Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Table of Contents

Translator’s Foreword 1

Preface 2

Section 1: The Life Account Of Imam Ali 4

Early Life And Virtues Of Imam Ali 5

Celebrated Chiefs Of The Hashimites 5

Hashim 5

Abd Al-Muttalib 5

Abu Talib 6

Abu Talib; The Defender Of Islam 6

Abu Talib’s Last Will 8

Fatimah Bint Asad; Imam Ali’s Mother 8

The Born In The Ka’bah 9

Notes 10

Nicknames Of Imam Ali 12

Siddiq (Veracious) 12

Wasi (Successor Of The Prophet) 12

Faruq (Distinguisher) 12

Ya’sub Al-Din (The Chief Of The Religion) 13

Wali (Guardian) 13

Amir Al-Mu' Minin (The Leader Of The Believers) 14

Amin (Trustee) 15

Hadi (Guide) 15

Udhun Wa’iyah (Retaining Ear) 15

Al-Murtadha (The Well-Pleased) 15

Al-Anza’ Al-Batin (The Corpulent Baldhead) 15

Al-Sharif (The Honorable) 16

Baydat Al-Balad (The Unique Person) 16

Khayr Al-Bashar (The Best Of Humankind) 16

Sayyid Al-’Arab (The Master Of All Arabs) 16

Hujjat Allah (The Argument Of God) 17

Notes 17

Kunyahs Of Imam Ali 19

Abu’l-Rayhanatayn (The Father Of The Two Basils) 19

Abu’l-Sibtayn (The Father Of The Two Grandsons) 19

Abu’l-Hasan (The Father Of Al-Hasan) 19

Abu’l-Husayn (The Father Of Al-Husayn) 19

Abu-Turab (The Father Of Dust) 19

Bodily Features Of Imam Ali 20

The Holy Prophet Describes Imam Ali 20

Dirar Describes Imam Ali 21

Muhammad Ibn Al-Hanafiyyah Describes His Father 21

Al-Mughirah Describes Imam Ali 22

Contemporaries Describe Imam Ali 22

The Early Life Of Imam ‘Ali 22

The First Male To Accept Islam 24

Imam Ali’s Love For The Holy Prophet 25

Imam Ali; The Scribe Of The Divine Revelation 28

The Destroyer Of The Idols 28

More Features 29

Imam Ali’s House 29

Mental Characteristics 29

Strong Faith In Allah 30

Frequent Turning To Allah 30

Infallibility 32

Asceticism 34

Unmatched Heroism 36

Enormous Strength 37

Forbearance 38

Patience 39

Modesty 40

Visiting The Sick 41

Detestation Of Praise 41

Response To Invitations 41

Generosity 41

Kindness To The Poor 43

Justice 44

Knowledgeability 45

Quick-Wittedness 46

Imam ‘Ali With The Advent Of Islam 46

Imam Ali; The First To Pray With The Holy Prophet 48

Imam Ali And The ‘Warning Of The Relatives’ 50

Cruel Procedures Against The Holy Prophet 51

Imam Ali Sacrifices His Life For The Holy Prophet 52

Imam Ali Migrates To Yathrib 54

Establishment Of A Mosque 55

Islamic Brotherhood 55

Notes 55

Imam ‘Ali’s Military Participations 59

The Battle Of Badr 59

The Battle Of Uhud 61

The Battle Of The Ditch 63

The Conquest Of Khaybar 65

The Military Expedition Against The Banu-Quraysah 66

The Military Expedition Against Banu’l-Nadir 67

The Military Expedition Against Wadi Al-Qira 67

Imam Ali Conquers Yemen 68

The Conquest Of Makkah 68

The Battle Of Hunayn 70

Imam Ali And Surah Bara'ah 71

The Campaign Of Tabuk 71

Imam Ali Describes His Jihad 72

Notes 72

The Departure Of The Holy Prophet 74

The Meeting Of Ghadir Khumm 74

The Endless Tragedy 76

Notes 79

The Saqifah Conspiracy And The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 80

