IMAM ALI (A.S.)
LINEAGE
IMAM ALI (A.S), the son of ABI TALIB, was born on the 13th of RAJAB (Lunar Calendar) 23 years prior to the prophet's immigration to YATHRIB, inside the holy KA'ABA in holy Mecca. His mother was FATIMA BINT ASAD of the HASHIMI family. He enjoyed martyrdom on the 21st of the month of Ramadan in the mosque of KUFA (Iraq) and was buried in holy NAJAF, in the year 40 of HIJRA.
THE MOSQUE:
ALLAH'S SACRED HOUSE
It is the first place set up for the worship of Allah in the holy city of Mecca. People from many far places make their journeys towards it to pray to Allah and seek His blessing. Has anyone ever heard of a child born in this sacred House? {…. This is Allah's grace, He gives it to whom He pleases, and Allah is Ample- giving} [MAIDA: 54]. Yes, it was Allah's grace bestowed on one born in His Sacred House.
THE FAVOURED CHILD
FATIMA, the daughter of ASAD IBN ABDI MUNAF, was a righteous woman who believed in Allah. She was the wife of ABI TALIB, the uncle of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H). She was the only woman who gave birth to her baby at such a Sacred House of Allah. She gave birth to her son in the holy mosque set up by Prophet IBRAHIM (AS) many thousands of years ago. The holy QUR'AN says, {And We enjoined IBRAHIM and ISMAEL, saying: Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion, and for those who bow down, and for those who prostrate}. [The Cow: 125].
The holy mosque of KA'ABA is the most sacred place in the world. It was a clear Divine sign of Allah's will for a child to be born in the holy House. A child was, indeed, born in that place. The parents were very happy at his birth. They called him Ali. The name signifies highness and sublime office in conformity with the sacred place where this unique childbirth took place. At the very first moment of his birth, his mother FATIMA BINT ASAD realized his unique status. Similarly, her relatives and family members predicted such a high office. He was a healthy, quiet, active, and dynamic baby. His mother sometimes used to call him "HAYDER", (this name is attributed to a lion). He grew up as brave as a lion, nothing could frighten him. He was polite and loving. He treated his parents kindly and was ready to help whoever needed some help. Everyone loved him for his good qualities.
It was the Divine will to expose one of the Muslim heroes. Since his early childhood, he grew up in the house of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H). The story of his childhood caused all people to wonder: He was born in the most sacred house of and was raised by the best of Allah's creatures: Mohammed son of ABDILLAH.
In those days, the people of Mecca worshipped idols and bowed to the stone and wooden objects which could do them neither good nor harm. They used to drink wines and gamble. Since childhood, Ali never turned to those idols nor bowed to them. He never took to bad deeds since he was in the company of the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) who taught him every good quality. He would listen to him, comprehend his words, and act accordingly. Ali was not yet 10 years old when Allah the Almighty chose Mohammed to dewier the Divine mission of Islam. Ali was the first male to believe in his prophet-hood and to support him in his struggle.
The bounties of Allah bestowed on him since his birth in the Sacred House, then his stay at the Prophet's house, then his being a pioneer in believing in the religion of Islam. He was chosen for a special role; to become one of Allah's signs. {Surely Allah has chosen him in preference over you, and He has increased him abundantly in knowledge and in physique, and Allah grants His kingdom to whomsoever He pleases, and Allah's is Ample-giving, knowing} [The Cow: 247]. Ali (as) was of a medium height, rather stout, full of energy and activity that was to the benefit of Islam, and in support of the Messenger of Allah. Some idolaters used to slander the Prophet (P.B.U.H) who tried to avoid them, while Ali was always ready to confront them. He was ready to punish whoever tried to hurt the Prophet.
AND WARN YOUR NEAREST KIN
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was ordered by Allah to warn his relatives and to invite them to Islam he, therefore, invited them to his house and said to them, "Allah has sent me to you to convey to you His message. You should give up the worship of idols. You should worship Allah the One God, the Lord of the world. Who among you supports me in my mission and thus be my Minster and successor?" No one answered him except Ali (as) who was then a teenager. He stood up and said, "I do believe in your message, and I do support you, O Messenger of Allah!"
It became common knowledge that Ali would be his minister and successor. The event spread among all people and became another of Allah's favors bestowed on Ali (as).
