Hashim would not be able to kill any person or fight against any single clan and as they were not strong enough to fight against any one of Quraish, they would be forced to be content with blood-money (Diyat). They further decided to besiege the house of the Prophet (s) during the night in order to kill him next morning.

Thus forty men got ready and encircled his house. Allah revealed to His Prophet (s) of the intrigue planned against him and ordered him to leave Mecca the very same night. It was a serious and dangerous occasion. He was ordered by Allah to leave Mecca in such a way that none of his enemies might suspect his departure and if possible, none of his friends might know of it. The walls of his house were barely seven feet high and anyone placing a stone and standing upon it could easily peep into the house. He knew the house was surrounded. Whom could he ask to sleep in his bed covering himself with his coverlet, such a person should not expose his identity till dawn (till the Prophet was out of danger) and should be unarmed, so that he might not rouse the suspicion of peeping enemies; he should thus be willing to bear the brunt of the enemies' anger in the morning and be ready to be killed. To whom but to Imam Ali (a) the staunch and loyal supporter of Islam, could the Holy Prophet (s) turn at this most perilous moment. He informed Ali (a) of the whole plan, and of the positive danger of taking his place, saying that the least could be expected of those enemies, would be death. Imam Ali (a) asked, "If I take your place, and leave you alone to go through the enemies, will your life be safe?" "Yes", replied the Holy Prophet, "Allah has promised me a safe passage through them."

Ali (a) bowed down his head before Allah as a sign of thanksgiving. He lied down on the bed of the Holy Prophet (s) and covered himself with the Prophet's mantle. During the night many stones and arrows were aimed at him. Stones hit him in the back, and on the head and arrows embedded in his legs, but he did not turn in his bed. In the morning he was found out by the enemy only when one of them pulled the mantle. When they wanted to attack him knowing that he was Ali and not Muhammad, only then the enemy unsheathed his sword.



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Imam Ali -- The Champion of Islam Back To Contents

In Medina, the Holy Prophet (s) was forced to defend himself and his followers, and was thus forced to face many battles. At each and every battle, Imam Ali (a) was the hero. And it was he who fought single-handedly with famous warriors of Arabia, defeated the enemies and brought victory to Islam.

Records of these battles carry with them chronicles of his bravery, courage and chivalry. Even the enemies sang songs of his valour and gallantry. Everyone of these battles was an outcome of very grave circumstances and conditions, and combination of very serious events and dangerous forces against the safety of the Muslims and Islam. There were many such encounters, but I have briefly mentioned only five of those instances, where the events had far-reaching effects. In each of them, Ali (a) alone broke through evil combinations and carried the Muslims and Islam to a position of safety, eminence and power.

The Battle of Badr

The first of these battles was Badr. It took place in the month of Ramazan, in 2 A.H. Muslims were not prepared for a battle and could ill-afford to fight against superior forces. But Medina was being invaded and the Holy Prophet (s) was forced to defend himself and his followers. He decided to leave Medina and fight out the battle in an open field. He had only 313 Muslims who were not adequately armed for a battle, many of them were nervous of an encounter, and were suffering from inferiority complex. The Quraish had come with an army of about 1000 warriors and had frightened the Muslims even more. The battle took place and 36 Quraish were killed by Imam Ali (a), some of them were famous warriors of Quraish and most of them were the same who had surrounded the house of the Prophet (s) on the night of migration. During the encounter, he was wounded, but by his bravery and courage, he brought home to Muslims that he would act as the first line of defence for Islam, that they had no cause to sufferfrom inferiority complex and that Allah would defend them against heavy odds. Amongst Quraish, there were two sworn enemies of Islam, Abu Jahl and Abu Sufyan and in this battle, Abu Jahl was killed. Imam Ali was hero of this battle and brought the first victory to Islam in armed encounters with its enemies.

The Battle of Uhud

The second most important battle was that of Uhud. Quraish and their leader, Abu Sufyan were smarting under the defeat of Badr and had sworn to retaliate. The idolaters were burning for revenge. They made formidable preparations for another encounter and succeeded in obtaining assistance of Tahama and Kinama tribes. Abu Sufyan's wife, Hinda, mother of Muawiyah, took keen interest in all arrangements and preparations. She had written poems to excite Quraish against Islam and had organized a band of women minstrels who accompanied the army of Quraish to the battlefield. Thus they had mobilized an army of 3000 infantry and 2000 cavalry. The Holy Prophet (s) could muster on 700 Muslims to face this horde. They faced each other in the battlefield of Uhud. The battle took place on the 11th Shawwal, 3 A.H. The command of Muslim army was divided between Imam Ali (a) and Hamza, and Abu Sufyan had appointed Khalid bin Walid, Ikrima ibn Abu Jahl and Amr ibn Aas as the three commanders to command the right and left ranks and the front respectively.

The first encounter took place between Imam Ali (a) and Talha ibn Abi Talha. This encounter carries with it an incident of marvellous chivalry by Ali. Talha suffered defeat at the hands of Ali and died. He was the standard-bearer of Quraish's army. His death brought his four sons and one grandson to face Ali, and each one of them was killed by him, and other standard-bearers followed them and were in turn killed by Ali, then a general encounter took place in which Ali and Hamza carried the day and Muslims came out victorious. But eagerness for spoils threw the ranks of Muslim army into disorder. Ali (a) however tried to keep them in order, but they were out of control. Khalid bin Walid immediately attacked them from the rear and the flank, he wounded the Holy Prophet (s) with a javelin; and had also stoned hi, the face of the Prophet (s) was also wounded and he had fallen down from the horse. Khalid bin Walid started shouting with a loud voice, "The lying Prophet is slain", upon which without stopping to ascertain, the followers of Islam fled panic-stricken.

