The Life and Legacy of Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.)
Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.), born on March 17, 599 CE. He was from the noble Banu Hashim clan and the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Mother of Hazrat Ali Fatima, was an early Muslim women. And his father, Abu Talib, was the Kaaba’s custodian and the Prophet’s uncle. Ali (R.A.) was one of the ten companions promised Paradise, married Fatima, and converted to Islam early. Known for his scholarship, bravery, and eloquence, he played a key role in compiling and revising the Holy Quran with the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Early Life and Embrace of Islam by Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.)
At five years old, Ali (R.A.) was taken into the care of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Because of drought affecting Makkah, which deeply impacted his early life. Growing up in the Prophet’s home, Ali (R.A.) was the first child to embrace Islam. One day, after seeing the Prophet (S.A.W.) and Khadijah (R.A.) praying, Ali (R.A.) was told about the true religion and kept his conversion secret initially. The next morning, he declared his faith to the Prophet (S.A.W.), and while his father Abu Talib eventually accepted his faith, he stayed loyal to his own traditions until his death.
Ali Ibn Abu Talib’s Contribution to the Migration to Madinah
When Makkah’s disbelievers plotted to kill the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), Ali (R.A.) courageously took the Prophet’s place in bed to mislead them while the Prophet (S.A.W.) escaped to Madinah. Ali (R.A.) also returned the Makkans’ trusts that the Prophet (S.A.W.) had kept. Despite the hardships of his journey , Ali (R.A.) joined the Prophet (S.A.W.) in Madinah. Here, he actively supported the establishment of the Islamic state and its new society.
Hazrat Ali (R.A.) Marriage to Fatima (R.A.)
Ali (R.A.) married Fatimah (R.A.), the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) beloved daughter and one of the most esteemed women, following the Battle of Uhud in Madinah when she was fifteen. Through this union, Ali (R.A.) became the father of the Prophet’s progeny, including Al-Hassan (R.A.), Al-Hussain (R.A.), Zainab (R.A.), and Umm Kulthoom (R.A.).
Hazrat Ali (R.A.) in the Time of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.)
Ali (R.A.) was trusted by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) to be one of the scribes for recording the Quran and to draft the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. He played a key role in spreading Islam across Arabia, including Yemen, and in resolving disputes and uprisings. Known for his deep knowledge of genealogies, history, and customs, Ali (R.A.) traveled widely and managed his inherited wealth. He was highly esteemed among the Quraish and regarded as a prominent figure of Banu Umayyah.
Ali Ibn Abu Talib’s Valor and Support for Islam
Ali (R.A.) was renowned for his bravery, participating in nearly all battles against the unbelievers during the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) time, except for the Battle of Tabuk, where he was in charge of the city. He led raids, defeated key opponents like Walid Ibn Utba and Marhab, and stood firm at critical battles such as Gazwa-e -Badr, Gazwa-e-Uhud, and Battle of Khaybar. At Uhud, he safeguarded the Prophet (S.A.W.) when others fled, and in the Battle of the Trench, he vanquished Amr Ibn Wudd. Ali (R.A.) also played a vital role in the Battle of Hunain.
Sword of Hazrat Ali “Zulfiqar”
Dhu al-Faqar (Arabic: ذُو ٱلْفَقَار), also spelled Zu al-Faqar, Zulfakar, or Dhulfaqar, is the famous sword of Ali ibn Abi Talib. The exact meaning of the name is unclear, but “ḏhu” means “possessor” in Arabic. According to legend, the phrase “lā sayfa ʾillā Ḏū l-Faqāri wa-lā fatā ʾillā ʿAlīyun” was declared by Allah for the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). This sword was given to Imam Ali to replace his old, broken sword.
Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) in the Era of Abu Bakr’s (R.A.) Caliphate
Following the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) death, Ali (R.A.) initially delayed pledging allegiance to Abu Bakr (R.A.) due to his focus on arranging the Prophet’s funeral and compiling the Quran. Once he did pledge, Ali (R.A.) supported Abu Bakr (R.A.) throughout his Caliphate. He was tasked with protecting the city’s borders after the Usama expedition and was consulted on military matters against apostates and Romans. Additionally, Ali (R.A.) was entrusted with judicial responsibilities during this period.
Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) During Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s (R.A.) Caliphate
During Umar ibn Al-Khattab’s (R.A.) caliphate, Ali (R.A.) pledged allegiance and served as a trusted advisor. He provided counsel as the Islamic army expanded into Syria, Egypt, North Africa, and beyond. Ali (R.A.) advised Umar (R.A.) on establishing the Hijri calendar and acquiring Jerusalem. He was also instrumental in the electoral council that chose the third caliph. Where he and Usman (R.A.) were the main candidates.
Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) During Usman ibn Affan’s (R.A.) Caliphate
During Uman ibn Affan’s (R.A.) caliphate, Ali (R.A.) pledged allegiance and supported him in Madinah. He played a key role in defending Usman (R.A.) against the rebellion incited by opponents from Egypt and Iraq. Despite pressure to replace Usman with him, Ali (R.A.) refused and defended the Caliph and his family during the siege. Usman (R.A.) ultimately chose not to use force, leading to a tragic chapter in Islamic history with his murder.
Hazrat Ali (R.A.): The Fourth Caliph
After Usman’s (R.A.) assassination, Ali (R.A.) was initially reluctant to become Caliph, preferring to serve as a counselor. However, following widespread support from the Companions, he accepted the role on 25th Dhul-Hijjah 35H (24th June, 656 CE). His caliphate faced challenges, including restoring order and addressing the assassination of Uthman. Ali (R.A.) contended with unrest caused by Abdullah ibn Saba and his faction, who aimed to sow discord. Despite these troubles, Ali (R.A.) focused on civil reforms, including relocating the capital to Kufah, advancing jurisprudence, and introducing vowel signs in the Quran.
His Martyrdom and Enduring Legacy
On the 17th of Ramadan, 40H (25th January, 661 CE), Ali (R.A.) was attacked by Ibn Muljam while heading to the mosque for dawn prayer. Despite being struck, Ali (R.A.) managed to say, “I have succeeded by the Lord of the Kaaba,” and continued to utter, “There is no god but Allah,” until his death. His sons Hasan (R.A.) and Husayn (R.A.), along with Abdullah Ibn Jafar (R.A.), washed his body, and Hasan (R.A.) led his funeral prayer. Ali’s caliphate lasted five years. May Allah grant him mercy and favor.
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