{And among men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is Affectionate to the servants}. [The Cow: 207]. When the Messenger of Allah decided to immigrate from Mecca to YATHRIB (AL-MEDINA AL-MUNAWRAH) at the order of Allah, he (P.B.U.H) informed Ali (as) of his intention. It was a dangerous night; the armed QURAYSHIS surrounded the Prophet's house and decided to assassinate him at dawn. Ali slept in the Prophet's bed and was not afraid of exposing himself to the dangerous attack. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) managed to leave the house safely.
The previously quoted QURANIC verse refers to this great sacrifice of Ali for the sake of Allah. It was again a Divine favor bestowed on him. {And We made of them Imams to guide by Our command when they were patient, and they were certain of Our communications}. [AL-SAJDA: 24]. At the order of Allah the Almighty, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) performed the marriage of his daughter FATIMA to Ali who the most pious of all, next only to the Messenger of Allah.
Ali was endowed with a sound knowledge and great talents. Fatima was most pious and obedient to Allah. Both were of unique example that should be followed. Through marriage, they gave birth to the purified Imams whose names and qualities were revealed to the Prophet (P.B.U.H). This is how Allah rewards His righteous servants. Allah the Almighty gave IBRAHIM the good news of a son and a grandson, although IBRAHIM was then very old. {Then We helped those who believed against their enemy, and they became the uppermost}. [AL-SAFF: 14].
Following the Prophet's immigration to YATHRIB (AL-MEDINA AL-MUNAWARAH), the infidels waged wars against the Muslims, and many battles took place. Some Muslims were afraid of fighting those battles, and some would flee the battlefield at the crucial moments. Only Ali was always ready to help. He created fear in the heart of the enemy. His bravery and might helped achieve victory for the Muslims in many battles and helped in the spread of Islam. He managed to defeat the enemies one after the other. For instance, in the battle of the Trench (or AL-AHZAB), AMRO IBN WIDD, the most brave of the QURAYSHIS, managed to cross the Trench that the Muslims had dug round the city to halt the enemy's advance. He challenged the Muslims and called them to fight him. No one dared come out to fight him except Ali. It was a crucial moment. The infidels' greatest goal was to confront and destroy the Muslims. The enemy surrounded them from all sides. Ali came forward and faced AMR. With one stroke of his sword, he killed him and achieved a great victory for the Muslims and a great defeat for the infidels. Similarly, during the battles of BADR, UHUD, KHAIBAR, and HUNAIN, Ali was always nearby to achieve victory, destroying the enemy of Islam.
Regarding Ali's role in the battle of the Trench, the Prophet used to say, "Ali's stroke in that battle was better than the worship of all mankind".
THE HYPOCRITES
The hypocrites in AL-MEDINA were more dangerous than the enemy: they lived among the Muslims and expressed belief in their tongues. But they secretly conspired against the Muslims. They even spied for the enemy. During the battle of TABUK, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) put Ali in charge of AL-Medina to protect it against the plots of the hypocrites. The hypocrites, who were vexed by the Prophet's decision, spread the rumor that the Prophet was displeased with Ali and no longer desired is presence near him in the battles.
Ali heard the rumor and felt very sad. He followed the Prophet (P.B.U.H) who was few miles away and expressed his wish to accompany him. He also informed him of the hypocrite's rumor. The Prophet said to him, "O Ali! Do not listen to such rumors. Are you not pleased to be to me s HAROUN was to MUSA when he appointed him in his place? You are to me as was HAROUN to MUSA". ALI felt at ease when he heard the Prophet's words, and people perceived the high status of Imam Ali as a representative of the Messenger of Allah and his successor.
THE CHRISTIAN DELEGATION
On the 24 of DHIL-HIJJA (Lunar Calendar), the 10th year of HIJRA, a Christian delegation of 60 prominent bishops and priests came to AL-Medina to challenge the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and to put his prophet-hood to test. They entered the Prophet 's Mosque. Fourteen of them were of high office, dressed in splendid attire, carrying their crosses. Theytolled
their bells and performed their prayers. The Muslims were angry but the Prophet calmed them and said, "Leave them now, we shall have a talk with them later".
