Imam Ali b. Abi Talib (a)
| 1st Imam of the Shi'a | |
|---|---|
-2.jpg) | |
| Teknonym | Abu l-Hasan • Abu Turab • Abu l-Sibtayn • Abu l-Rayhanatayn • Abu l-A'imma |
| Born | Rajab 13, 23 BH/September 28, 600 |
| Birthplace | Ka'ba, Mecca |
| Imamate | From Safar 28, 11/May 25, 632(for 29 years) |
| Reign | 656 – 661 |
| Martyrdom | Ramadan 21, 40/January 28, 661 in Mosque of Kufa |
| Cause of Martyrdom | While performing morning prayer, he was struck with a sword by Abd al-Rahman b. Muljam al-Muradi and martyred from its injury two days later. |
| The Twelve Imams | |
| Father | Abu Talib b. Abd al-Muttalib |
| Mother | Fatima bt. Asad |
| Spouse(s) | Fatima • Umama • Umm al-Banin • Asma' • Khawla |
| Son(s) | Al-Hasan • al-Husayn • Muhsin • 'Abbas • 'Abd Allah • Ja'far • Uthman • Ubayd Allah • Abu Bakr • Muhammad • 'Umar,... |
| 'Ali, al-Hasan, al-Husayn, al-Sajjad, al-Baqir, al-Sadiq, al-Kazim, al-Rida, al-Jawad, al-Hadi, al-'Askari, al-Mahdi | |
ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (Arabic: علي بن أبي طالب) known as Imam ʿAlī (a) (b. 23 BH/600 - d. 40/661) is the first Imam of all the branches of the Shi'a, a companion, a narrator, and a scribe of the Qur'an. He is the fourth caliph of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in Sunni Islam. Ali (a) is the cousin, and son-in-law of the Prophet (s), the husband of Lady Fatima (a), the father of Imam al-Hasan (a) and Imam al-Husayn (a). The rest of the Imams of the Shi'a are his descendants. According to Shi'i historians and many Sunni scholars, he was born inside the Ka'ba. He was also the first Muslim.
Based on evidence from the Qur'an, hadith, and history, the Shi'a believe that 'Ali (a) was the direct designated successor of the Prophet (s). Some verses of the Qur'an point to his infallibility. According to Shiite and some Sunni sources, roughly three-hundred verses of the Qur'an were revealed with regards to his virtues. When the Quraysh plotted to assassinate the Prophet (s), it was 'Ali (a) who slept where the Prophet (s) used to sleep, and thus helped the Prophet (s) to secretly leave for Medina. In the pact of brotherhood in Medina, the Prophet (s) chose 'Ali (a) as his brother. Except for the Battle of Tabuk when he stayed in Medina as the deputy of the Prophet (s), 'Ali (a) was with the Prophet (s) in all the battles. He was the most proud commander of Islam.
After the Prophet's (s) demise, a group of people pledged allegiance with Abu Bakr in Saqifa as the caliph contrary to what the Prophet had explicitly stipulated in Ghadir. Twenty-five years later after the caliphate of Abu Bakr, 'Umar b. al-Khattab and 'Uthman, 'Ali (a) accepted the caliphate at the overwhelming insistence of the Muslims. During his short rule, he was faced with three rebellions and was ultimately assassinated by one of the Kharijites while praying in the Mihrab (the prayer niche) of the Kufa Mosque, and was then secretly buried in Najaf.
Ali (a) is considered as the father of many Islamic sciences including Arabic literature, Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and exegesis. Scholars of different sciences have tried to trace back the chain of their hadiths to him. Nahj al-balagha is a selection of his speeches and letters.
His Status
Ali b. Abi Talib (a) has always had a high status in the eyes of the Shia. He was the most pious and the most knowledgeable companion of the Prophet (s) and his rightful successor. Because of his virtues, a number of the Companions loved and were attached to Ali (a) at the Prophet's (s) time and were called "Shi'at Ali" (the partisans of Ali) since then.[1] However, the word "Shi'a" came to indicate those who consider Ali (a) the rightful successor of the Prophet (s),[2] in contrast to "Sunnis" who maintain that the rightful successor of the Prophet (s) was chosen by the people.[3]
In the Shiite view, the coming to power of Imam Ali (a) as the caliph on Dhu l-Hijja 19, 35/June 18, 656, was the late execution of the Prophet's (s) multiple instructions in different occasions, especially in Ghadir Khumm, that Ali (a) should succeed him and lead the Muslim community after him. The Shia maintain that the Prophet (s) appointed Ali (a) as his successor by the statement "For whomever I am the master, Ali will be his master." This is what the audience understood at the time and thus congratulated Ali (a) for this appointment, calling him Amir al-Mu'minin (the Commander of the Faithful).[4]
Lineage, Titles and Physical Attributes
Lineage
His lineage is Ali b. Abi Talib b. 'Abd al-Muttalib b. Hashim b. Qusayy b. Kilab.[5] He was from Banu Hashim branch of Quraysh. Ali's (a) father, Abu Talib, was a generous and just man who was respected by various Arab tribes. He was the uncle and guardian of the Prophet (s) and was amongst the most noble personalities of the Quraysh.[6] Ali's (a) mother was Fatima bt. Asad.[7] His brothers were Talib, 'Aqil, and Ja'far and his sisters were Hind (or Umm Hani), Jumana, Rayta (or Umm Talib) and Asma'.[8] According to the historians, the marriage of Abu Talib and Fatima b. Asad was the first marriage between two individuals who were both from the Banu Hashim clan.[9] Thus, Ali (a) was the first person who was a Hashimite from both his father's and his mother's sides.[10]
Teknonyms and Titles
His teknonyms were Abu l-Hasan,[11] Abu l-Husayn, Abu l-Sibtayn, Abu l-Rayhanatayn, Abu Turab, and Abu l-A'imma.[12]
In different sources, variety of titles and attributes are mentioned for him, such as: Amir al-Mu'minin (the Commander of the Faithful), Ya'sub al-Din wa l-Muslimin, Haydar, al-Murtada, Qasim al-Nar wa l-Janna, Sahib al-Liwa', al-Siddiq al-Akbar, al-Faruq, Mubir al-Shirk wa l-Mushrikin, Qatil al-Nakithin wa al-Qasitin wa al-Mariqin, Mawla al-Mu'minin, Shabih Harun, Nafs al-Rasul, Akh al-Rasul, Zawj al-Batul, Sayf Allah al-Maslul, Amir al-Barara, Qatil al-Fajara, Dhu l-Qarnayn, al-Hadi, Sayyid al-'Arab, Kashshaf al-Kurab, al-Da'i, al-Shahid, Bab al-Madina, al-Wali, al-Wasi, Qadi Din Rasul Allah, Munjiz Wa'dih, al-Naba' al-'Azim, al-Siraṭ al-Mustaqim, and al-Anza' al-Batin.[13]
Amir al-Mu'minin
"Amir al-Mu'minin" (the Commander of the Faithful) is a title which is, according to Shiite belief, exclusively reserved for Imam Ali (a). Based on narrations, Shiites believe that this title was used for Imam Ali (a) in the time of the Prophet (s) and is exclusive to him. They believe that this title is not only inappropriate to use for other caliphs, it should also not be used for other Imams (a).[14]
External Characteristics
It is reported in different sources that he was a little smaller than average height, and had wide black eyes, long and joined together eyebrows, a beautiful light brown face and full beard. His shoulders were wide.[15] Regrading Ali's (a) physical strength, it is reported that all those who fought him were defeated by him.[16] Ibn Abi l-Hadid says, "'Ali's (a) physical prowess was well-known. He was the one who lifted the gate of Khaybar, even when a whole group of the troops could not take it back to its place. He was the one who threw down the idol of Hubal (which was a large idol), from the top of the Ka'ba to the ground. He was also the one who lifted up a huge rock with his hands, while a spring gushed forth beneath it."[17]
Life
From Birth to Hijra
Imam 'Ali (a) was born inside the Ka'ba in Mecca on Friday, Rajab 13, in the thirtieth year after the year of the elephant (23 BH/September 28, 600 CE).[18] His birth inside the Ka'ba is widely accepted (Mutawatir) by many Shi'a scholars (including al-Shaykh al-Saduq, al-Sayyid al-Radi, al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Qutb al-Rawandi, and Ibn Shahrashub) and many Sunni scholars (including al-Hakim al-Nishaburi, al-Hafiz al-Ganji al-Shafi'i, Ibn al-Jawzi al-Hanafi, Ibn Sabbagh al-Maliki, al-Halabi, and al-Mas'udi.)[19]