The wounded Prophet (s) was left in the battlefield with only, Ali, Hamza, Abu Dujana and Zakwan to defend him. These brave warriors fought fiercely and during this encounter, Hamza was martyred, Zakwan and Abu Dujana lay seriously wounded and Imam Ali (a) was left alone in the battlefield. He had received 16 wounds but he searched and found the Holy Prophet (s) lying wounded and surrounded by enemies under the command of Khalid who were trying to kill him. Imam Ali (a) fought against these six men, killed two of them and scattered the rest. Then he lifted the Holy Prophet (s) and carried him to a mount; and continued attacking the rallying armies of the enemy; and kept on shouting that, the Holy Prophet is alive, and calling Muslims to come back. Those Muslims who had not fled very far came back, saw the wounded Prophet (SA, saw his daughter Fatima (who had come out of Medina hearing the rumour of her father's death) attending him. The Muslims took heart and gathered again under the command of Imam Ali (a) and started fighting again and victory was gained. The most peculiar aspect of this battle was that the greed of the Muslim warriors had converted a hard-earned victory into an ignominious defeat and Ali had reconverted this defeat into a glorious victory. He thus once again saved the day, saved the face of the fleeing Muslims and the most important of all, saved the life of the Holy Prophet (s) without whom the Holy Prophet would have been killed.

Twenty eight famous warriors of Arabia were killed by Imam Ali (a) in this battle, of whom seventeen were standard-bearers of Quraish. The Holy Prophet (s) declared that the angel Gabriel was extolling Ali and had said,

"There is no braver youth than Ali and no better sword than his Zulfiqar." [22]

The Battle of Khandaq

The third momentous armed encounter of Muslims with Quraish is called the Battle of Clans (Ahzab) or the Battle of the Moat or Ditch (Khandaq). It is so called because many clans of Arabs were persuaded by Abu Sufyan to help him to annihilate Islam and the Muslims; and because when these forces invade Medina, the Holy Prophet (s) was obliged to dig a ditch around his army. This battle also proved that the Holy Prophet (s) was forced to take up arms in defence of his followers and his mission. It took place on the 23rd Zil Qada, 5 A.H.

The defeat at Uhud was a great blow to Quraish and their leader Abu Sufyan. While retreating from Uhud, he had promised that he will come back again to avenge the defeat. He instigated the clans of Bani Nazir, Bani Ghatafan, Bani Salim and Bani Kinana and also succeeded in persuading Bani Khuza'a, who till then had not sided with any party, to join their forces against Islam. Abu Sufyan was very sure of his success. He specially relied upon the fame of Amr ibn Abdiwad, who was as famous in Arabia as Rustam was in Persia. He had gathered an army of about nine to ten thousand soldiers under the command of this famous warrior.

They marched upon Medina. The Holy Prophet (s) could barely muster 2000 Muslims to face this army. For nearly a month, the armies stood facing each other and one day Amr jumped over the ditch, faced the Muslim army and challenged them for an encounter. He was accompanied by Ikrima ibn Abu Jahl, Abdullah ibn Mugheera, Zirar ibn Khattab, Nuwfal ibn Abdullah and others. His bravery, his valour and courage were so well-known in Arabia that none of the Muslims except Ali dare face him. The assemblage of famous warrior tribes and the presence of Amr ibn Abdiwad as their commanders had made the Muslims so nervous that even the Holy Quran says:

"Their eyes were petrified and their hearts were beating violently and they were thinking of running away" (Surah al-Ahzab, 33:11)

Thrice Amr ibn Abdiwad challenged them to come out and every time none but Imam Ali (a) stood up and asked the permission of the Holy Prophet (s) to face him. Twice the Prophet refused him that permission, but in the end, he allowed him, saying that, "Today faith in embodiment is facing embodied infidelity"; then he raised his hands in supplication saying, "Lord! I am sending Ali alone in the battlefield, do not allow me to be left alone, you are the best companion and the best guardian". The Muslims were so certain of Ali being killed by Amr, hence, some of them came forward to have a last look at his face.

The encounter ended in Ali's success and Amr's death. After Amr, he faced Abdullah ibn Mugheera and Nuwfal ibn Abdullah and killed them both. Thus a victory was won without any Muslim, except Ali, coming out of the ranks.

In the encounter with Amr, and the defeat and death of this great warrior, Imam Ali (a) again exhibited such a chivalrous attitude that the sister of Amr composed a poem in praise of the man who faced her brother, fought bravely against him and paid such a noble and chivalrous tribute to his victorious enemy. In it she said, "If anyone else than Ali had killed her brother, she would have wept over the infamy throughout her life, but not now". The death of Amr had completely demoralized the various clans gathered and they started leaving the army and going back to their homes. Quraish and Abu Sufyan felt that they cannot carry on the battle without the help of other clans and went back to Mecca, sad and dejected.

Thus Ali, brought an end to the hostilities of Quraish in three encounters of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. Their best warriors were killed, their unity against Islam was crushed, their pride was humiliated and their prestige before Arab clans was lowered by him.

He further raised the status of Muslims among the haughty, merciless and wild tribes of Arabia. In all these three battles not more than sixty Muslims were killed, and he alone had killed more than seventy enemies of Islam, everyone of whom was the head of some clan or a subclan, a warrior famous for his bravery or an enemy of the Holy Prophet (s) and Islam. [23]

In their struggle for existence, Muslims had to face a very serious opposition from Jews. In the beginning they tried to help Quraish against Islam surreptitiously and then openly. But when Ali broke through the enmity of Quraish, and when the Holy Prophet (s) was forced to banish the Jews from Medina, they decided to try their fate against Islam with the help of various tribes of Bani Asad, Bani Kinana and Bani Ghatafan.

The Battle of Khaybar

Khaybar was the province, which the Jews had occupied since the times of their banishment from Palestine. It contained a few fortresses, the biggest of them was called Qamus which was on a steep hill. In these fortresses they started gathering in large number and in the end they raised an army of about ten to twelve thousand warriors and were scheming to march on Medina. Hearing these serious news the Holy Prophet (s) decided to face them at Khaybar only. He marched at the head of an army of 3000 soldiers. This battle took place in Muharram in 7 A.H.