Motives Of Holding The Saqifah Conspiratorial Meeting 81

Political Statement Of Sa’d 83

Criticism Against Sa’d 84

Weakness Of The Ansar 85

Jealousy And Enmity 85

‘Umar’s Planning 86

Some Important Points 87

The Ansar Surprised 88

Abu-Bakr’s Discourse 88

Research And Investigation 89

Abu-Bakr Wins Power 91

Celebration Of The People Of Quraysh 93

Imam Ali And The People Of Quraysh 93

The Role Of Abu-Sufyan 94

Imam Ali’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Abu-Bakr 95

Forcing Imam Ali To Pay Homage To Abu-Bakr 96

Strict Protestations 98

Imam Ali’s Protestations 98

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra'‘S Protestation 103

Lights On Lady Fatimah’s Speech 104

Imam Al-Hasan’s Protestation 105

Salman Al-Muhammadi’s Protestation 105

‘Ammar Ibn Yasir’s Protestation 106

Abu-Dharr’s Protestation 106

Al-Miqdad’s Protestation 107

‘Utbah Ibn Abi-Lahab’s Protestation 107

Abu-Ayyub Al-Ansari’s Protestation 108

Ubayy Ibn Ka’b’s Protestation 108

Al-Nu’man Ibn ‘Ajlan’s Protestation 108

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 108

Sahl Ibn Hunayf’s Protestation 109

Khuzaymah Ibn Thabit’s Protestation 109

Abu’l-Haytham Ibn Al-Tayhan’s Protestation 109

Unfortunate steps 110

Attacking Imam Ali’s House 110

The issue of Fadak 111

A Jurisprudential Viewpoint 118

Economic Embargo 118

Abrogation Of The Khums Tax 119

Confiscation Of The Prophet’s Inheritance 119

Abu-Bakr’s False Argument 119

Lady Fatimah Al-Zahra's Speech 120

Unsuccessful Attempt To Gain Lady Fatimah’s Satisfaction 128

Lights On Imam Ali’s Attitude 129

Grievances Of Lady Fatimah 130

Towards Paradise 132

Officials and governors of Abu-Bakr 135

Economic policies of Abu-Bakr 137

Notes 137

Entrusting caliphate to ‘Umar 144

‘Umar’ s reign 147

Internal Policies Of ‘Umar 147

Placing The Companions Under House Arrest 148

Officials And Governors Appointed By ‘Umar 149

Supervision Of Governors 150

Economic Policy Of ‘Umar 151

‘Umar’s Arguments 152

‘Umar’s Regret 153

Seclusion of Imam Ali 153

Imam Ali advises ‘Umar 155

Assassination of ‘Umar 156

The shura system 160

‘Umar With The Members Of The Shura Committee 161

The supervising body over elections 165

Warning the companions 166

Imam Ali’s reaction 167

Objections to ‘Umar’s shura system 168

Mode of selection 172

Notes 177

‘Uthmans reign 181

Governmental offices in ‘Uthman’s reign 182

Economical policies of ‘Uthman 186

Opposition to ‘Uthman 187

Notes 194

The Reign Of Imam ‘Ali 195

Imam Ali Refuses Caliphate 195

Conference Of The Military Forces 196

Imam Ali Accepts Caliphate 196

Swearing Allegiance To Imam Ali 196

Exultant Joy Of Muslims 197

Support Of The Companions 197

The Congratulating Delegations 198

Congregational Supplications For Imam Ali 198

Gloom Of The People Of Quraysh 199

Confiscation Of The Usurped Fortunes 200

Deposition Of Deputy Governors 200

Imam Ali’s Internal Policy 201

Equitability 201

Equality In Rights And Duties 201

Adopting The Life Styles Of The Poor 201

Cancellation Of The Habit Of Taking Pride In The Ancestors 202

Forbiddance Of Playing Chess 202

Forbiddance Of Sitting On The Public Ways 202

Prohibition Of Intoxicants 202

Establishment Of Detention Centers 202

Establishment Of House Of Complaints 203

The Military Police 203

Unseemly Dress 203

A Record For People’s Needs 203

The Police Commissioner-In-Chief 203

The Clerk 203

Frankness And Honesty 203

Cancellation Of Popular Festivals 204

Imam Ali Executes The Religious Punishment On A Loyal Poet 204

The Imam Is Just Like The Feeble People 205

Method Of Conversing With The Imam 205

Imam Ali’s Financial Policy 206

Distribution Of Funds 206

Equality In Allowances 207

Precaution In Matters Related To The Public Properties 208

Agricultural Production 209

Freedom 210

Political Freedom 210

Freedom Of Expression 211

Freedom Of Criticism 211

Freedom Of Moving 212

Supervision Over Markets 212