When Ali (a) was 6 years old (17 BH/606-7 CE), there was a famine in Mecca. Abu Talib had a large family and supporting them was difficult, especially during the famine. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad (s) and his uncle, al-'Abbas, decided to help Abu Talib and his family by taking care of his children. Therefore, al-'Abbas took Ja'far, and Prophet Muhammad (s) took 'Ali (a).[20] Ali (a) would speak of those days fondly:
- "When I was a young child, the Prophet (s) took care of me. He would bring me to his chest and I would sleep in his bed, so close to him that I could even smell his scent. He would chew food for me and then feed me with it. He found no lies in my speech, nor any shortcomings in my actions."[21]
When the Prophet's mission began in 13 BH/610, Ali (a) was the first man and Khadija (a) was the first woman to have accepted the Prophet's call and believed in him.[22] Ali (a), who was ten years old at the time, would pray with the Prophet (s) on the mountains around Mecca.[23] When the Prophet (s) announced his mission publicly, in the event of Warning the Close Kin, Ali (a) supported him and, in response, the Prophet (s) called Ali his brother, wasi (executer of his will), and successor.[24]
In the very beginning of 7 BH/615, the Muslims were besieged in the valley of Abu Talib by the polytheists and were prohibited from trade and placed under curfew.[25] In this period and in several occasions, Abu Talib ordered Ali (a) to sleep where the Prophet (a) used to sleep in order to preserve the Prophet's life.[26] Shortly after the siege ended, Ali (a) lost his father in 4 BH/619.[27] With the demise of Abu Talib, the situation became more difficult for the Muslims, and the Prophet (s) decided to emigrate to Medina. The Prophet (s) was informed of the conspiracy of the polytheists to murder him on the night he had planned to embark on his emigration, so Ali (a), 23 years old at the time, slept where the Prophet (s) used to sleep so that the Prophet (s) could secretly leave his house, which was under surveillance by the polytheists.[28] A few days later, and after paying the Prophet's (s) debts, Ali (a) emigrated to Medina together with a group of people among whom were his mother Fatima bt. Asad and Lady Fatima (a) the Prophet's daughter. [29]
After Hijra
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| Mecca | |
|---|---|
| 599 | Birth |
| 605 | The beginning of the presence in the house of the Prophet (s) |
| 610 | The first person who believes in Islam |
| 613 | Supporting the Prophet (s) in the event of Yawm al-Dar |
| 616 | Presence in the siege of Shi'b Abi Talib |
| 619 | Demise of Abu Talib (Father) |
| 622 | Laylat al-Mabit: Ali (a) risked his life by sleeping in the Prophet's (s) bed |
| Medina | |
| 622 | Emigration to Medina |
| 624/2 | Participating in the Battle of Badr |
| 624/2 | Marriage with Lady Fatima (s) |
| 625/3 | Participating in the Battle of Uhud |
| 626/4 | Demise of Fatima bt. Asad (Mother) |
| 627/5 | Participating in the Battle of Khandaq and killing 'Amr b. 'Abd Wadd |
| 628/6 | Writing the content of Hudaybiyya peace treaty by order of the Prophet (s) |
| 629/7 | Victorious of Khaybar castle in the Battle of Khaybar |
| 630/8 | Participating in Conquest of Mecca and breaking idols by the order of the Prophet (s) |
| 630/9 | Successor of the Prophet (s) in Medina in the Battle of Tabuk |
| 631/9 | Delivering the Bara'a Verses to the polytheists |
| 631/9 | Presence in the event of Mubahala |
| 632/10 | Participating in Hajjat al-Wida' |
| 632/10 | Event of Ghadir |
| 632/11 | Demise of the Prophet (s) and his burial by Imam 'Ali (a) |
| Three caliphs period | |
| 632/11 | Incident of Saqifa and beginning of Caliphate of Abu Bakr |
| 632/11 | Attacking the house of Imam 'Ali (a) to take allegiance from him |
| 632/11 | Martyrdom of Lady Fatima (a) (wife) |
| 634/13 | Beginning of Caliphate of 'Umar b. al-Khattab |
| 644/23 | Participating in Six-Member Council to appoint the caliph |
| 644/23 | Beginning of Caliphate of Uthman b. Affan |
| 655/35 | Sending al-Hasanayn (a) to protect 'Usman |
| Caliphate | |
| 655/35 | Beginning of his Caliphate |
| 656/36 | The Battle of Jamal |
| 657/37 | The Battle of Siffin |
| 658/38 | The Battle of Nahrawan |
| 661/40 | Martyrdom (about 62 years old) |
When the Prophet (s) reached Quba region on his way to Medina, he waited fifteen days so that Ali (a) joins him.[30] In Medina and after he constructed his mosque, the Prophet (s) set up the formal pact of brotherhood between the Helpers and the Immigrants; however, he chose Ali (a) as his brother.[31] In 2/624, in the Battle of Badr between the Muslims and the polytheists of Mecca, a large number of the latter's troops, including some of the chiefs of Quraysh, were killed by Ali (a).[32] After the battle,[33] Ali (a) at the age of 25 married Fatima (a) the daughter of the Prophet (s),[34] despite the fact that there were several prominent figures who had proposed marriage to her.[35] The Prophet (s) himself solemnized their marriage.[36]
In 3/625, the polytheists of Mecca waged the battle of Uhud against the Muslims to compensate their defeat in the Battle of Badr.[37] In this Battle, Ali (a) was among the few ones who did not flee the battleground and protected the life of the Prophet (s).[38] It is reported that He was severely wounded sixteen times in that battle.[39] Al-Kulayni and al-Tabari mention that the well-known formula "There is no sword but Dhu l-Faqar and no man of courage but Ali" was said in this battle in praise of Ali (a).[40] In the same year, Ali's (a) first child, al-Hasan (a), was born. [41]
In 4/625-6, when Ali (a) was 27, his mother Fatima bt. Asad passed away.[42] Ali's (a) second child, al-Husayn (a), was born in this year.[43] In 5/627, the Battle of Khandaq took place,[44] which ended with the bravery of Ali (a) in killing 'Amr b. 'Abd Wadd.[45] The third child of Ali (a) and Fatima (a), Zaynab (a), was born in the same year.[46]
In 6/628 AH, the treaty of Hudaybiyya was signed between the Prophet (s) and the Quraysh, whose scribe was Ali (a).[47] In this year, Umm Kulthum, Ali's (a) fourth child was born.[48] In the Sha'ban of the same year, the Prophet (s) sent Ali (a) on a preemptive battle against some of the people of Fadak who had planned to support the Muslims' enemies. [49] In 7/628, the Battle of Khaybar took place.[50] Ali (a) was one of the flag-bearers of the Muslim army,[51] which was able to conquer Khaybar under his leadership.[52] In 8/630, Ali (a), 31 years old at the time, was among the flag-bearers of the Muslim army in the conquest of Mecca.[53] He helped the Prophet (s) destroy the idols in Ka'ba.[54]
In 9/630, the Battle of Tabuk took place, and the Prophet (s) left Ali (a) as his successor in Medina. This was the only battle in which Ali (a) was not present.[55] When certain rumors were disseminated by the Hypocrites as to the reason why Ali (a) was left in Medina, Ali (a) joined the Prophet (s), who had left Medina with the Muslim army, and informed him about the rumors. In response, the Prophet (s) told him, "Aren't you happy that you are to me like Aaron to Moses?"[56] This saying came to be known as the Hadith al-Manzila.[57] In the same year, Ali (a) was sent by the Prophet (s) on the mission to proclaim the first verses of Quran 9 to the polytheists.[58] Ali (a) accomplished the mission in the afternoon of Eid al-Adha.[59] On Dhu l-Hijja 24, 9/April 3,631,[60] the Prophet (s), together with Ali (a), Fatima (a), al-Hasan (a), and al-Husayn (a) engaged in mubahala with a Christian delegation from Najran.[61]
In 10/631-2, the Prophet (s) send Ali (a) on a mission to call the people of Yemen to Islam.[62] In the same year, the Prophet went on his last pilgrimage to Mecca,[63] and Ali joined him in Mecca from Yemen.[64] After the hajj, on his way back to Medina in an area called Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet (s) proclaimed Ali to be his successor and the executor of his will.[65] This event is known as the Event of Ghadir Khumm. Ali (a) was 33 years old at the time.