Imam Ali (a) then was suffering from sore eyes and was left at Medina. The Muslim army succeeded in defeating the Jews in minor skirmishes but when they tried to capture the main fort of Qamus, they had to face a retreat; they could not succeed though they tried for days at a stretch. The defeats sustained there were sadly demoralizing the Muslim army. The Holy Prophet (s) had allowed every important person to command the Muslim forces day by day, but each day the result was fresh defeat, fresh demoralization, fresh boldness of Jews and increasing danger of some more clans, emboldened by the weakness and defeat of Muslims, joining hands with the Jews. There were still many such tribes who were very hostile against Islam and wanted to harm it, but the victories at Badr, Uhud and Khandaq had made them nervous. The news of the defeat at Khaybar were making them bold. "The Jews of Khaybar united by an ancient alliance with Bedouin horde of the Bani Ghatafan were incessantly working for the formation of a powerful alliance against the Muslims, and the Holy Prophet (s) knew fully well the power possessed by the desert races to harm Muslims." [24]

There was further danger of Munafiqin (hypocrites and double-dealers) staging a revolt in Medina. Prompt measures were needed to avert these evils. Only a victory could have saved the situation which was getting more and more critical day by day. The Prophet himself was ill and sadly felt the need of Ali at his side. He knew that though ill, yet Ali had not left him alone and had followed him, therefore whether ill or healthy, Ali had come to come to the succour of Muslims, Islam and the Prophet (s). When the news of the last disastrous repulse of the Muslims were brought to him, the Holy Prophet (s) said,

"Tomorrow I shall give the command (the standard) of this army to a man who is brave, who will keep on attacking, who will not run away from the battlefield, who loves Allah and His Prophet and is loved by Allah and His Prophet and who will not come back to me without success"

Next day Ali was called from his bed and was handed over the command. He took the fort by storm; killed Marhab, Antar, Murra, Harith and four other chieftains of the Jew tries in hand to hand combats, broke open the doors of the fort single-handedly, carried his army inside the fort and within four hours, he hoisted the flag of Islam on the biggest fortress of Arabia and once more, saved Islam from a disastrous end.

The news of the success so pleased the Prophet (s) that he, though ill, came out to greet the victor, embraced him, and said,

"Ali! Had I not been afraid that Muslims will start regarding you as the Christians regard the Christ, I would have said things about you which would have made the Muslims venerate you and to consider the dust of your feet as something worth venerating; but it will suffice to say that you are from me and I am from you; you will inherit me and I will inherit you; you are to me what Aaron was to Moses; you will fight for my cause; you will be nearest to me on the Day of Judgement; you will be next to me on the fountain of Kauthar; enmity against you is enmity against me; a war against you is a war against me; your friendship is my friendship; to be at peace with you is to be at peace with me; your flesh is my flesh; your blood is my blood; who will obey you will obey me. Truth is on your tongue, in your heart and in your mind. You have as much faith in Allah as I have. You are door to me. As per orders of Allah I give you these tidings that your supporters will be rewarded in Paradise and your enemies will be punished in Hell." [25]

The victory which Imam Ali (a) brought to Islam in Khaybar proved of great consequence to its mission and its followers. It gave Islam such an importance and prestige over the infidels of the Quraish who till then had complete control and sway over Mecca and who had not even allowed the Holy Prophet (s) and his followers to come for Hajj and Umra and who had forced them for the Treaty of Hudaybiya, were now obliged to surrender the city to him. Thus Mecca fell before the superior forces of Islam.

The causes of this invasion and fall of Mecca are not to be discussed here; suffice it to say that Abu Sufyan who has brought it upon all the heads of Quraish, later leaving the country and countrymen to the devil started running for his life to ensure his own and his family's security of life and property from the Holy Prophet (s) and through the meditation of Abbas (uncle of the Holy Prophet) he received the pardon sought for. The behaviour of the Holy Prophet (s) against these murderers of Muslims and the enemies of Islam was so kind and humane, that he pardoned everyone of them, a clemency and kindness which shall ever remain unparalleled in the history of mankind. After Mecca was taken over by the Muslims, the precincts of Ka'bah were cleared of all idols by the Holy Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a), and it ceased to exist as the pivot of infidelity and polytheism in Arabia.

The fall of Mecca which took place in the month of Ramazan in 8 A.H. (January 630 A.D.) was entailed serious repercussions.

The success of Islam since the migration had brought many adherents to its fold. Those were of three types, some had seen the truth in its preaching and had accepted it sincerely and faithfully, some were such that they wanted to bask in the glory of a religion which was fast becoming a mighty temporal power and they wished to make their worldly positions good through its influence and had accepted it with those ulterior motives, while there were some whose conversion was under false impression that unless they had accepted Islam their lives and properties were not safe. The fall of Mecca had a very sad effect upon those two latter groups. They were not expecting that Abu Sufyan and Quraish would succumb so easily to the pressure of Muslim invasion. Clearing of idols from the precincts of Ka'bah and closing its doors to the infidels was a severe blow, it became more poignant when they found that their persistence and old enemy, the man whose valour and whose sword brought all these victories to Islam and disastrous defeats to their side, that is, Imam Ali (a) was the standard-bearer (commander) of the Prophet's forces on the occasion of the fall of Mecca, and along with the Holy Prophet (s), he was the man who cleared Ka'bah of its idols. There still were many polytheist clans in Arabia, to them Mecca was the center of worship, amongst them there were two powerful bedouin tribes of Bani Hawazin and Bani Thaqif. They now were joined by Bani Nasr, Bani Sa'd, Bani Hashim and Bani Hilal. Those tribes decided to stage a comeback and the hypocrites promised them to come to their aid.

The plot was arranged so quickly and so stealthily that by the time the Muslims could rejoice their victory over Mecca, there was an army of 20,000 warriors at Ta'if ready to face them. The Holy Prophet (s) marched to Ta'if at the head of an army of 15,000 Muslims. Some of them were freed slaves of Muslim conquest of Mecca and many more were they hypocrites of the types mentioned above, and there were few thousand of those Muslims who had accompanied him from Medina.