Notes 213

The Battle Of The Camel 216

‘A'ishah The Daughter Of Abu-Bakr 216

‘A'ishah’s Attitude To The Pledge Of Allegiance To Imam Ali 217

Motives For Mutiny 218

The Makkah Conference 220

Resolutions Of The Conference 220

Mu’awiyah Deceives Al-Zubayr And Talhah 221

‘Uthman’s Fans Mobilize The Mutinous Army 221

Imam Ali’s Epistle To Talhah And Al-Zubayr 222

Marching To Al-Basrah 222

The Minor Battle Of The Camel 225

Dispute On Leading The Prayer 225

Imam Ali Seeks The Help Of The People Of Al-Kufah 226

The Companions With Imam Ali 229

Jurisprudential View 239

Consequences Of The Battle Of The Camel 239

Notes 240

The Rebellion Of Mu’awiyah 245

Mu’awiyah Deceives The Prominent Personalities 245

Correspondence Between Imam Ali And Mu’awiyah 247

Preparations For The War 258

Imam Ali’s Correspondences With His Deputy Governors 258

Couriers Of Peace 262

The Encounter 264

The Night Of The Growl 266

The Farce Of Raising The Quranic Copies 266

The Arbitration 268

The Imam Returns To Al-Kufah 271

Meeting Of The Arbitrators 272

Mutiny Of The Apostates 274

Notes 283

Decline Of The State Of Truth 289

Raids On The Muslim Regions 290

Raids On Al-Iijaz And Yemen 290

Raids On Iraq 291

Raids On Hit 291

Raid On Waqisah 292

Raid On Al-Kufah 293

The Mischief Of The Khawarij 293

Imam Ali Beseeches For Departure From The World 293

Notes 294

The Deputy Governors In Imam ‘Ali’s Government 296

Responsibilities And Significance Of Deputy Governors 297

Foundations Of Selecting The Deputy Governors 298

Punishment Of The Unjust Governor 298

Distancing From The Unjust Rulers 298

Rule Of The Foolish 299

The Addicted to Authority 299

Duties Of The Deputy Governors 299

Teachings Of Imam Ali To The Deputy Governors 299

Ministry Of Complaints 307

Tax Collectors 308

Interrogating And Calling The Governors To Account 309

Dismissal And Discharge Of Governors 309

The Armed Forces 310

Police Forces 311

The Duties Of The Ruler And The Subjects Towards Each Other 311

Imam Ali’s Deputy Governors 312

Qays Ibn Sa’d 313

Malik Al-Ashtar 314

Martyrdom Of Malik 316

Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 317

A Serious Letter Of Mu’ Awiyah To Muhammad Ibn Abi-Bakr 319

Martyrdom Of Muhammad 320

Qutham Ibn ‘Abbas 320

Sahl Ibn Hunayf 321

‘Ubaydullah Ibn Al-’Abbas 322

‘Umar Ibn Abi-Salamah 322

Al-Nu’ Man Ibn ‘Ajlan 323

Mikhnaf Ibn Sulaym 323

Masqalah Ibn Hubayrah 324

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 324

Al-Ash’ath Ibn Qays 325

‘Uthman Ibn Hunayf 326

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas 329

Deputy Governorship Of Al-Basrah 330

False Accusations 331

Ziyad Ibn ‘Ubayd 331

Another Letter To Ziyad 333

Warning Ziyad Against Mu’awiyah 333

Hudhayfah Al-Yamani 334

Sa’d Ibn Mas’ud 335

‘Ajlan Ibn Qudamah 336

Sulayman Ibn Surad 336

Land Taxes 336

Significance Of Land Taxes 336

Instructions To The Tax Collectors 336

Reproaching And Deposing Deputy Governors 337

Notes 338

Martyrdom Of Imam ‘Ali´ 341

The Umayyads And The Assassination Of Imam Ali 341

Imam Ali And Ibn Muljim 342

The Assassination 343

Imam Ali’s Last Wills 347

Visitors Of The Imam 350

Retaliation 353

Eulogy Of Imam Ali 353

Section 2: Tradition of Imam ‘Ali 356

Imam ‘Ali´ in the Holy Qur'an 356

Imam ‘ Ali´ explains Qur'anic verses 364

The Quran Is Illumination 367

The Quran Speaks 367

The Holy Quran Tells About The Past And Predicts The Future 367

The Holy Quran; The Rope Of Allah 368

The Holy Quran; An Adviser 368

The Holy Quran; The True Guidance 368

Imam Ali Encourages Learning The Holy Quran 368

Supplicatory Prayer At Completing Reciting The Holy Quran 369

The Holy Quran; The Springtime Of Hearts 369

Imam Ali’s Exegeses Of Quranic Verses 369

Surah Al-Fatihah 369

Surah Al-Baqarah 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 34 372

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 48 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 373