After the Prophet (s)
The Prophet (s) passed away on Safar 28, 11/May 25, 632,[66] and after his demise, the rightful successor of the Prophet (s) and the leader of the Muslim community, according to the Shia, was Ali (a). However, when Ali (a) was occupied with performing the burial rituals and ceremony for the Prophet (s), a group of the Companions gathered in Saqifa and elected Abu Bakr as the caliph and successor of the Prophet (s). Ali (a) initially refused to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr,[67] but he did so afterwards.[68] The Shiite scholars maintain that the allegiance was pledged under compulsion,[69] and some scholars, such as al-Shaykh al-Mufid, hold that the Imam (a) never pledged his allegiance to Abu Bakr.[70] The Shia also maintain that the companions of Abu Bakr invaded Ali's (a) house to force him to pledge allegiance,[71] during which incident Fatima (a) was hurt and had a miscarriage.[72] Abu Bakr also confiscated Fadak,[73] to which Ali (a) objected in defense of Fatima (a).[74] The invasion of the Imam's (a) house resulted in Fatima's (a) illness, and led to her martyrdom in 11/632.[75]
Abu Bakr passed away in 13/634.[76] Before his death, he appointed Umar b. al-Khattab as his successor.[77] In Muharram, 14/February-March, 635, Umar b. al-Khattab embarked on a military expedition against the Sasanids. He camped in an area called Sirar, but some prominent figures, including Imam Ali (a), advised him to remain in Medina, so he returned and sent Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas to the battle in his place.[78] Ibn Athir reports that Ali (a) was a judge during the caliphate of Umar b. al-Khattab, except in its first few years.[79]
In 16/637-8 (or 17/638-9),[80] upon Ali's (a) suggestion, Umar b. al-Khattab set the year of the emigration of the Prophet (s) to Medina as the beginning of the Islamic calendar.[81] In 17/638-9, Umar b. al-Khattab led a military expedition to conquer Jerusalem and announced Ali (a) as his successor in Medina.[82] In the same year,[83] after insistence and threatening, Umar married Umm Kulthum the daughter of Imam Ali (a).[84] It is reported that Umar announced Ali (a) as his successor in Medina in 18/639-40 as well, when he decided to travel to Syria.[85]
When Umar was assassinated in 23/644 and before his death,[86] he appointed a council of six members, including Imam Ali (a), to choose the next caliph.[87] Umar also granted Abd al-Rahman b. Awf a decisive vote in the council. Abd al-Rahman first asked Imam Ali (a) whether he was ready to accept the caliphate with the condition of acting according to the Qur'an and according to the conduct of the Prophet (s), Abu Bakr, and Umar. The Imam (a) refused to accept the condition of acting according to the conduct of the first two caliphs and said, "I hope I will act according to the book of God and the conduct of the Prophet to the extent of my knowledge, capacity, and ijtihad."[88] Abd al-Rahman then asked Uthman the same question; Uthman accepted the condition, and thus became the next caliph after Umar.[89]
Ibn Jawzi reports that Ali (a) continued to be a judge in 24/644-5.[90] In 25/645-6, Uthman commanded that the copies of the Qur'an be collected and unified, for which decision, according to al-Suyuti, he consulted Ali (a).[91] In 26/647, Ali's (a) fifth son, al-'Abbas (a), was born.[92]
In 35/656, public dissatisfaction with Uthman's conduct reached its peak, and a group of people besieged his house.[93] Prior to this incident, Imam Ali (a) had reportedly left Medina to Yanbu' per Uthman's request.[94] However, the Imam (a) asked al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) to protect the caliph.[95] Notwithstanding, the rebels murdered Uthman, and afterward, the people gathered around Imam Ali (a), urging him to accept the caliphate.[96]
His Caliphate
In Dhu l-Hijja, 35/June, 656 and after the assassination of Uthman, Ali (a) became the caliph and the leader of the Muslim ummah.[97] Except some of the close people to Uthman and some Companions (the Qa'idun "the sitting ones"), all the Companions in Medina pledged their allegiance to Imam Ali (a). Two days after the beginning of his caliphate, in his first sermon, Ali (a) urged that all the wealth and properties that had been unjustly taken must be returned, and emphasized justice with regard to the distribution of public properties and wealth.
In 36/656, Talha b. Ubayd Allah and Zubayr b. Awam broke their allegiance to Ali and headed to Mecca to join Aisha, who had called for revenge against the murderers of Uthman. With their supporters, Aisha, Talha, and Zubayr left Mecca for Basra to start the Battle of the Camel, the first civil war in the Muslim community. The battle broke out near Basra between Imam Ali (a) and the Nakithun (“Those Who Broke Their Allegiance”) and ended with the latter'a defeat. Talha and Zubayr were killed and A'isha was sent to Medina. The Imam (a) went to Basra and declared general amnesty. Then, in Rajab 36/January 657, he entered Kufa and made the city his capital.