The Prophet invited them to embrace Islam. He ordered them to give up the worship of the cross, not to eat pork, and to consider Jesus as a Prophet, not as a deity. When they asked him who the father of Jesus was, he recited to them this QURANIC verse: {Surely the likeness of ISA (Jesus) is with Allah as the likeness of Adam: He created him from dust then said to him: Be! And he was. This is the truth from your Lord, so do not be (one) of those who dispute (about it)}. [AL-IMRAN: 59].
But the Christian delegation insisted on calling Jesus a deity, so the Prophet was ordered by Allah to challenge them, through prayer, top invoke a curse on the liars. The QURANIC verse 61, chapter AL-IMRAN, was then revealed. The delegation asked for time to discuss the matter. When they were alone, their chief said, "If Mohammed comes with the noble persons of his tribe, then he is not a Prophet, and we can challenge him. If he comes with his nearest and dearest, then we had better not challenge him because he is a real Prophet; otherwise, if we challenge him, nothing will remain from Christianity".
The holy QURAN says, {But whoever disputes with you in this matter after what has come to you of the knowledge, say, "Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, and our souls (nearest and dearest) and your souls (nearest and dearest), then let us humbly pray and so lay the curse of Allah on the liars}. [AL-IMRAN: 61].
The next morning, while the Christians were waiting, they were stunned to see the Prophet (P.B.U.H) leading his household. He came carrying AL-HUSAIN and holding AL-HASAN'S hand (his grandsons). Fatima (daughter, mother, and wife) followed her father the Prophet, and her husband Ali followed her, carrying the banner of Islam. Ali was the soul nearest and dearest to the Prophet (P.B.U.H). The members of the delegation were afraid of praying, and they were ready to pay the JIZIA (Non-Muslims' tax) and thus have the right to keep their own beliefs. They promised not to conspire against the Muslims.
Through that QURANIC verse (AL-IMRAN:61), all Muslims and non-Muslims became aware of Ali's and his family's sublime office. His two sons according to the book of Allah (AL-IMARAN: 61) are the sons of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), and Ali in this very verse is the Prophet's soul. Such a fact is the greatest favor of Allah bestowed Ali (as) whom Allah the Almighty designated for a sublime role. {And when We made the House a pilgrimage for people and a (place of) security, and (said): Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing place of IBRAHIM. And We enjoined to IBRAHIM and ISMAEL saying: Purify My House for those who go round it and for those who abide in it and for those who bow and prostrate}. [The Cow: 125].
Islam achieved a complete victory when holy Mecca was invaded in the 8th year of HIJRAH. The holy Prophet ordered Ali to climb on his shoulder and remove all the idols that were placed on its rooftop. All the idols were thrown down and crushed into pieces. It was not an easy task to break down the idols which the Arab tribes worshipped. But Ali was not afraid of breaking all of them. Just as he had destroyed their brave men with is sword, he destroyed the idols they used to worship. It was another favor of Allah bestowed on him to accomplish such a task.
One day the Messenger of Allah said to him, "O Ali! No one knows you more than I do, and no one knows me more than you do". The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was quite aware of Ali's sublime status and his important future role as a truthful successor and protector of Islam and the Book of Allah. He would do his best to teach the Muslims the holy QURAN and its interpretation. He would be the head of the believers of the Muslim community. The infallible Imams would be from his progeny. He (P.B.U.H) was sure that Islamic science and knowledge would spread through Ali and his successors. He used to say, "Ali is always with the Truth, and the Truth is always with Ali. Ali is the best listener who comprehends what he hears".
The Prophet was sure of Ali's sublime role because Allah the Almighty had informed him of it, hence he became his best teacher. He kept him near him to teach him all that he knew. He taught him the QURANIC sciences and ordered him to keep a record of those sciences in a book. Ali had that book, a precious treasure kept by his sons and grandsons, the blessed Imams (peace be upon them all). {O Apostle! Deliver that which has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do not, then you have not delivered His message (at all), and Allah will protect you from the people}. [AL-MAIDAH: 67].
It became necessary for the Messenger of Allah, to inform the people of Ali's sublime office. When the above mentioned verse was revealed to him, he was on his way back from his last pilgrimage to holy Mecca in the 10th year of HIJRAH. He was then accompanied by more than 120,000 pilgrims from different Islamic places.