The Battle of Hunayn

The hostile tribes decided to attack the Muslim army at a point of vantage at Hunayn and selected two prominences where they concealed their archers. The Muslims were very proud of their strength and were proud of their success, but their behaviour during the encounter was shamelessly timid and cowardly. The Almighty Lord showing their attitude in this battle says:

"Allah has helped you on many occasions including the day of Hunayn; though you were proud of the number of your soldiers, they proved to be of no help. You could not find any place of shelter, and started fleeing." (Surah Tawbah, 9:25)

This encounter took place in the month of Shawwal 8 A.H. (January, February 630 A.D.). When the Muslim army marched towards the place where archers were concealed, the enemy opened the campaign with such a severe onslaught of their archery that the Muslim army could not stand it. The assault was fierce and the confusion in the Muslim ranks made the archers bolder and they came nearer and attacked from both the flanks and from the front. Muslims could not stand the attack any longer. They started deserting the Holy Prophet (s) without putting up resistance and did not bother leaving him alone. [26]

The first battalion which attacked the Muslims was the one in command of Khalid bin Waleed. He was accompanied by Bani Salim, a freshly converted Quraish of Mecca. This was followed by such a disorderly and tumultuous flight of the Muslims that only ten persons out of an army of 15,000 were left with the Holy Prophet (s). Eight of them were from Bani Hashim (Abbas and his two sons, Imam Ali (a), Aqeel and three other cousins of the Prophet). [27]

Abbas was shouting at the Muslims to come back, reminding them of the oaths of allegiance taken and promises made, but it was of no avail. Those who has accepted Islam for wealth and power or under false fears were not willing to risk their lives. They fled as fast as they could. Many of them who had carefully hidden their enmity of the rising power of Islam were happy at the defeat, they gathered around Abu Sufyan, started congratulating him, and said, "The magical spell of the lying Prophet is broken". They were wishing for the come-back of polytheism. [28]

Again it was Imam Ali (a) who saved the Holy Prophet (s) and Islam. Armies of Bani Hawazin and Bani Thaqif under the protection of their arches were rushing down the hillock, and were getting ready for a fierce onslaught. Ali (a) divided the small band of faithful Muslims in three divisions, (i) to Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib and his nephew Abu Sufyan bin Harith (ii) He assigned the duty of guarding the Holy Prophet (s) to three others, (iii) he ordered to guard the rear and he faced the onslaught with only three warriors along with him. He restlessly combated the enemy and though he was wounded he faced the commander of the hostile army, Abu Jardal in a hand to hand combat and killed him with one stroke of the sword. He attacked the enemy's rank once again, bringing the number of those whom he had slain on that day to forty. His aides had a glorious example before them, they also fought bravely and killed thirty soldiers.

The day was saved, the commander of the enemy's army was killed, their ranks were broken, they had no courage to face Ali (a) and started retreating. The sight of a powerful enemy under retreat, made the fleeing Muslims bold and they returned after a victory was won for them. [29]

During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Imam Ali was sent on many occasions for propagation of Islam and on many missions of mercy and peace. He carried these duties to the satisfaction of the Holy Prophet and Allah. For instance, in the words of "The Spirit of Islam", "The men of Khalid bin Walid, under the order of this newly converted warrior killed Bani Jazima Beduin. The news of this wanton bloodshed deeply grieved the Prophet and he prayed: "O Lord! I am innocent of what Khalid done". He immediately dispatched Imam Ali (a) to make every possible preparation for the outrage committed. Such mission was congenial to Ali's nature and he executed it faithfully. He made careful inquiries as to the number of persons killed, their status, and the loss incurred by their families and justly compensated. When every loss was made, he distributed the rest of the money among the kinsmen of the victims and other members of the tribe, satisfying everyone by his kindness, carrying with him the blessings of all the people, he returned to the Holy Prophet who overwhelmed him with thanks and praises.

Similarly in 8 A.H. when other missions failed to bring the powerful Yemeni tribe of Bani Hamadan to the fold of Islam, Ali (a) was sent there. Ibn Khaldun says that on the first occasion, he gathered the tribesmen, some of whom were very learned, and spoke before them of the truths which Islam preached. This sermon was so effective that some of those learned persons immediately embraced Islam. This was followed by long discussions with others, he made them realize the rationality of the doctrines of Islam. The discussions ended in the whole-hearted conversion of Bani Hamdan, who followed their learned leaders. These news so pleased the Holy Prophet (s) that he bowed down before Allah in thankfulness and thrice said: "Peace be to Bani Hamdan and to Ali!"

Again in 10th A.H. his preachings proved so effective that the whole province unitedly embraced Islam.



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Declaration of Imam Ali (a) as Vicegerent Back To Contents

"It is generally supposed that the Holy Prophet (s) had not expressly designated anyone as his successor in the spiritual and temporal government, but this notion is framed on an incorrect comprehension of fact, for there is abundant evidence that many a time the Prophet had openly indicated Imam Ali for Vicegerency." (The Spirit of Islam, p. 292)

The First Occasion was when the Holy Prophet was ordered by Allah to invite his kith and kin to Islam openly. This occasion is called Da'wat Zul Ashira (propagation of the religion amongst the relatives). In the words of Rev: Sale, the Holy Prophet said: "God had commanded me to call you unto Him; who therefore, among you will be assisting me herein and become my brother and my vicegerent? All of them, hesitating and declining the matter, Ali at length rose up, and declared that he would be his assistant and threatened those who should oppose him. Muhammad upon this embraced Ali with great demonstration of affection, and desired all those present to hear him and to obey him as his Deputy."

Thus at this occasion of the introduction of Islam as a religion, Imam Ali (AS was declared by the Holy Prophet (s) as his Deputy. The value of Ali's support to the Holy Prophet and his designation as a vicegerent at this stage is fairly well assessed by theologians, historians and thinkers. [30]

The Second Occasion was that at the time of Ali's conquest of Khaybar. The words of the Holy Prophet (s) quite clearly, positively and expressively give out his opinion about Imam Ali and his desire to leave him as the guardian and the propagator of this mission. He said, "You are from me and I am from you, you will inherit me..... You are to me what Aaron was to Moses.... You will be nearest to me on the Day of Judgement and next to me on the fountain of Kauthar, enmity against you is enmity against me, a war against you is a war against me.... You have as much faith in Allah as I have.. You are door to me". What more can one say? Can there by anything more forceful, more eloquent, more poignant with clear indications and more categorical than the words which the Holy Prophet (s) has used? Do they leave any shadow of doubt?? Has the Prophet (s) ever used such words for anybody else?