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 186 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 189 374

Exegesis of Verse No. 253 375

Exegesis of Verse No. 267 375

Surah Al-’Imran 376

Exegesis of Verse No.7 376

Exegesis of Verse No. 19 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 377

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 68 378

Exegesis of Verse No. 81 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 96 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 102 379

Exegesis of Verse No. 133 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 149 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 200 380

Surah Al-Nisa' 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 380

Exegesis of Verse No. 23 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 58 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 59 381

Exegesis of Verse No. 69 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 86 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 97 384

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 128 385

Exegesis of Verse No. 164 385

Surah Al-Ma'idah 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 386

Exegesis of Verse No. 66 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 95 387

Exegesis of Verse No. 101 388

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 388

Surah Al-An’am 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 110 389

Surah Al-A’raf 389

Exegesis of Verses No. 8 & 9 389

Exegesis of Verse No. 46 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 390

Exegesis of Verse No. 138 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 143 392

Exegesis of Verse No. 159 393

Exegesis of Verses 163-166 394

Exegesis of Verse No. 172 395

Surah Al-Anfal 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 396

Surah Al-Tawbah 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 396

Exegesis of Verse No. 36 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 67 397

Surah Yunus 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 397

Exegesis of Verse No. 62 398

Surah Hud 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 398

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 399

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 56 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 105 400

Exegesis of Verse No. 114 401

Surah Al-Ra’d 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 402

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 403

Surah Ibrahim 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 9 403

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 28 404

Surah Al-Hijr 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 2 404

Exegesis of Verse No. 44 405

Exegesis of Verse No. 85 405

Surah Al-Nahl 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 16 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 406

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 90 407

Surah Al-Isra' 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 102 407

Surah Al-Kahf 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 407

Exegesis Of Verse No. 103 408

Surah Maryam 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 11 408

Exegesis Of Verse No. 25 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 85 409

Surah Taha 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 67 409

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 409

Surah Al-Anbiya' 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 35 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 47 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 101 410

Exegesis Of Verse No. 104 411

Surah Al-Hajj 412

Exegesis Of Verse No. 17 412

Surah Al-Mu'minun 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 3 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 14 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 413