In the same year, Imam Ali (a) called Mu'awiya to pledge his allegiance to him. When Mu'awiya rebelliously refused to recognize the Imam's caliphate, Imam Ali (a) decided to remove him from the governorship of Syria and embarked on a military expedition to Damascus against Mu'awiya in Shawwal 36/March-April 657. Thus, a battle that took place between the two parties in an area called Siffin (hence the name "the Battle of Siffin") towards the end of the year 36/657 and the beginning of 37/657. Some scholars maintain that unlike what al-Tabari and Ibn Athir have mentioned, the peak of the war was in 38/658-9, not in Safar 37/July-August 657. As the army of the Imam (a) was about to win the battle, Amr b. al-'As advised Mu'awiya to have his troops lift copies of the Qur'an on their lances and call the army of Ali (a) to the Quran's arbitration. Under the pressure of his army, the Imam (a) accepted the arbitration and was forced to introduce Abu Musa al-Ash'ari as the arbitrator from his side. However, shortly after the Imam's acceptance of the arbitration, a number of his troops objected to his decision and, referring to Qur'an 5:44 and 49:9, demanded that the war with Mu'awiya should continue. They considered the acceptance of arbitration an act of apostasy, from which they repented. While some of them were among the ones who had forced the Imam (a) to accept the arbitration, the objectors demanded that the Imam (a) also must repent and violate his agreements with Mu'awiya. The Imam (a) rejected their demands and announced that he would continue the war with the Syrian army if the two arbitrators did not arbitrate based on the Qur'an.
During the arbitration, Amr b. al-'As, the arbitrator from Mu'awiya's side, deceived Abu Musa into announcing that they had agreed on the removal of both Mu'awiya and Ali (a) from power. When Abu Musa announced so, Amr rose and announced that he also removed Ali (a) from power but made Mu'awiya the sole ruler of the Muslim community. The Imam's (a) companions objected to the arbitration, and some of them, who later formed the first Kharijites, considered the acceptance of the arbitration an act of apostasy, left the Imam's army, and gathered in Harura instead of returning to Kufa.
The objections of the Kharijites continued for six months. Imam Ali (a) sent 'Abd Allah b. al-'Abbas and Sa'sa'a b. Sawhan to talk to them and convince them to end their protest—a request which the Kharijites refused. Afterwards, the Imam (a) asked them to choose twelve people for a dialogue with twelve representatives of the Imam (a). He also wrote a letter to the leaders of the Kharijites and asked them to return to the community, but 'Abd Allah b. Wahb, one of the Kharijite leaders, reminded the Imam (a) that he had committed an act of apostasy and must repent. The Imam (a) also called the Kharijites several more times through prominent figures such as Qays b. Sa'd b. 'Ubada and Abu Ayyub al-Ansari to return and granted them amnesty if they did so. However, when none of the solutions worked, Imam Ali (a) decided to confront them with an army of fourteen thousand men. The two armies met in an area called Nahrawan. Imam Ali (a) emphasized that his troops should not begin the battle. So the Kharijites started the battle and were soon defeated; all of them were either killed or wounded, whereas only less than ten soldiers from the Imam's (a) army were killed in the battle. The wounded (about 400 men) from the Kharijites were given to their families. Only ten Kharijites could flee the battleground, one of whom was Abd al-Rahman b. Muljam al-Muradi, the assassinator of Imam Ali (a). Ibn Muljam attacked the Imam (a) on the eve of Ramadan 19, 40/January 26, 661 in the mosque of Kufa and wounded him with his poisoned sword. Two days later, on Ramadan 21/January 28, Imam Ali (a) was martyred at the age of 63[98] and was secretly buried.
Spouses and Children
The first wife of 'Ali (a) was Fatima (a), the daughter of the Prophet (s).[99] Before 'Ali (a), a few others like Abu Bakr, 'Umar b. al-Khattab and 'Abd al-Rahman b. 'Awf, had voiced their readiness to marry her. However, the Prophet (s) had told them that he was waiting for the divine revelation with regards to her marriage and gave them a negative answer.[100]
Historians disagree on the date of the marriage of 'Ali (a) and Fatima (a). Some have mentioned that it was on Dhu l-Hijja 1, 2/May 25, 624.[101] Others have mentioned that it was in Shawwal or on Muharram 21.[102] Together, they had five children named al-Hasan, al-Husayn, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum[103] and also [al-Muhsin b. 'Ali (a)|al-Muhsin]], who was aborted before his birth.[104]
Other wives
Imam Ali (a) did not marry another woman during the life of Fatima (a). After her martyrdom, 'Ali (a) married other women, namely:
- Umama, the daughter of Abu l-'As b. Rabi'. Umama's mother, Zaynab, was the daughter of the Prophet (s).
- Umm al-Banin, the daughter of Hazam b. Darim. Together, they had four children: 'Abbas, 'Uthman, Ja'far and 'Abd Allah who all were martyred in the event of Karbala.
- Layla, the daughter of Mas'ud b. Khalid al-Nahshali.
- Asma' bt. 'Umays, with whom he had two children: Yahya and 'Awn.
- Umm Habib, the daughter of Rabi'a al-Taghlabi named al-Sahba'.
- Khawla, the daughter of Ja'far b. Qays b. Maslama al-Hanafi (or according to another account, she was the daughter of Ayas). Together, they had Muhammad b. al-Hanafiyya.
- Umm Sa'id, the daughter of 'Urwat b. Mas'ud al-Thaqafi
- Muhayyat, the daughter of Imru' al-Qays b. 'Adi al-Kalbi.[105]
Children
Al-Shaykh al-Mufid has narrated that Ali (a) had 27 children. He also mentions that some Shi'a scholars have mentioned an additional child to the children of Fatima (a) whom the Prophet (s) had named al-Muhsin (mentioned above), Including him, 'Ali (a) had 28 children[106]:
- Al-Hasan
- Al-Husayn
- Zaynab al-Kubra
- Zaynab al-Sughra (Umm Kulthum)
- Al-Muhsin (These were the five children of Fatima (a))
- Muhammad whose mother was Khawla bt. Qays b. al-Hanafiyya
- 'Umar
- Ruqayya ('Umar and Ruqayya were twins and their mother was Umm Habib bt. al-Rabi'a)
- Al-'Abbas
- Ja'far
- 'Uthman
- 'Abd Allah (These four were the children of Umm al-Banin, all martyred in the event of Karbala)
- Muhammad al-Asghar (whose epithet was Abu Bakr)
- 'Ubayd Allah (These two were the children of Layla bt. Mas'ud, and martyred in the event of Karbala)
- Yahya (whose mother was Asma' bt. 'Umays)
- Umm al-Hasan
- Ramla (The mother of these two was Umm Sa'id bt. 'Urwa)
- Nafisa
- Zaynab al-Sughra
- Ruqayya al-Sughra
- Umm Hani
- Umm al-Kiram
- Jumana (whose epithet was Umm Ja'far)
- Amama
- Umm Salama
- Maymuna
- Khadija
- Fatima (Al-Shaykh al-Mufid has not mentioned the mothers of last eleven children, and has said that their mothers are different)
Participation in Battles
| Early Islam |
|---|
 |
Ali (a) had an influential role in the Ghazwas (battles in which the Prophet himself was also present), save for the Battle of Tabuk.[107]in which he remained in Medina as the deputy of the Prophet (s). He was the main Standard-bearer of the Islamic army in many Ghazwas.[108] He remained with the Prophet (s) in the battles that other Muslims escaped, and continued to fight.[109]
Battle of Badr
The Battle of Badr was the first battle between the Muslims and the idolaters of Mecca. It took place on Friday, the Ramadan 17, 2/March 13, 624 along the wells of Badr.[110] In this battle, the Muslims killed seventy of the idolaters, including a few influential chiefs like Abu Jahl[111] and Utba b. Rabi'a.[112]