The Battle of Tabuk: The Third instance was the event of the occasion of Tabuk. To understand the occasion and the cause of remarks of the Prophet (s) it is necessary to know the historical background of the incident. It was the summer of 9 A.H. and the Holy Prophet (s) had received the information that the Roman King who was mobilizing his forces to invade the Islamic State and many Arab tribes were gathering around him. He decided to face them in their own land and not to allow them to trample the Muslim State so that they might not destroy the lands through which they pass.

The situation had become very critical because there was famine in Hijaz, Ta'if and Yemen. The Munafiqin (the hypocrites) were carrying on intensive propaganda campaign and trying to make the people believe that the famine was the sign that Allah was displeased with Muslims and wants to exterminate them with the worst form of death (cannibalism). And in case of a defeat against the Roman armies there was eminent danger of revolt. It was imperative that the State should be left in the hands of a faithful and powerful guardian otherwise there was every possibility of being crushed between the two enemies. The Prophet therefore decided that Imam Ali should act as a regent in his place and the people might also realize that in the opinion of the Holy Prophet (s), none could look after the temporal as well as spiritual welfare of the Muslims during his absence, except Ali (a). He called Ali and told him that he would have to act as the last line of defence for him and Islam, saying "O Ali! Nobody could guard the Muslim State but you or I". [31]

Imam Ali's stay at Medina disappointed the hypocrites and as they constituted the majority of those left behind by the Holy Prophet (s) they started a cold war. They started their propaganda by saying that the Holy Prophet (s) had lost faith in Imam Ali (a) and had therefore left him behind and that it was certain that the Prophet (s) was going to suffer a defeat. Imam Ali naturally felt anxious for the Prophet and annoyed at aspersions against him. He left Medina immediately, met the Prophet at the place of Juraf and told him all that was said in his absence. Thereupon, the Holy Prophet (s) said: "Ali! They are lying against you as they have lied against me, they have called me an epileptic, a magician, a sorcerer and a necromancer, and have always styled me as a liar. I have appointed you as my vicegerent and successor over all which I have left behind. Are you not satisfied to realize that you are to me what Aaron was to Moses." [32]

Ghadir Khum: The Fourth time was -- "Notably the occasion of the return journey from the performance of the "Farewell Pilgrimage", during a halt at a place called Khum, he had convoked an assembly of the people accompanying him, and used the words which could leave no doubt as to his intentions regarding a successor. "Ali," said the Prophet, "is to me what Aaron was to Moses. The Almighty Allah be a friend to his friends and a foe to his foes; help those who help him and frustrate those who betray him." [33]

I would be doing a great disservice to the cause of truth and to the history of Islam if I do not sketch an outline of this incident because more than 50,000 people had gathered on the occasion of Ghadir Khum and many of them narrated all that took place there, among those narrators, we find such luminaries as Caliph Abu Bakr, Caliph Umar, Caliph Uthman, Zubair ibn Awam, Abdullah ibn Umar, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Ummul Momineen Ayesha, Hassan ibn Thabir. From these narrators, about 153 historians, biographers, collectors of the Prophet's traditions and authors of Seeras, Mu'jums and Masanid from the First Century A.H. right upto 1300 A.H. have narrated the whole incident in details and have drawn practically the same inference as the author of "The Spirit of Islam".

The Holy Prophet (s) was returning from the Farewell Pilgrimage and had reached the place of Khum, (which in the words of ibn Khallakan, the famous historian and geographer, is a valley lying between Mecca and Medina and in the vicinity of Ju'fa). It contains a pond (Ghadir) near which the Prophet pronounced his invocation. This took place on the 18th of Zil Hijjah and on this day, the anniversary of Ghadir (Eidul Ghadir) is celebrated every year by the Muslims.

At Ghadir Khum, the Holy Prophet (s) suddenly made his camel stop and said that just then a message of Allah was revealed to him which must be immediately conveyed to the Muslims. He dispatched messengers towards those who had gone ahead and those who were following him gradually to join him at once. When all of them were gathered he performed the Noon-prayers in that blazing hot summer sun. Then a pulpit was erected for him and from this eminence, he delivered a sermon which is considered as a masterpiece of Arabic literature and a brief survey of what the Holy Prophet (s) had taught and achieved for the Muslims.

There he said that he had just then received the revelation which said:

"O Prophet! Proclaim the message which has been sent down to you from your Lord, for if you fail to convey it, it would be as if you have not at all performed the duty of Prophethood. Allah will protect you, (your mission) from evil persons. Indeed Allah does not guide the unbelievers." (Surah Maida, 5:67)

The Holy Prophet was standing there to convey that message to the Muslims and to perform the duty he was ordered to perform. Continuing the sermon, he said:

"O people! Shortly I shall be called (to the Heaven) and if I go back, I shall have to give an account as to how I have conveyed His Message to you and you (in your turn) will also be asked as to how you have accepted and carried my teachings. Now tell me what you will say". Thereupon all the people with one voice declared, "O Prophet of Allah! We testify and declare that you have conveyed the message of Allah in details, you have strived your utmost to guide us to the right path and taught us to follow it. You were most kind to us and you never wished for us but good. May Allah repay you for all that".

Thereupon he asked the gathering, "Do you not testify that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad is His creature, His servant and His Prophet, that there is Paradise and Hell, that death will overtake everyone of you, that you will be brought back from your graves, that the Day of Resurrection will surely dawn and human beings will be resurrected from their graves to account for their deeds?" The people declared, "We believe and testify to all of this". Hearing this declaration he said:

"I am leaving amongst you two most important things worthy of obedience, the Quran and my progeny (the Chosen descendants). Take care how you treat them, they will not separate from each other till they reach me on the Fountain of Kauthar".