Exegesis Of Verse No. 76 414

Surah Al-Nur 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 30 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 415

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 416

Exegesis Of Verse No. 43 416

Surah Al-Furqan 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 24 417

Exegesis Of Verse No. 38 417

Surah Al-Qasas 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 77 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 83 420

Exegesis Of Verse No. 88 421

Surah Al-’Ankabut 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 2 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 5 421

Surah Al-Rum 421

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 421

Surah Luqman 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 34 422

Surah Al-Ahzab 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 41 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 56 422

Exegesis Of Verse No. 72 423

Surah Saba' 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 37 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 39 423

Surah Fatir 423

Exegesis Of Verse No. 1 423

Surah Yasin 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 12 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 65 424

Exegesis Of Verse No. 70 425

Exegesis Of Verse No. 82 425

Surah Al-Saffat 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 24 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 99 427

Exegesis of Verse No. 130 428

Surah Sad 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 428

Exegesis of Verse No. 32 428

Exegesis of Verses No. 71 and 72 428

Surah Al-Zumar 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 42 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 53 431

Exegesis of Verse No. 73 431

Surah Ghafir 432

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 432

Surah Fussilat 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 11 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 433

Surah Al-Shura 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 27 433

Exegesis of Verse No. 30 433

Surah Al-Zukhruf 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 45 434

Surah Al-Dukhan 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Al-Jathiyah 434

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 434

Surah Muhammad 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 16 435

Surah Al-Fath 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 26 435

Surah Al-Hujurat 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 435

Surah Qaf 435

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 435

Surah Al-Dhariyat 436

Exegesis of Verses 1-4 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 54 436

Surah Al-Tur 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 436

Exegesis of Verse No. 21 436

The Holy Quran reads 436

Surah Al-Qamar 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 49 437

Surah Al-Rahman 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 17 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 29 437

Exegesis of Verse No. 60 439

Surah Al-Hadid 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 3 439

Surah Al-Saff 439

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 439

Surah Al-Tahrim 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 440

Surah Al-Qalam 440

Surah Al-Ma’arij 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 40 440

Surah Nuh 440

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 440

Surah Al-Jinn 441

Surah Al-Muzzammil 441

Surah Al-Muddaththir 441

Surah Al-Qiyamah 441

Exegesis of Verse No. 22 441

Surah Al-Mursalat 441

Exegesis of Verses 25 and 26 441

Surah Al-Nazi’at 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 442

Surah Al-Takwir 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 15 442

Surah Al-Infitar 442

Exegesis of Verse No. 6 442

Surah Al-Inshiqaq 443

Exegesis of Verse No. 1 443

Exegesis of Verses 7-12 443

Surah Al-Buruj 444

Exegesis of Verses 2 and 3 444

Exegesis of Verse No. 4 444

Surah Al-tariq 444

Exegesis of Verses 13 and 14 444

Surah Al-Fajr 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 14 445

Surah Al-Balad 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 10 445

Surah Al-Shams 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 12 445

Surah Al-Zuha 445

Exegesis of Verse No. 5 445

Surah Al-’Alaq 446

Surah Al-Takathur 446

Exegesis of Verses 3 and 4 446

Surah Al-Ma’un 446

Exegesis of Verses 4 and 5 446

Exegesis of Verse No. 7 446

Surah Al-Kawthar 446

Surah Al-Tawhid (Al-Ikhlas) 447

Notes 447

Imam Ali as in Prophetic Traditions 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Self 455

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Brother 455

Imam Ali and the Holy Prophet; the Same Tree 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Aide 457

