Ali ibn Abi Talib

Lineage of Ali ibn Abi Talib

He is the companion of Ali ibn Abi Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf ibn Qusay ibn Kilab ibn Lu'ay ibn Ghalib ibn Fahr ibn Malik ibn al-Nazr ibn Kinana ibn Khuzayma ibn Mudrikah ibn Ilyas ibn Mudar ibn Nazar ibn Ma'ad ibn Adnan, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad - peace and blessings be upon him. As for Ali's mother, she is Fatimah bint Asad ibn Abd Manaf from the Banu Hashim, the cousin of Abu Talib.

Title and Nickname of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was known by the kunya "Abu al-Hasan" and "Abu Turab". These kunyas were given to him by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when he found Ali lying in the mosque covered in dust after his cloak had fallen off. The Prophet lovingly wiped the dust from Ali's body while addressing him as "Abu Turab," which means "Father of Dust".

Birth and Upbringing of Ali ibn Abi Talib

There are various narrations regarding the year of Ali's birth (may Allah be pleased with him). These include:

1. It is reported by Ibn Ishaq that he was born ten years before the prophethood of Muhammad, a view that Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani also inclined towards.
2. It is narrated from Al-Hasan Al-Basri that Ali was born fifteen or sixteen years before the prophethood.
3. Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir is reported to have expressed two opinions: one agreeing with Ibn Ishaq's view and another stating that Ali was born five years before the prophethood.
4. Al-Fakihi mentioned that Ali was the first of the Hashemites to be born inside the Kaaba.

Al-Hakim stated that there is a consensus of narrations affirming Ali's birth inside the Kaaba.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) took care of Ali after a severe crisis had afflicted the Quraysh, causing hardship for the people. Abu Talib had many children, so the Prophet, along with Abbas, approached him to take care of one of their sons to alleviate Abu Talib's burden. Abbas took care of Ja'far, and the Prophet took care of Ali, who later embraced Islam after the Prophet's mission began.

Family of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) had several siblings, the most famous among them being three brothers: Aqeel, Talib, and Ja'far. Ali was the youngest among them. He also had two sisters: Umm Hani and Jumanah. Here is a brief overview of each of them:

• Talib: He did not embrace the message of Muhammad and passed away while still holding his own faith. He participated in the Battle of Badr, albeit reluctantly, as he had affection for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
• Aqeel: Aqeel was taken captive by the Muslims after his participation in the Battle of Badr. He had also participated reluctantly and was ransomed by his uncle Abbas. Later, he embraced Islam during the conquest of Mecca in either the eighth year of the Hijra or, according to some reports, during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in the sixth year of the Hijra. He subsequently joined the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in various expeditions, including the Battle of Mu'tah and the Battle of Hunayn.
• Ja'far: Ja'far was among the early and noble companions of the Prophet. He migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) twice and returned during the conquest of Khaybar. The Prophet appointed him as the commander of the Muslim army in the Battle of Mu'tah, where he displayed admirable bravery. Unfortunately, he was martyred in the Battle of Mu'tah when he was around thirty-three years old.
• Umm Hani: Umm Hani embraced Islam on the day of the opening of Mecca. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) entered her house, prayed eight rak'ahs of Dhuha prayer, and then performed a special supplication.
• Jumanah: Jumanah accepted Islam and married Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

These are some of the siblings and family members of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them).

Wives of Ali ibn Abi Talib and His Children

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) was married to several women during his lifetime, although not all of them were married at the same time. He had children from these marriages, and here is the information about his wives and their respective children:

From his marriage to Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, Ali had the following children:

• Hasan ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Muhsin ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Zainab al-Kubra bint Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Umm Kulthum bint Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Umm al-Banin, the daughter of Hizam al-Kilabiyyah, Ali had the following children:

• Abbas ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Ja'far ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Abdullah ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Uthman ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Layla, the daughter of Mas'ud al-Tamimiyyah, Ali had the following children:

• Ubaydullah ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Abu Bakr ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Umm Habiba, the daughter of Zama'ah al-Tughlabiyyah, Ali had the following child:

• Umar ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Ruqayyah, the daughter of Ali ibn Abi Talib, he had the following child:

• Ruqayyah bint Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Umm Sa'id, the daughter of Arwa al-Thaqafiyyah, Ali had the following children:

• Umm al-Hasan bint Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Ramlah al-Kubra bint Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Asma, the daughter of Umayyis al-Khath'amiyyah, Ali had the following children:

• Yahya ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Muhammad al-Asghar ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Awn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Ummama, the daughter of Abu al-As, Ali had the following child:

• Muhammad al-Awsat ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib

From his marriage to Khawla, the daughter of Ja'far al-Hanafiyyah, Ali had the following child:

• Muhammad al-Akbar ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, also known as Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah.