Then he added, "The Almighty Allah is my Lord (Maula) and I am the guardian of all the Muslims and have more right and power on their lives than their ownselves; do you believe in this assertion of mine?" They all in one voice replied, "Yes O Prophet of Allah!" Thrice he asked the same question and thrice he received the same reply. On this solemn affirmation he said: "Hear and remember that of whomsoever I am the guardian, Ali too is his guardian. He is to me what Aaron was to Moses. Oh Allah! Be a friend to his friends and a foe to his foes, help those who help him and frustrate those who betray him", while saying this he raised Imam Ali so that people may have a look at him, He will be the master and guardian of those who believe the Holy Prophet to be their master and guardian. Thereupon the Prophet (s) received the revelation:

"On this day, I have perfected your religion, completed My favours to you and have chosen Islam as your religion." (Surah Maida, 5:5)

After performing this ceremony and receiving the above revelation, the Holy Prophet (s) came down the pulpit, prostrated before Allah in prayers and ordered to pitch a tent. In this tent Imam Ali (a) was made to take his seat and people were ordered to pay homage to him and to address him as "Ameerul Momineen" (The Commander of the Faithful). The first person to congratulate and address him as such was Umar ibn Khattab who said, "I congratulate you, O Ali! Today you have become my master and commander of every Muslim man and woman". [34]



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Imam Ali's life from the First Year of Migration to Prophet's demise Back To Contents

When the Holy Prophet (s) left his house at Mecca in the night and Imam Ali (a) was left to defend himself, the idolaters gave up the idea and dispersed in search of the Holy Prophet (s).

Imam Ali (a) by the orders of the Prophet, stayed three days at Mecca and handed back all the articles which were entrusted to the Holy Prophet (s) for safe custody, mostly by his enemies, secured their receipts. He was also entrusted by the Prophet (s) for a safe transport of Prophet's daughter, Lady Fatima, Hazrat Hamza's daughter another Fatima, his own mother -- a third Fatima, and his aunt, who was the daughter of Abdul Muttalib -- a fourth Fatima. The Quraish wanted to prevent the departure of these four ladies. Eight prominent people came out to fight. Ali (a) fought single-handedly with them. He killed Junah with a stroke of his sword and dispersed the rest and continued the journey. On account of scarcity of mounts, he had to travel on foot and thus he reached Medina with bleeding feet. Awaiting the arrival of Imam Ali (a) the Holy Prophet (s) had stopped at Quba, two miles away from Medina. When Imam Ali (a) reached Quba, on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal, the Holy Prophet embraced him, dressed his bleeding feet and entered Medina alongwith him.

Before his migration to Medina, the Holy Prophet (s) had created a bond of brotherhood between the Muslims. He had fraternized Abu Bakr to Umar, Uthman to Abdul Rahman ibn Awf, Hamza to Zaid ibn Harith and Talha to Zubair. On that occasion, he had fraternized Imam Ali (a) to himself, saying "O Ali! You are my brother in this world as well as in the next". [35]

First Year of Migration

Five months after his arrival at Medina, the Prophet (s) fraternized the Muhajirs (immigrants) with the Ansar (the citizens of Medina). On that occasion again he called Ali (a) and said: "O Ali! You are my brother in this world and the Hereafter". Ibn Hisham says:

"The Holy Prophet (s) held the hand of Imam Ali and said, "He alone is my brother". Thus the Prophet of Allah, who was actually the leader of all the prophets as well as of all the pious men of the world and who had no parallel among human beings by fraternizing with Imam Ali (a) showed that Ali also had no parallel among mankind except the Holy Prophet (s)." [36]

Second Year of Migration

During this year, Imam Ali's marriage took place with the Holy Prophet's daughter, Lady Fatima. The Holy Prophet (s) was receiving many offers for his daughter from very rich people of Medina, from some of the Muhajirs and from chiefs of mighty clans of Arabia. He had refused even to consider these offers and sometimes felt annoyed at them and at the end, he closed the door by saying that he was awaiting the orders of Allah. A detailed account of these offers and the way of refusal by the Prophet (s) is narrated in "Usudul Ghabah fi Tamizis Sahaba". Some of the Ansar suggested to Imam Ali (a) to place a proposal for himself before the Holy Prophet (s). Imam Ali (a) visited the Prophet (s) modestly. This was the first time in his life that he talked reservedly to a man who was like a father to him and to whom he was like a dear son. When the Holy Prophet (s) heard the proposal he was so pleased that he smiled and said, "Ahlan wa Marhaba" (it is a welcome and happy proposal). [37]

The Holy Prophet (s) took the consent of Lady Fatima (a) for this proposal. The marriage ceremony was very simple and without pomp and ostentation. There was a sermon from the Holy Prophet (s) in which he praised Allah mentioning some of His attributes and citing verses of the Holy Quran and concluding with the remarks that he was ordered by Allah to give Lady Fatima (a) into marriage with Imam Ali (a). This was followed by a sermon from Imam Ali (a), praising Allah and the Holy Prophet (s) and desiring the gathering to witness his marriage with Lady Fatima. After the marriage ceremony, somebody reminded the Holy Prophet (s) of his late wife, Lady Khadija (a), the mother of Fatima. The Holy Prophet (s) said: "Khadija! Where is Khadija, who can be like Khadija, she testified me when the world was falsely accusing me as a liar, she relieved me of much of my weight, she was my partner in my work and she helped me when others were creating obstructions in my mission."