Imam Ali; The Holy Prophet’s Vicegerent 457

Imam Ali to the Holy Prophet; Prophet Aaron to Prophet Moses 457

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s City of Knowledge 458

Imam Ali; the Door to the Holy Prophet’s Wisdom 458

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved to the Holy Prophet 458

Imam Ali; the Match of the Prophets 458

Imam Ali; the Chief of the Arabs 459

Imam Ali; the Most Beloved of all Humans to the Almighty 459

Obedience to Imam Ali; Obedience to the Holy Prophet 459

Love for Ali; Love for Allah 460

Love for Ali is Faith; Hating him is Hypocrisy 460

Love for Imam Ali; The Title of the True Believer’s Record 461

The Holy Prophet Foretells Imam Ali’s Future 461

Imam Ali; the Bearer of Al-Hamd Standard 461

Ali; the commander of the Prophet’s Pond 462

Ali; the distributor of Heaven and Hell 462

Without a License from Ali, No one passes the Discriminating Bridge 462

Ali; in the company of the Holy Prophet in Paradise 463

Notes 463

Imam Ali’s Educational Teachings And Sermons 465

Imam Ali’s Instructive Will To His Son Imam Al-Hasan 466

Another instructive will of Imam Ali to Imam Al-Hasan 473

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His Son Imam Al-Husayn 474

Imam Ali’s instructions to His Sons 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to His son Muhammad 476