These are the wives and children of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them).

The Islam of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ibn Ishaq mentioned that Ali ibn Abi Talib entered upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) while he was praying with Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and asked him about the nature of that worship. The Prophet explained to him that it was one of the religious rites chosen by Allah for His servants and sent by His Messenger. He presented Ali with the opportunity to believe in his message, emphasizing the oneness of Allah and the rejection of idol worship. Ali hesitated and wanted to consult his father about it. The Prophet did not want news of the call to spread before he declared it himself, so he gave Ali a choice between embracing Islam or keeping the matter secret and not informing anyone about it.

That night, Ali contemplated the matter until faith settled in his heart. He went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the next day, asking him to repeat what he had invited him to in their previous meeting. The Prophet repeated the two testimonies of faith and the rejection of Lat and Uzza, and Ali accepted Islam. However, he kept his faith hidden, fearing his father, Abu Talib.

There are various opinions about Ali's age when he embraced Islam, as follows:

1. Some sources suggest that he was eight years old, as reported by Urwah.
2. It is also mentioned that he was fourteen years old, as narrated by Jarir from al-Mughira.
3. Al-Hasan ibn Zaid ibn Hasan mentioned that he was nine years old at the time of his conversion.
4. Ibn Abbas is reported to have said that he was the first person to embrace Islam. He concealed his faith out of fear of his father, while others openly embraced Islam, such as Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him).

These are the details regarding the Islam of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him).

The Emigration of Ali ibn Abi Talib and His Role as the Prophet's Guardian

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) recounted the story of how Ali ransomed himself for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when the polytheists planned to harm him, even to the extent of killing him. On the night of the Prophet's migration to Medina, Ali slept in the Prophet's bed as a decoy while the Prophet left for Medina. The polytheists lay in wait outside, thinking they had surrounded the Prophet in his house. However, the Prophet had actually gone to a cave, and when they realized this, they searched for him. To their surprise, they found Ali sleeping in the Prophet's bed. They asked him about the Prophet's whereabouts, but Ali replied that he didn't know.

After this incident, Ali emigrated to Medina, joining the Prophet there three days later. He had stayed behind to return the trusts that were in the Prophet's possession to their rightful owners, as the Prophet had entrusted him with this responsibility before his migration.

Jihad of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) participated in all the military expeditions (Ghazawat) alongside the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) except for the Battle of Tabuk, during which he was appointed by the Prophet to stay in Medina and act as its guardian.

Here are some of the notable military expeditions in which Ali participated and his remarkable contributions:

• Battle of Badr: Ali carried the standard of the Muslim army in this battle when he was only around twenty years old.
• Battle of Uhud: After the martyrdom of Mus'ab ibn Umair (may Allah be pleased with him), Ali took command of the Muslim forces during the latter part of the battle. He defended the Prophet and stood steadfast until the end of the battle despite receiving around sixteen wounds.
• Battle of Khandaq (the Battle of the Trench): Ali played a prominent role in this battle. He faced and killed Amr ibn Abd Wud, one of the renowned knights, during this encounter.
• Battle of Banu Nadir: In this expedition, Ali was able to kill Azwak, one of the Jewish leaders.
• Battle of Banu Qurayza: Ali carried the standard of the Muslims in this battle and was at the forefront of the army.
• Siege of Khaybar: Ali carried the standard on the day of the Battle of Khaybar, and by the grace of Allah, the fortresses of Khaybar were opened at his hands.
• Battle of Hunayn: Ali remained steadfast alongside the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during this battle until its conclusion.
• Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) showed great faith and commitment when he refused to erase the words "Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah" from the treaty despite the objections of the polytheists.

Ali's participation in these battles and his unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam earned him a distinguished place in the history of Islam and the Prophet's campaigns.

The Caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib

The caliphate of Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was a righteous caliphate, following the example of his predecessors. His approach to leadership during his caliphate can be summarized as follows:

• Ali was appointed as the caliph in the early part of the thirty-fifth year of the Hijra. Muslims, both Muhajireen (emigrants) and Ansar (helpers), unanimously chose him as the successor to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) due to his outstanding qualities and high status. His caliphate was characterized by justice and honor, and his appointment as the caliph was a collective decision that aimed to unify and strengthen the Muslim community.
• During his caliphate, the capital of the Islamic Caliphate shifted due to changing circumstances. Kufa became the new capital, while Medina remained under the administration of Sahl ibn Hunayf al-Ansari.
• The expansion of Islamic conquests did not significantly continue during Ali's caliphate. However, Islam spread rapidly in Azerbaijan under the leadership of Ash'ath, the governor appointed by Ali.
• Ali maintained the application of Islamic Sharia laws and upheld them as he had previously. However, the focus of the people shifted from external conquests to domestic affairs during his caliphate, as they began to address internal governance and administration issues.
• Ali followed the administrative policies of Umar ibn al-Khattab, particularly in terms of being strict about the distribution of stipends to governors and administrators due to limited conquests. He also imposed restrictions on the travel of Quraysh leaders beyond the Arabian Peninsula after people had dispersed into different regions.