Although he (P.B.U.H) performed his mission during the period of 23 years, this QURANIC verse (AL-MAIDAH: 67) refers in particular to a certain message; it was: to appoint his successor, and that it equaled all his efforts in calling people to Islam during all those long years in holy Mecca and Medina. Hence, he immediately stopped the caravans of pilgrims at a place a few miles away from Mecca. He then ordered those who were ahead to come back to the place of gathering which is known as "GHADIR [SWAMP] KHUM", and those who were behind to join the others.
A pulpit with a sunshade was set up for him. He got up the pulpit and addressed the attendants. He said, in his long and important sermon, "Am I not the master of every believer?" They all said, "Yes, your are". He then took Ali's hand and raised it up for all to see Ali and declared him as his successor in authority. He said, "To whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master. O Lord! Befriend Ali's friends, and be the enemy of his enemies. O Lord! Help whoever helps him, and defeat whoever confronts him. O Lord! Keep the truth at his side wherever he turns".
All the believers then came and congratulated Ali (as). The first to do so was UMAR IBN AL-KHATAB who said to Ali, "Rejoice, O son of ABI TALIB! You have become my master (guardian) and the master of every believing man and woman".
It was a major event witnessed by tens of thousands of pilgrims who performed the HAJJ that year. In fact, Ali (as) was one of Allah's clear signs, some of Allah's treasure spared for the sake of Islam, and for the benefit of Muslims. He comes next to the Messenger of Allah. The infallible Imams are chosen from his and Fatima's offspring.
There are many QURANIC verses that refer to those who are worthy of Islamic leadership. Some of them refer to the pioneers who embraced Islam, and surely Ali (as) was the first. Other verses refer to those who struggle bravely and who do not flee the battle field; those who love to struggle for the sake of Allah more than they love their wives, children, and wealth. Everyone knew that Ali was at the head of such opponents of the enemies of Allah. He was the most pious, the most brave and the nearest to the Messenger of Allah. They were all sure that he was qualified for the Muslims' leadership after the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
The Messenger of Allah informed all the Muslims of Ali's sublime qualities and status, so that nobody would doubt it. the holy QURAN says: {…. Such is the grace of Allah; He gives it to whomsoever He please, and Allah is the Lord of mighty grace}. [The Iron: 21]. In fact, the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) and Ali (as) are the greatest bounties bestowed by Allah on His creatures. Had people been aware of such bounties, they would have enjoyed Allah's full bounties and blessings, and He would have helped them to enjoy every kind of knowledge and true civilization. The holy QURAN says,
{Had they kept to the (right) path, we would have certainly given them to drink of abundant water}. [Jinn: 16]. The Muslims today are in a dire need for such a sublime example in order to follow his footsteps and act accordingly. Ali was a pioneer in accepting Islam. Prejudice andfanatism
of the era of ignorance did not tarnish him. He wholeheartedly loved Islam and struggled day and night for its sake. He suffered from the infidels' harms and was ready to die in the Prophet's bed in order to save the Messenger of Allah from the infidels' plot. He participated in all the Muslim battles and was the most brave. He feared no human being and was firm in his belief in the Almighty, the One and only Lord of the World. He used to say, "If the unseen is uncovered to me, my certain belief (in Allah) will not increase (it is quite perfect)".
Being such a unique figure in faith and bravery, Imam Ali raised his children AL-HASAN, AL-HUSAIN, and ZAINAB, besides his companions: MALIK AL-ASHTAR and MAYTHAM AL-TAMMAR, to be embodiments of his school of thought, the most perfect school whose headmaster was born in the Sacred House of Allah and who enjoyed martyrdom in the sanctuary of a mosque while he was performing his prayers at the early dawn.
His school is the school of struggle in words and in deeds for the sake of the truth and justice, for the sake of Islam, and for the sake of Allah. It is the school of the winners in this life and in the hereafter.
Did the murderer ABDUL RAHAMN IBN MALJIM AL-MURADI, the KHARIJITE, think that he had put an end to Imam Ali's life when he struck him with his poisonous sword on 19th of Ramadan, 40th year of HIJRA?
Surely not! The great ones live through their ideas and conduct, though their bodies perish. Imam Ali is still amid us in his teachings and in his faith. It is our responsibility to follow his example. Surely we are to be called to account on the Day of Judgment. The holy QUR'AN says, {And stop them, for they shall be questioned} [SAFFAT: 24].
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Author: Yasin T. al-Jibouri