Imam Ali’s instructive will to Kumayl ibn Ziyad 477

Notes 484

Sermons Of Imam Ali As 486

States of man in this world 486

Acting upon personal desires 486

Desertion of worldly pleasures 486

False abusing of the world 487

The transient nature of this world 488

Elapse of the world 488

Haste towards righteous acts 489

Description of the transitory world 489

Death and after death 489

Learning lessons 493

Abstinence from worldly pleasures 494

Notes 494

Aphorisms Of Imam Ali As 497

True Value 497

Knowledge Is Countless 497

Opinion Of The Aged 497

Enemies Of The Unknown 497

Succouring The Aggrieved 497

The Abstinent 497

Allah’s Gifts In This World And The Other World 497

Rest And Fatigue 497

Duty Towards The Friend 497

The Most Helpless Of All People 497

Sovereignty And Religiousness 498

Speech 498

The World Is Two Days 498

The Ignorant And The Learned 498

Knowledge-Based Worship 498

Humorous Sayings 498

Contemplation 498

Imploration For Forgiveness 498

The Matched Things 498

The Soldiers Of Allah 499

The Most Favorable Act Of Worship 499

Regarding The Brethren-In-Faith 499

Nice Words 499

The Envious Are Restless 499

The Self-Possessed 499

The Discerning And The Foolish 499

The Ansar 499

The Least Duty Towards Allah 499

Disadvantages Of Disunity 500

Suppression Of Rage 500

Good Mannerism 500

Beyond Illusions 500

The Rabble 500

Categories Of People 500

Categories Of Quran Reciters 500

Warning Against Joking 500

Funny Wording 500

Politeness 500

Refraining From Prohibitions 501

The Abstinent From Worldly Pleasures 501

Ignorance About Defects 501

Perfect Chastity 501

Good Opinion 501

The Most Manifest Nobility 501

Characteristics Of The Lewd 501

Proper Confession 501

Standing The Friends’ Slips 501

Spending That Is Never Wasted 501

Economization 501

Oppressing People 502

Appreciation Of Graces 502

Good Manners 502

Experience 502

Termination Of Lifetime 502

Consultation 502

Satisfaction 502

Putting The Hopes 502

Assumption Of Continuity 502

A Faithful Believer Tires Himself 502

Laziness 502

Need, Dispensing With, And Doing Favors 503

Magnanimity 503

Negligence Of Friends 503

Seeking For Sustenance 503

The Best Of Wealth 503

Experiments 503

Excessive Expectation 503

The Most Grateful And The Least Grateful 503

Respite Of Allah 503

Mirror Of Character 503

Custody Of The Family Members 504

Source Of Pleasance 504

Generosity 504

Beauty Of Men And Beauty Of Women 504

Evil Characteristics 504

Modesty Before The Rich 504

Almsgiving 504

The True Noble 504

Repentance 504

This World And The Other World 504

Fear From Humiliation 505

Silence 505

Patience 505

Verification Of The Authenticity Of Reports 505

Readiness For The Hereafter 505

Significance Of Knowledge 505

Deprivation Of Knowledge 505

Words Of The Wise 505

Anger 505

Kind Acts 505

Recognition Of Allah 505

Thanking For The Blessings 505

Envying The Friends 506

Container Of Knowledge 506

Doing Favours 506

Means Of Headship 506

The Most Humble Knowledge 506

Connection With Almighty Allah 506

Shame Of Niggardliness 506

Seditions 506

Greed 506

Satisfaction And Knowledge 507

Charity 507

Spending 507

Moderation 507

True Friend 507

The Everlasting Deeds 507

Missing The Opportunity 507

Piety-Accompanied Actions 507

Establishing The Orders Of Allah 507

Care 507

Consequence 508

Steadfastness 508

Obedience 508

Despotism 508

Concealment Of Secrets 508

Poverty 508

Befriending The Foolish 508

Lessons 508

Starvation of the poor 508

Partners 508

Speech 508

Forbearance 508

Knowledge Seekers And Worldly Pleasures Seekers 509

Forbearance And Tolerance 509

The Evilest Friends 509

The Whole Asceticism 509

Encouragement On Doing Kind Acts 509

Blessings Of Almighty Allah 509

Modesty Of The Rich 509

Fear Of Allah 509

Pursuit Of The Best Meaning 510

Moderate Care For The Family Members 510

Beware Of Disobeying Allah 510

Serving Allah 510

Notes 510

Imam Ali And Judgment 512

Significance Of Adjudication 514

Imam Ali’s Judgments During The Holy Prophet’s Lifetime 514

A Pit Dug For A Lion 516

The Three She-Slaves 516

The Killed Under The Wall 516

A Cow That Killed A Donkey 517

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of Abu-Bakr 517

Ignorance About The Law 517

Wet Dream 518

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Umar 518

The Story Of Qudamah Ibn Mas’un 518

False Accusation Of Adultery 519

False Accusation 519

Disavowal Of A Son 520

The Widow Of An Old Man 521

Two Women Claiming A Male Child 521

A Crazy Woman Committing Adultery 522