After reaching Medina, the Holy Prophet (s) with Imam Ali (a) stayed in the house of Kulthum ibn Hadam for seven months. When the Prophet (s) finished the construction of the mosque, he built houses for his wives around it and in the center of them, he built a house for Imam Ali (a). [38] Following his example, many of his companions except Abu Bakr built their houses around the mosque. Caliph Abu Bakr was staying in the locality of Bani Abd Awf where the marriages of both of his daughters took place and later on he shifted to Sukh. [39] The doors of all the houses built around the mosque opened in the mosque. One day the Holy Prophet (s) ordered that except the doors of his house and that of Ali, all the other doors should be claimed. Some of the companions requested him to allow them to keep a small window open. He replied, "No, not a pin-hole, Allah so willed it".[40]

Third Year of Migration

The first child to Imam Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a) was born and he was named Hasan (a) by the Holy Prophet (s). In the same year, the Battle of Uhud took place which was followed by despatch of expeditionary force to Hamara'ul Asad under Imam Ali (a).

Fourth Year of Migration

Imam Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a) had the second child Husain (a), who was also named the by Holy Prophet (s). In the same year a battle took place with Bani Nazir and Imam Ali (a) brought it to a successful end and Bani Nazir were forced to vacate their fortress.

Fifth Year of Migration

Three battles took place, battle with Bani Mustaliq, Battle of Khandaq and battle with Bani Khansa. In all three of them, Ali (a) was the commander of the Muslim army. Most important of them was the Battle of Khandaq.

Sixth Year of Migration

An expedition to Fadak was sent under the command of Imam Ali (a) and without a battle or skirmish, he brought the whole province under control of the Holy Prophet (s).

In the month of Ziqad, the Holy Prophet (s) alongwith 1400 Muslims left for Mecca with the intention of pilgrimage. He had no desire to fight and had left all the armaments at Medina. When Quraish came to know about this intending pilgrimage, they refused to allow the Holy Prophet (s) to enter Mecca. Khalid bin Walid came out with a force of well-equipped 200 cavalry-men to obstruct the Holy Prophet and if necessary to fight over the issue. At an oasis called Hudaybiya, the opponents faced each other. A chieftain named Urwa from Quraish came out to discuss the situation with the Prophet (s) and instead of a battle, a treaty was arranged, which was written by Imam Ali (a). The last clause of the treaty was that the present intention of the pilgrimage should be given up but next year the Holy Prophet (s) and the Muslims can come for Umra.

Seventh Year of Migration

The Battles of Khaybar and the Wadi'ul Qura' took place. The more important of them was Khaybar. In the same year, the Holy Prophet (s) along with the Muslims went to Mecca to perform Umra, it was a very peaceful mission. The Holy Prophet (s) and many of the Muslims had their wives and children with them. The Umra was performed peacefully.

Eighth Year of Migration

This year had some important events in its fold. The first of them was the fall of Mecca. The terms of the treaty of Hudaybiya were dishonoured by the Quraish. Within two years of the treaty they killed twenty persons of the tribe of Bani Khuza'a without rhyme or reason. Representatives of the clans came to the Holy Prophet (s) asking for his promised support, he was annoyed at this flagrant dishonouring of the Treaty and said, "I may not be helped if I do not help them."

The arrangement for the invasion of Mecca was being carried on by the Muslims, in the meanwhile, Hatab, a companion of the Prophet (s) informed them of the intention of Muslims. The espionage, under orders of the Holy Prophet (s) was detected by Imam Ali (a) and he brought this letter to the Prophet (s). It was being sent through an Abysinnian slave-girl. Hatab confessed his crime and was mercifully pardoned by the Holy Prophet (s). [41]

When all the arrangements were ready, the army of about 10,000, as an advance party, marched towards Mecca. Sa'd ibn Ubada Ansari, the commander of the army entering Mecca, said, "Today is going to be a great day, a day of retaliation, a day when Mecca will be looted." Abbas, the uncle of the Holy Prophet (s), hearing this, came to the Holy Prophet (s) and said, "O Prophet of Allah! Sa'd has very severe intention against Quraish. He may carry on a massacre." The Holy Prophet (s) called Imam Ali (a) and said, "O Ali! Go and take the command from Sa'd. He would not be unhappy in handing over the command to you." Imam Ali (a) took over the command of the expedition and entered the city, declared perfect amity and peace and waited for the Prophet (s). When the Prophet (s) entered Mecca, he went straight to Ka'ba and started removing the idols. Some of them were placed on a very high platform where his hands could not reach, he asked Ali (a) to mount on his shoulders and remove the idols.

Ali obeyed the order; while removing the idols, the Holy Prophet (s) asked, "O Ali! How do you find yourself?" Imam Ali (a) replied, "O Prophet of Allah! I find myself on such an eminent place that I feel as if my hand is resting on the Empyrean of Allah the Almighty". Thereupon, the Holy Prophet (s) said: "O Ali! How fortunate you are, doing the work for the cause of Allah, and how fortunate I am that I am bearing your burden." [42]

Regarding the above event, a poet composed the following verses in praise of Imam Ali (a):

"I am asked to praise Ali in verses,
Because recital of his praises will
Release a man from Hell.
I replied to them, how can I praise,
A man whose attributes are so sublime
That men got confused over these attributes
And started apotheosising him.
He has placed his foot at such an eminent
Place, that according to the Holy Prophet,
It is the place on which, on the night of Me'raj (Divine ascension),
Allah has placed His Hand of Grace and Mercy."

Hearing these poetic verses, the Holy Prophet (s) rewarded the poet handsomely.

The second important event was the massacre of Bani Jazima by Khalid ibn Walid and reparation carried by Imam Ali (a) under orders of the Holy Prophet (s).

The month of Shawwal this year witnessed the Muslims facing certain powerful tribes of Arabs on the battlefield of Hunain. Imam Ali (a) again got a victory over them. Hunain was followed by an expedition to Ta'if under command of Imam Ali (a). Those who had fled Hunain and now gathered at Ta'if wanted to measure their strength once again. The commander of their army who was the chief of Bani Zaygham clan was killed by Imam Ali (a), which broke their influence and various parties of hostile clans started dispersing. Seeing this the Holy Prophet (s) lifted the siege and brought the expedition to an end.

In the same year, Imam Ali (a) was sent to Yemen on a missionary service, he carried on this work so successfully and his speeches there proved so effective that the tribe of Bani Hamdan unanimously embraced Islam.