It was an Arab custom to precede the general battle with a few one-on-one combats. So, Utba b. al-Rabi'a, his son, Walid, and his brother, Shayba came forward and wanted the Prophet (s) to send a few worthy opponents to the battlefield to fight with them. The Prophet (s) sent Ali (a), Hamza and Ubayda b. Harith. Ali (a) struck Walid quickly, as did Hamza to Utba, killing them quickly. They then went on to help 'Ubayda against Shayba, killing him too.[113]
In this battle, Ali (a) killed many combatants, including prominent figures of the Meccan army such as Walid b. Utba, Nawfal b. Khuwaylid (whom the Prophet (s) had cursed),[114] Hanzala b. Abi Sufyan, ʿAs b. Saʿid.[115]
Battle of Uhud
In this battle, after the victory of the polytheists, many Muslims fled the battleground and left the Prophet (s) alone. Ali (a) was one of the few ones who did not leave the Prophet (s) and defended him.[116] The Imam (a) is reported to have said, "The Immigrants and Helpers were fleeing to their houses, but, despite having seventy wounds, I [stayed and] defended the Messenger of God."[117]
Paying tribute to the dedication that Ali (a) showed, the archangel Gabriel, in praise of Ali's self-sacrifice, said to the Prophet (s): "This is the ultimate devotion that 'Ali has shown." The Prophet (s) agreed with Gabriel and said, "I am from 'Ali and he is from me." A voice then echoed in the sky, saying, "La fata illa 'Ali, la sayf illa Dhu l-faqar" which means "There is no youth like 'Ali (a), and there is no sword like Dhu l-Faqar (the sword of 'Ali (a))"[118]
Battle of Khandaq
In the Battle of Khandaq (trench), as suggested by Salman al-Farsi, the Muslims dug a trench around Medina in order to keep the enemy away from the city.[119]
For several days, the two armies confronted each other on opposite sides of the trench. They would sometimes fight, throwing stones and arrows. Finally, 'Amr b. 'Abd Wad (from the army of the polytheists), along with a few others, jumped over the trench at its narrowest part and managed to reach the other side. 'Ali (a) asked the Prophet (s) to give him permission to fight 'Amr, and the Prophet (s) accepted. After fighting with 'Amr, 'Ali (a) knocked him down and killed him.[120]
After the battle the Prophet (s) said, "The hit of Ali (a) [to 'Amr] during this battle, is more valuable than the worship of all jinns and human beings."[121]
Battle of Khaybar
The Battle of Khaybar occurred in the beginning of 7 AH/628, when the Prophet (s) issued a command to attack the Jewish fortresses due to their threats.[122] After a few men, like Abu Bakr and Umar, could not conquer the forts, the Prophet (s) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man who loves God and His prophet, and God and His prophet also love him."[123] The next morning, the Prophet (s) called Ali (a) and gave the flag to him. Al-Shaykh al-Mufid reports that in the Battle of Khaybar Imam Ali (a) proceeded towards the fort's door, tore it off, and used it as his shield until the end of the battle. [124]
Conquest of Mecca
In the beginning of Ramadan in 8/630, the Prophet (s) traveled to Mecca from Medina with the intention of conquering Mecca. After Sa'd b. 'Ubada, one of the standard bearers, chanted slogans about revenge; the Prophet (s) sent Ali (a) to take the flag from Sa'd and chant a slogan about mercy.[125] After the Conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (a) entered Ka'ba and broke the idols in it, then 'Ali (a) climbed onto the shoulders of the Prophet (s) and threw down the idol of Khuza'a tribe.[126]
Battle of Hunayn
This battle took place in Shawwal, 8/January, 630, and Ali (a) was a flagbearer in it.[127] During the battle, the polytheists conducted a sudden raid, and most of the Muslims fled to save their lives. Only Ali (a) and a few others remained and defended the Prophet (s).[128]
Battle of Tabuk
The battle of Tabuk was the only battle led by the Prophet (s) in which Ali (a) did not participate. He stayed in Medina at the Prophet's command in order to protect the city in the Prophet's (a) absence against the plots of the hypocrites.
Soon after the Prophet (s) left for war, the hypocrites began to spread rumors about the Prophet (s) being not pleased with Ali that he didn't want him to go. In order to put a quick end to the vicious rumors, Ali (a) immediately rushed towards the Prophet (s) who was outside of the city and informed him of the matter. It was here that Hadith al-Manzila ('the hadith of position') was narrated by the Prophet (s). He stated, "My brother, Ali! Return to Medina, since nobody except me or you, has the competence to handle these affairs. Thus, you are my vicegerent and successor amongst my Ahl al-Bayt and my people. Are not you pleased [to know] that you are in the same position (Manzilah) to me as that of Aaron to Moses, except that after me there will be no other prophet?"[129]
Saraya
Saraya (plural of sariyya) are the battles which took place during the time of the Prophet (s) but in which the Prophet (s) himself was not present. Ali (a) led the following saraya:
- The Sariyya of Ali (a) to Fadak to confront Banu Sa'd in Sha'ban, 6/December, 627[130]
- The Sariyya of Ali (a) to destroy an idol's temple called Fals belonging to the tribe of Banu Tayy in Rabi' II, 9/July, 630.[131]
- The Sariyya of Ali (a) to Yemen in Ramadan, 10/December, 631.[132]
Mission to Yemen
After the conquest of Mecca and the victory in the Battle of Hunayn in 8/630, Prophet Muhammad (a) decided to expand his mission. He sent Mu'adh b. Jabal to Yemen, but Mu'adh was not completely successful. Then, the Prophet (s) sent Khalid b. Walid, who did not succeed either and thus returned to Medina after six months. Afterwards, the Prophet (s) sent Ali (a) to Yemen with a letter which he wrote for the Yemenites. Ali (a) read the Prophet's (s) letter for the people and called them to Islam. As a result of Ali's (a) efforts, the tribe of Hamdan embraced Islam. Ali (a) informed the Prophet (s) of Hamdan's conversion; the news made the Prophet (s) happy, and he prayed for the Hamdanids.[133] In some sources, a conflict is reported between Ali (a) and the tribe of Madhhij. According to these reports, Ali (a) went to their land and called them to Islam. They rejected him, and a battle broke out, in which Madhhij was defeated. Ali (a) collected the spoils of the battle and delivered them together with the zakat of the people of Najran to the Prophet (s) during the Farewell Pilgrimage.[134] The Prophet (s) also appointed Ali (a) as a judge in Yemen and prayed for him to have sound judgments. Instances of these judgments are reported in historical sources.[135]
Event of Ghadir
In 10/632, the Prophet (s) decided, for the first time after migration, to perform hajj al-tamattu'.[136] He informed the Muslims of his decision, and many of them decided to accompany him on the pilgrimage.[137] The Prophet (s) also wrote a letter to Ali (a), who was on an expedition to Yemen,[138] and called him to hajj.[139]
When the hajj ended, on the way back to Medina, in an area called Ghadir Khumm, where people would part and go to their respective towns, God commanded the Prophet (s) to stop and proclaim to the people the message that He had given him.[140]
The Prophet (s) performed the noon prayer and then delivered a sermon. In his sermon, he asked the Muslims, "Do you not know that I am closer to the believers than their own soul?"[141] The people said, "Yes indeed, we know." Then the Prophet (s) raised the hand of Ali (a) and stated, "For whomever I am the master, Ali will be his master. O God! Support whomever supports him, and be the enemy of whomever shows enmity to him."[142][143] It is reported that some of the Companions asked the Prophet, "Is this the command of God and His Prophet (s)?" and the Prophet answered, "Yes, this is the command of God and His messenger."[144] When Prophet Muhammad (s) finished his sermon, a number of Companions, such as Umar b. al-Khattab, congratulated Ali (a).[145]