Ali's caliphate was marked by his commitment to justice, adherence to Islamic principles, and continuity of the legacy of the earlier caliphs. His leadership played a significant role in shaping the early history of the Islamic community.

The Status and Importance of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) held a significant and special status in the heart of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was raised in the household of the Prophet and was dear to his heart, holding a high and esteemed position in his sight. The Prophet even married Ali to his beloved daughter, Lady Fatimah al-Zahra, and he forbade his followers from speaking ill of Ali. The Prophet encouraged Muslims to love him and instructed them to support him.

Virtues of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) possessed numerous virtues and merits, including:

• He was one of the ten companions given the glad tidings of Paradise by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• His elevated status was designated by the Prophet Muhammad, who, during the Battle of Tabuk, said to him, "Do you not want to be to me like Aaron to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me?"
• The brotherhood established between the migrants (Muhajirun) and the residents of Medina (Ansar) was affirmed when the Prophet Muhammad made Ali his brother in faith.
• The famous declaration by the Prophet, known as the event of Ghadir Khumm, in which he said, "Whomever I am his Mawla (master), then Ali is his Mawla".
• Ali's pivotal role in the conquest of the fortress of Khaybar, where the Prophet entrusted him with leading the Muslim army and foretold his victory.
• The heart of Ali was struck by the Prophet during his mission as a judge in Yemen, a sign of the Prophet's supplication for his guidance.
• Ali was among the purified family of the Prophet, who were cleansed of impurities and chosen by Allah.
• Ali was involved in compiling the Quran along with other companions during the time of the Prophet Muhammad.

These virtues highlight the exceptional status of Ali ibn Abi Talib in the eyes of the Prophet and within the Islamic community.

Characteristics of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Physical Characteristics: Ali ibn Abi Talib was described as having a handsome face, akin to the moon on a full moon night. He had a cheerful countenance, large eyes, a dense beard, a bald head, a robust abdomen, and strong legs. He was of medium height among men, neither too short nor too tall.

Moral Characteristics

• Bravery: Ali was exceptionally brave and courageous. His valor and willingness to sacrifice in the battlefield were widely acknowledged.
• Knowledge: He possessed extensive knowledge, deep understanding of the Quran and Sunnah (Prophet's traditions), and eloquence in speech due to divine endowment.
• Wisdom: Ali was known for his wisdom and just judgment. The Prophet Muhammad appointed him as a judge due to his wisdom.
• Oratory Skills: He was a skilled orator, and his speeches were filled with eloquence and charm.
• Virtuous Qualities: Ali was known for his virtuous qualities, such as piety, God-consciousness, modesty, humility, and chastity.

These qualities made Ali ibn Abi Talib a remarkable figure in Islamic history, both in terms of his physical appearance and his moral and intellectual attributes.

The Martyrdom of Ali ibn Abi Talib and His Burial Place

Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, had knowledge of his impending martyrdom. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had informed him of his martyrdom, saying, "Shall I not tell you about the most wretched of people? They are two: the one who killed Thamud's camel, and the one who strikes you, O Ali, right here," pointing to his beard. Ali was martyred at the hands of Ibn Muljam. He was sitting, waking people for prayer, and announcing, "Prayer, prayer!" when Ibn Muljam struck him with a sword beside his head, and his noble blood flowed onto his beard.

Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, was martyred on a Friday night, seventeen nights into Ramadan, in the year forty of the Hijrah. He was either sixty-three or fifty-eight years old at the time. There is some disagreement among scholars regarding the location of his burial. Some, like Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Saad, and Ibn Khallikan, believe he was buried in Kufa, specifically at the Palace of the Emirate. Abdullah al-Ajli claimed that he was buried in Kufa but that the exact location is unknown. Abu Nu'aim believed that he was initially buried in Kufa and later transferred to Medina by his son, Imam Hasan, may Allah be pleased with them. Ibrahim al-Harbi suggested that the precise location of Ali's grave is unknown.