Ninth Year of Migration

Four important incidents relating to Imam Ali (a) took place in this year.

The first was the expedition to Zatus Salasil. Imam Ali (a) brought it to a successful end, defeated the clans gathered there to invade Medina and brought the happy news to the Holy Prophet (s). The Prophet of Allah, came out of Medina to welcome the brave and staunch warrior. Imam Ali (a) was riding a horse at the head of his army, saw the Holy Prophet (s) walking towards him, jumped from his horse. The Prophet (s) told him, "Keep on riding, don't dismount, Allah and His Prohpet are really pleased with your services" and made him remount his horse and he walked along with the horse.

The second event was the Prophet's expedition to Tabuk.

The third important even in the life of Imam Ali (a) and in the history of Islam was the recitation of the ninth chapter of the Holy Quran, Surah al-Bara'at (Tawbah) before the infidels of Mecca. This chapter declares that Allah and His Prophet in future will have nothing to do with the infidels and polytheists. All the treaties which existed till then are now annulled and cancelled. No polytheist or infidel will in future be allowed to enter the city of Mecca, or the precincts of Ka'bah.

"The Holy Prophet (s) first ordered Caliph Abu Bakr to carry this chapter to Mecca and to recite it at the Ka'bah but immediately after him, he sent Imam Ali (a) to replace Abu Bakr on the mission. When Abu Bakr complained about this change, the Prophet of Allah replied, "I have done it under the orders of Allah which came explicitly that either I should perform this duty myself or somebody who is like me". [43]

The fourth important event which took place during this year was the event of "Mubahila" (imprecation).

Najran was a city in the province of Yemen. It was the center of Christian Missionary activities in Southern Arabia. The Holy Prophet (s) had written to Harith, the chief priest of the city to realize the blessings of Islam. In reply he wrote that he would like to discuss personally the teachings of this new religion. He was invited and came with a retinue of fourteen priests. These priests stayed at Medina as guests of the Holy Prophet (s). Long discussions about monotheism versus trinity took place and it was realized that these priests were not open-minded, on the contrary were prejudiced against Islam. The Almighty Lord ordered the Holy Prophet (s) to explain to them that:

"To Allah, the case of Jesus is as that of Adam whom He created from the earth and then said, "Be and he came into existence". This is the truth from Your Lord; be not therefore one of those who doubt; and whoever shall dispute with you after the knowledge which has been given you, say to them, come let us call together our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and ourselves and yourselves; then let us make imprecations and lay the curse of Allah upon those who lie." (Surah Ale Imran, 3:59-61)

According to Amir ibn Sa'd and Ummul Momineen Ayesha, when the above verses were revaled to the Prophet of Allah, he called Imam Ali, Lady Fatima, Hasan and Husain, and said, "Lord! This is my family and progeny (Ahlul Bait)." [44]

Fakhruddin Razi says that when the above verses were revealed, the Prophet of Allah covered himself with a black mantle, took in it Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain and said, "Lord! This is my progeny, my household and my family (Ahlul Bait)". Thereupon the Prophet of Allah received the revelation, [45]

"People of the house, Allah wants to protect you from all kinds of uncleanliness and to purify you thoroughly." (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:33)

Hearing the glad tidings of the Divine purification, sanctification and consecration, the Holy Prophet (s) decided to take only these four persons along with him for the ceremony of trail by imprecations as ordered by Allah; that is Imam Ali (a) representing the "selves" as mentioned in the above verses, Lady Fatima representing "Women" and Hasan and Husain representing "sons".

The Christian priests were then informed of these orders by Allah. Rev. Sale says: "They agreed next morning to abide by the trial as a quick way of deciding which of them were in the wrong. Muhammad met them accordingly accompanied by his daughter Fatima, his son-in-law Ali and his two grandsons Hasan and Husain and desired them (the Christian priests) to wait till he had performed his prayers. But when they saw him kneel down, their resolution failed them and they dared not venture to curse him and his party, but agreed to sign a treaty and pay tribute to him."

Ahlul-Bayt, people of the household of Muhammad (s) is the designation usualy given to Fatima, Ali and their children and descendants. This is the name by which Ibn Khaldun invariably designate them, and followers and disciples, Shi'as or supporters of the "People of the House". Sanai, the famous Sufi poet whom Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi praises, represents the general feeling with which the descendants of Muhammad (s) were regarded in the following poetic verse:

"Excepting the Book of Allah and his family (the Chosen Descendants) nothing has been left by Ahmad the Prophet; Memorials such as these can never be obtained till the Day of Judgement." [46]

While discussing this event, and the Quranic verses referred above, the Holy Prophet (s) by indicating the word "selves" for himself and Ali, the word "women" for Fatima and the words "sons" for Hasan and Husain, have shown to the Muslims the estimation in which these four persons were held by Allah and by himself, and that they and they alone are his Ahlul Bait, who deserve the Divine purification, sanctification and consecration. [47]

Tenth Year of Migration

During this year, Ali was sent once gain on a propagation mission to Yemen and thence on an expedition against Amr ibn ma'di Karib. He performed both the duties successfully.

"From the latter expedition, Khalid ibn Walid sent a letter containing complaints of Imam Ali to the Holy Prophet (s). This letter was carried by Buraida, a companion of the Holy Prophet (s). On receipt of this letter, the Prophet of Allah was annoyed and got angry and said, "You are fabricating lies and fictitious complaints against Ali, he is from me and I am from him, he is your guardian (Wali) after me. Wheover annoys him actually annoys me and whoever forsakes him, forsakes me. He is made of the same material that I am made of and I am made of the same material that Abraham is made of and my status before Allah is superior to that of Abraham". [48]

In the end of 10 A.H., the Holy Prophet (s) performed the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hijjatul Wida) and while returning from there, he designated Imam Ali as his vicegerent.

Eleventh Year of Migration

This year was the saddest year of Imam Ali's life. He lost two of his best companions. One of whom he loved and venerated like a father, like a master and like the dearest friend, the Holy Prophet (s) who died during the early months of this year. His demise was followed by the