According to Shiite and some Sunni commentators, the verse "Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion" (Qur'an 5:3) was revealed on this day.[146]
After the demise of the Prophet (s), Imam Ali (a) reminded the people of this event on several occasions and of the sayings of the Prophet (s) in Ghadir Khumm to emphasize his right to caliphate.[147] Considering the context and the details of this event and other evidence (including the subsequent conversations and poems related to the event), the Shia believe that the message that the Prophet (s) delivered on the day of Ghadir was clearly the appointment of Imam Ali (a) as his successor by God's command.[148]
The Event of Saqifa
After the demise of the Prophet (s), while Ali (a) and Banu Hashim were busy with the burial rituals and ceremony,[149] the Helpers (Ansar) gathered in the Saqifa Bani Sa'ida to choose a successor for the Prophet (s) from themselves. They were afraid that the Quraysh might seek to revenge for their casualties and knew that the Prophet's (s) command regarding his successor would not be accepted.[150] When Abu Bakr and Umar were informed of this gathering, they headed toward Saqifa together with Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah, Abd al-Rahman b. Awf, and Uthman b. Affan. After heated debates, those who had gathered at the Saqifa chose Abu Bakr as the caliph and successor of the Prophet (s), with no regard for the Prophet's commands regarding the succession.[151]
The Background of the Disfavor for Imam Ali (a)
The lifetime of Imam Ali (a) was replete with extremely sensitive and influential events, especially during his caliphate which witnessed vast conflicts in the Muslim community. According to Abd al-Rahim Qanawat, the origin of many conflicts in the time of the Prophet (s) and Imam Ali (a) was tribal rivalries among the members of the Quraysh and the descendants of Abd Manaf.[152] Considering the disagreement between the children of Abd Manaf over who should hold the high social positions in Mecca,[153] Qanawat mentions the declining status of Banu Hashim against Banu Umayya after Abd al-Mutallib[154] and states that the opposition of Mu'awiyah to Imam Ali's (a) marked the peak of the enmity of the Umayyads towards Banu Hashim. The Umayyads even questioned Abu Talib's faith and accused him of polytheism.[155]
Moreover, during the Battle of Badr Imam Ali (a) inflicted substantial casualties on the Meccan army: 22 men according to al-Waqidi, 35 according to Ibn Abi l-Hadid, and 36 according to al-Mufid,[156] thirteen of whom are said to have been prominent figures of the Quraysh, such as Abu Jahl. This great loss significantly tarnished the reputation of the Qurayshite polytheists[157] and made them hold grudges against the Imam (a), which persisted even after they converted to Islam, leading them to encourage the people to break their allegiance to Ali (a) and oppose him.[158]
In addition, the envy of some fellow-Muslims towards him because of his braveries and other merits and because of the Prophet's (s) love for him also contributed to the intensification of disfavor for the Imam (a).[159]
The Prophet (s):
"Verily, my successor and my inheritor, who pays my debts and fulfills my promises is Ali son of Abu Talib."
Imam Ali's (a) Standpoint
On the day of Saqifa, Ali (a) did not pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr, and there is disagreement among the scholars as to whether and when the Imam (a) pledged allegiance.[160] It is reported that Imam Ali (a) had a calm but lengthy and straightforward debate with Abu Bakr, in which he denounced the latter for his misdeed in the Event of the Saqifa and for neglecting the right of the family of the Prophet (s). According to this report, the sayings of the Imam (a) affected Abu Bakr such that he was about to pay his allegiance to Ali (a), but he changed his mind when he consulted with some of his companions.[161] On different occasions, Ali (a) objected to the decision at the Saqifa and reminded the people of his right to caliphate. Al-Shiqshiqiyya Sermon is one of the most well-known sermons in which the Imam (a) refers to that event.[162]
Moreover, it is reported that after the Event of Saqifa, Ali (a) and his wife Fatima (a) would go to the houses and gatherings of the Helpers, reminding them of Ali's (a) right to caliphate. In response, the Helpers would say, "O Daughter of the Prophet! We have pledged our allegiance to Abu Bakr. Had Ali asked us for allegiance, we would not have rejected him." And the Imam (a) would respond, "Did you expect me to compete for caliphate before burying the Prophet?!"[163]
Another important occasion on which Imam Ali (a) emphasized his right to succeed the Prophet (s) was when the Imam (a) asked the Companions in a gathering to testify and relate what they had heard from the Prophet (s) regarding succession. According to Allama Amini, many Shiite and Sunni sources report that this event took place in Ruhba in 35/656—that is, in the beginning of the Imam's (a) caliphate.[164] Shiite sources report another such request from the Imam (a) in the six-member council that was appointed by Umar to choose his successor. The Imam (a) reportedly mentioned a list of events in which his right to succession was proclaimed by the Prophet (s) and then asked the members of the council whether they remembered the Prophet's (s) sayings in those events, and the members answered in the positive.[165]
During the Rule of the First Three Caliphs
Under the governance of first three caliphs, which lasted 25 years, Imam 'Ali (a) did not alienate himself from the affairs of the Muslim community. In fact, he contributed to many scholarly endeavors and social services. This included activities like the compilation of the Qur'an (Mushaf of Imam 'Ali), and advising the three caliphs with regards to religious issues, conquests, and governance. He continued to give extensive charity to the poor and the orphans, and bought and freed a thousand slaves. He would farm and plant trees, dig canals, build mosques (like the Fath mosque in Medina, a mosque near the grave of Hamza, in Miqat, in Kufa, and in Basra). He would also dedicate (waqf) real estates and places for religious causes, whose annual income was 40,000 dinars.[166] Some of the most important historical events of the period is as follows.
During the Caliphate of Abu Bakr
With the beginning of the caliphate of Abu Bakr some tragic events occurred to the Ahl al-Bayt (a), such as: invasion to the house of hiAli (a) in order to secure his allegiance for Abu Bakr,[167] the illegal confiscation and usurpation of Fadak,[168] and the martyrdom of the Lady Fatima (a).
Forced Allegiance
When Imam 'Ali (a) and a few companions refused to swear allegiance to Abu Bakr, this proved to be a serious problem for Abu Bakr and 'Umar. The two decided to address this problem by forcing Imam 'Ali (a) into pledging allegiance with Abu Bakr.[169]
After refusing to pledge allegiance several times, Qunfudh was sent by Abu Bakr to Imam 'Ali's house in order to secure allegiance for Abu Bakr. Imam 'Ali (a) refused again. 'Umar then advised Abu Bakr: "You yourself should get up and go to Imam 'Ali." Thus, Abu Bakr, Umar, 'Uthman, Khalid b. al-Walid, al-Mughira b. Shu'ba, Abu 'Ubayda al-Jarrah and Qunfudh went to the house of Imam 'Ali (a).
When they arrived at his house, they insulted Lady Fatima (a) and slammed the door on her such that she became stuck between the door and the wall (which caused her a severe injury which later lead to her martyrdom). When she came out of house, they whipped her[170] and attacked Imam Ali (a), wrapping his clothes over his neck, and taking him by force towards Saqifa Bani Sa'ida.