Five Different Punishments For A Single Offence 522

Adultery Under Compulsion 522

The Punishment Of The Absent From Their Wives 523

A Three-Time Larceny 523

The Two Cheaters 523

Stoning A Pregnant 524

Purchasing A Camel 524

Distribution Of The Public Funds 524

Divorcement Before And After Islam 525

Abortion On Account Of Fear 525

Six-Months Pregnancy 525

Advice Of Imam Ali 526

Imam Ali’s Judgments In The Reign Of ‘Uthman 526

A Slave Woman Committing Adultery 526

The Pregnant Wife Of An Old Man 526

Yahya And Safiyyah 527

Imam Ali’s Judgments During His Reign 527

Retreat From Testimony 528

Regard For The Health Of The Punished 529

Testimonies Of Women 529

Multiplicity Of Confessions 530

Executors Of Punishments 531

Judgment In Issues Of Misappropriation 532

Lot 533

Litigation Against A Deaf 533

Detaining The Sinful Scholars And The Incompetent Physicians 534

Unjust Rulers 534

Administering Oaths On The Jews And The Christians 534

Sentence To Imprisonment 534

Some Marvellous Judgments Of Imam Ali 535

The Mysterious Crime 535

The Eight Loaves Of Bread 537

The Four Drunken Persons 538

The Drowned 538

The Two-Head Newborn 538

The Lost Money 538

Pardoning A Larcener 539

The Punishment Of The Highway Robbers 539

The Hitting And The Hit Ships 539

A Share Of A Legacy 539

The Old Saves 540

Fasting For A Season 540

A Married Woman Asking For A Husband 540

Accidental Homicide 540

A Dog Or A Sheep 541

A Magus Lady Converting To Islam 541

Right Of Divorcement 541

Homicide, Larceny, And Drinking Wine At The Same Time 541

Fraud 542

Rejecting The Testimonies Of The Jews 542

Admitting The Testimonies Of The Christians 542

Retaliation Between Fathers And Sons 542

False Accusation Of A Group Of People 542

Fabricated Stories 542

Knowledge And Learning In The View Of Imam ‘Ali 543

Praise Of Knowledge 543

New Fields Of Knowledge 546

Arabic Grammar 546

Muslim Jurisprudence 547

Quranic Exegesis 548

Astronomy And Arithmetic 548

Diameter Of The Sun 549

The Seventeen Camels 549

Zoology 549

The Peacock 550

The Bat 551

The Locust 552

The Ant 552

Theology 553

Physics 553

Electricity 554

Medicine 554

Protective System 554

Breast Milk 554

Geology 554

Philosophy 555

Forbiddance Of Witchcraft 555

Forbiddance Of Fortune-Telling 555

Notes 556

Prophecies Of Imam Ali 561

Foretelling The Assassination Of Imam Al-Hasan 562

Foretelling The Martyrdom Of Imam Al-Husayn 562

Prophesying The Number Of The Troops 564

Prophesying The Martyrdoms Of Some Companions 565

‘Amr Ibn Al-Damq 565

Maytham Al-Tammar 565

Rashid Al-Hajari 565

Juwayriyah Al-’Abdi 565

Mazra’ 566

Hujr Ibn ‘Adi 566

Qambar 566

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad 566

Imam Ali Prophesies His Martyrdom 566

Prophesying The Movements Of The Black Stone 568

Prophesying The Massacre Of Fakh 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of The Pure-Souled 568

Prophesying The Martyrdom Of Ibrahim 569

Prophesying The Advent Of Imam Al-Mahdi 569

The Lad Of Thaqif 570

Prophesying The Future Of Marwan And His Sons 570

The Umayyad Rulers 571

Prophesying The Killing Of Zur’ah 571

Prophesying The Rule Of Abd Al-Malik Ibn Marwan 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Abdullah Ibn Al-Zubayr 572

Prophesying The Uprising Of Al-Mukhtar 572

Prophesying The Collapse Of The Umayyad Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Power Of The ‘Abbasid Dynasty 573

Prophesying The Death Of Mu’awiyah 573

Prophesying The Birth Of Imam Zayn Al-’Abidin 573

Prophesying Imam Al-Riza’s Martyrdom 573

Prophesying The Establishing Of Baghdad City 573

Prophesying The Manners Of The ‘Abbasid Rulers 573

Prophesying The Uprising Of The Negroes 574

Prophesying The Rule Of The Buyid Dynasty 574

Prophesying The Magharibah State 574

Prophesying The Uprising Of Tabaristan 575

Prophesying The Rule Of The Qarmatians 575

Prophesying The Raids Of The Mongols 575

Prophesying The Imminent Seditions 575

Prophesying The Events Of The Last Of Time 577

Notes 577

Appendix: The Holy Shrine of Imam ‘Ali 584

The History Of Constructing The Holy Shrine 584

Merits Of Visiting The Holy Shrine Of Imam ‘Ali´ 585

Formulas To Be Said At The Holy Shrine 585

First Ziyarah 585

Duas After The Ziyarah Of Imam Ali (A) And After The Recitation Of Nafilah Prayers In Najaf Ashraf 598

Ziyarah of Aminullah (The Trustee of Allah) 599

Another Formula of Ziyarah on the Ghadir Day 601

Ziyarah Of Imam Ali On The Night Of Maba'th (27th Rajab) 602

Imam Al-Sadiq Visits the Tomb of Imam Ali 608

Another Ziyarah 610

Another Ziyarah 611

Notes 611

Bibliography 613

Note 620