When he was taken towards Saqifa Bani Sa'ida, they asked him to pledge allegiance with Abu Bakr. Imam 'Ali (a) replied: "I am worthier than you with regards to the caliphate and I shall never pledge allegiance to you. Rather, you ought to pledge allegiance to me, since you took the caliphate over the Ansar according to your relationship with the Prophet (s) [while my relationship is closer], and now you usurp it from me...."[171]
There is disagreement among the historians as to Imam Ali's (a) pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr. Some believe that it occurred after the martyrdom of Lady Fatima (a), some maintain that it occurred forty days (or six months, according to others) after the Event of Saqifa.[172] However, al-Shaykh al-Mufid holds that Ali (a) never pledged his allegiance to Abu Bakr.[173]
Imam's performance during the caliphate of Abu Bakr
During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, which lasted two years, despite all the problems, Imam Ali (a) tried to guide the caliph to what was right and good for the Muslim ummah as much as his words were accepted. Sunnis maintain that Abu Bakr used to consult with Ali (a) for important decisions[174] and follow his advice so much so that he did not allow Ali (a) to go out of Medina so that he can use his advice when needed.[175] Although Imam Ali (a) would refrain from accepting any official positions, he would not refrain from offering his advice to the caliph for the welfare of the Muslim ummah. In this regard, Ya’qubi writes, "Among the ones from whom jurisprudence was learned in the time of Abu Bakr was Ali b. Abi Talib."[176] With regard to the battles and conquests in the time of Abu Bakr, Imam Ali (a) had a neutral standpoint, or merely helped as a consultant, but never participated in any on them. It is reported that Abu Bakr consulted with the Companions regarding the conquest of Syria, and eventually accepted Ali's (a) opinion.[177]
During the Caliphate of Umar
In his will, which was written by Uthman, Abu Bakr called the people to Umar's caliphate: "I appointed Umar b. al-Khattab as your ruler. Listen to, and obey, him!"[178] Some years later, Imam Ali (a) described this appointment as unjust and wrong: "It is strange that during his lifetime, Abu Bakr wished to be released from the caliphate [as he would say, "Leave me! I am not the best of you!] but he confirmed it for the other one after his death."[179]
Umar's caliphate lasted ten years. The Imam (a) continued to refuse holding official positions, but did not refrain from offering his advice when needed.[180] Sunni historians have reported that Umar did not do anything without consulting with Ali (a), because he believed in Ali's (a) wisdom and piety.[181] Ali's (a) standpoint regarding the conquests remained the same, as there is no report of his participation in any conquests during Umar's caliphate, but since the conquests drastically increased in this period, the role of Imam Ali (a) as a consultant was reinforced. According to a hadith from Imam al-Baqir (a), Umar consulted with Imam Ali (a) for various affairs of the caliphate, the most important of which was the issue of the conquests.[182] The supporters of Ali, on the other hand, played significant roles in the conquests in Umar's time. [183]
The Six-Member Council
| selecting the third caliph | |
|---|---|
| Imam Ali (a) • Uthman b. Affan • Abd al-Rahman b. Awf • Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas • Zubayr b. al-'Awam • Talha b. Ubayd Allah | |
Prior to Umar death in 23/644, Umar appointed a six-member council to choose the next caliph and obliged all to accept the decision of the council or otherwise be executed. The members of the council were Imam Ali (a), Uthman b. Affan, Talha b. Ubayd Allah, Zubayr b. Awamm, Sa'd b. Abi Waqqas, and Abd al-Rahman b. Awf.[184] As the Imam (a) had predicted, taking into account the inclinations of the members, the council chose Uthman b. Affan as the third caliph of the Muslim ummah.[185]
During the Caliphate of Uthman
With the beginning of Uthman's caliphate, Imam Ali's (a) presence and role in the caliphate's decisions decreased. There is no mention in the historical sources of any consultation with the Imam (a) regarding the conquests. This was a result of Uthman's ruling style, in which the Quran and the Sunna of the Prophet (s) were explicitly violated, the public treasury was distributed unjustly, the high positions of the caliphate were given to Uthman's relatives, including the Umayyads and Banu Abi Mu'it, and the Companions of the Prophet (s) were persecuted and banished. Such wrong actions led to an increasing separation between the Imam (a) and Uthman. However, some of the companions of Imam Ali (a), such as Hudhayfa b. Yaman, Salman al-Farsi, and reportedly al-Bara' b. 'Azib participated in the conquests in the time of Uthman.[186]
Imam Ali's (a) Standpoint Regarding Uthman's Assassination
Ali (a) was against the assassination of Uthman. It is even reported that the Imam (a) tasked his two sons, al-Hasan and al-Husayn, and some others with guarding Uthman's house[187] and that he rebuked the guards for not adequately protecting Uthman. However, considering historical evidence related to this incident, some scholars have doubted the authenticity of these reports. They maintain that even if these reports were authentic, the motivation behind such measures was guarding al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) against the accusation of participation in the assassination of Uthman.[188] After questioning the authenticity of these reports, al-Sharif al-Murtada also states that the reason behind Imam Ali's (a) tasking al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) with guarding Uthman's house—assuming that the Imam (a) did so—was preventing Uthman's assassination and providing his family with food and water, not preventing the overthrow of his caliphate, because the caliphate of Uthman deserved to be overthrown due to his wrong and unjust conduct.[189]
Sayyid Ja'far Murtada explains that although Imam Ali (a) did not regard Uthman's caliphate as legitimate and was aware of his unjust conduct, he was against his assassination, because he knew that it would provide an excuse for the opportunists to cause dissension and conflict in the ummah (nation). Thus, he adds, assuming that the Imam (a) did task al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) with guarding the house of Uthman, it was meant to prevent accusations of participating in the assassination of Uthman against himself.[190] It is reported that the Imam (a) said, "By God, I defended him so much that I was afraid I was committing a sin."[191]
Caliphate
|
Imam 'Ali (a) | |
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Life Heritage Excellences Companions Related Topics |
After the assassination of 'Uthman in 35/656, a group of the companions came to Imam Ali (a) and said, "we do not know anyone better than you for the caliphate". He responded by saying, "it is better for me to be your helper as opposed to your leader." They said, we will not accept anything short of pledging our allegiance to you as the next caliph." However, he said that this allegiance would have to be given to him publicly in the mosque, as opposed to secretly.[192] Except for few, all of the Ansar pledged allegiance to Imam 'Ali (a). But he did not make the opposition to allegiance.[193]
As to why he did not initially accept the caliphate, it should be noted that he knew the community was too corrupt to be led by him and to comply with his uncompromising moral standards.[194]
Governors
With the start of his caliphate, Imam Ali (a) began to send his governors to different parts of the Muslim territories: He sent Uthman b. Hunayf to Basra, Imara b. Shihab to Kufa, 'Ubayd Allah b. 'Abbas to Yemen, Qays b. Sa'd b. 'Ubada to Egypt, and Sahl b. Hunayf to Syria. On his way to Syria, Sahl b. Hunayf reached Tabuk, and there he had a conversation with the people, which led to his return.[195] When Ubayd Allah b. Abbas reached Yemen, Ya'la b. Munya, the previous governor, took everything from the treasury and went to Mecca.[196] When Imara b. Shihab, the appointed governor of the Imam (a) for Kufa, reached Zubala (a place between Medina and Kufa), a man called Tulayha b. Khuwaylid, who had started a revolt to revenge for Uthman, came to him and said," Return! The people here will not accept anyone except their own commander; and if you do not accept, I will behead you" and thus forced him to return. Afterwards, with Malik al-Ashtar's advice, Imam Ali (a) accepted the continuation of the governorship of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari over Kufa.[197]
Battles
Battle of Jamal
"One who goes too far in quarreling has sinned, and one who falls short in it [quarreling], becomes oppressed. And someone who quarrels is unable to be God-wary."
Nahj al-balagha, Maxim no. 298 or 290
The first battle that Imam 'Ali (a) engaged in during his caliphate was with the Nakithun. Since Talha and al-Zubayr and their followers first pledged allegiance to Imam 'Ali (a) but later broke it, they were called the Nakithun i.e. "the violators".[198] The battle took place in Jumada II of 36/656.[199]
Talha and al-Zubayr had hoped to be elected as caliph,[200] but since they failed to achieve this and Ali (a) had assumed the caliphate, they wanted and expected a share in the caliphate. As such, they asked 'Ali (a) to appoint them as rulers of Basra and Kufa. However, Ali (a) did not deem them worthy of it.[201] Therefore, even though they were themselves suspected to have been involved in the assassination of 'Uthman, and Talha had been eager to kill 'Uthman,[202] they allied with 'A'isha in a strategic move to supposedly avenge his murder. However, during the siege of 'Uthman, 'A'isha did nothing to help him, and had even called the invaders, "the seekers of truth". However, when 'A'isha heard that following his murder, people were pledging allegiance with Imam 'Ali (a), she decided to raise the issue that 'Uthman had been killed unjustly and sought his revenge. 'A'isha bore some rancor towards 'Ali (a) and hence allied with Talha and al-Zubayr against him.[203] They mobilized an army of 3,000 troops and moved toward Basra.[204] In this battle, 'A'isha mounted a camel named 'Askar, and thus the battle was named "Jamal" meaning "camel".[205]
Upon his arrival in Basra, Imam Ali (a) urged those who broke their allegiance to avoid the battle. However, he was not successful and they began the battle by killing one of Imam 'Ali's (a) companions.[206] Also, al-Zubayr withdrew from the army before the battle began due to a hadith that Imam 'Ali (a) had reminded him of: a hadith in which the Prophet (s) had told al-Zubayr: "You will rise up in a battle against 'Ali (a)". He was then killed outside Basra by 'Amr b. Jurmuz.[207]
After several hours of fighting and suffering many losses, the camp of Jamal was defeated. In this battle, Talha was killed and thereafter 'A'isha was sent back to Medina in a respectful manner.[208]
Battle of Siffin
The Battle of Siffin broke out between the armies of Imam Ali (a) and Mu'awiya in Safar, 37/July, 657 in the greater Syria, in an area called Siffin near Euphrates, and ended with the arbitration in Ramadan, 38/February, 659.[209]
Though he was capable, Mu'awiya did nothing to help 'Uthman when he was under siege. After the killing of 'Uthman, Mu'awiya tried to introduce 'Ali (a) as the murderer of 'Uthman to the people of Syria. In the beginning of his rule, Imam 'Ali (a) wrote a letter to Mu'awiya, calling on him to pledge allegiance. However, he responded with the condition that 'Ali (a) first had to surrender the murderers of 'Uthman who were supposedly around 'Ali (a) and to punish them. Only then would he pledge allegiance. After several letters and dispatching a few delegates to Mu'awiya, Imam 'Ali (a) saw that Mu'awiya was pursuing a fight, and so, Imam 'Ali (a) took his armies towards Syria. Mu'awiya also set out with his army, and the two armies encamped in Syria near the Euphrates in a place called Siffin. As Imam 'Ali (a) refrained from war wherever possible, he sent some letters to Mu'awiya. However his attempts were futile, and the battle began in Safar 37/July 657.[210]
In the last confrontation of the battle, when Imam 'Ali's (a) armies were about to win, Mu'awiya, on advice from 'Amr b. al-'As, ordered his soldiers to hoist any Mushaf (part or complete copies of the Qur'an) available in the camp on their spears and to move towards the front of 'Ali's army, calling on them to accept the Qur'an. The decoy worked and some of Imam 'Ali's (a) army, especially those amongst the reciters of the Qur'an, came to Imam 'Ali (a) and said, "We shall not fight these people and we need to accept whatever they say". Although Imam 'Ali (a) had told them that it was a trick that they were using to escape fighting, they did not accept it.[211]
Imam Ali (a) was thus forced to accept arbitration through a letter to Mu'awiya, but said, "We know that you are not the people of the Qur'an".[212]
It was agreed that one arbitrator from each of the armies of Syria and Iraq would meet and judge the situation by referring to the Qur'an's edict. The army of Syria appointed 'Amr b. al-'As. Al-Ash'ath and a group from Imam 'Ali's (a) army (who later became members of the Kharijites) proposed Abu Musa al-Ash'ari. However, 'Ali (a) recommended Ibn 'Abbas and/or Malik al-Ashtar, who were rejected by al-Ash'ath and his friends. They were rejected under the pretext that Malik supported the war and that Ibn 'Abbas was not suitable because 'Amr b. al-'As was from Mudar, thus the other party had to be from Yemen.[213]
Finally, 'Amr b. al-'As managed to trick Abu Musa and ended the arbitration in favor of Mu'awiya in Ramadan 38/February 659.[214]
Battle of Nahrawan
"Yesterday, I would give command, and today I am given commands! Yesterday, I prescribed [people from doing things], and today I am being prescribed to! You only like to live, so it is not appropriate for me to force you to do what you dislike."
Nahj al-balagha, Sermon no. 208.
The arbitration in the battle of Siffin ended in protest and opposition from some of Imam 'Ali's (a) companions, who were upset with what had happened, asking: "Why did he accept the arbitrator's judgment upon divine edict?" They said this even though Imam 'Ali (a) had opposed the arbitration and it was them who had forced him into accepting the arbitrator's judgment.[215] This group split off and later became known as the Kharijites or Mariqun. They eventually proceeded to assassinate people. They killed 'Abd Allah b. Khabbab whose father was one of the companions of the Prophet (s) and tore his wife's stomach open even though she was pregnant, and killed the child as well.[216] Because of this, Imam 'Ali (a) was forced to fight with them. Before the battle began, he sent Abd Allah b. al-Abbas to speak with them, but this was futile. Finally, Imam 'Ali (a) himself went to them and talked to them. Some of them repented, but many held on to their beliefs. Eventually, the battle began and none of them survived except nine, whilst only seven or nine companions of 'Ali (a) were killed.[217]
Martyrdom
On the morning of Ramadan 19, 40/January 26, 661, (during the days in which 'Ali (a) was mobilizing an army for Siffin), he was struck with a sword by Abd al-Rahman b. Muljam al-Muradi and martyred from its injury two days later.[218] After the Battle of Nahrawan, 'Ali (a) tried again to mobilize the Iraqis for a battle against Mu'awiya. However, none except a few accompanied him. On the other hand, Mu'awiya, who was aware of the situation in Iraq and their passivity, invaded regions under 'Ali's control (a) and attempted to debilitate his power by invading Iraq.[219]
Historical accounts have reported the collaboration of three Kharijites in an attempt to kill three individuals: 'Ali (a), Mu'awiya, and 'Amr b. al-'As. Ibn Muljam was the one who chose to kill Ali (a). Some accounts have also mentioned the role of a woman named Qatam in this assassination, however, this seems to be more of an embellishment as opposed to fact.[220]
Al-Hasan (a), al-Husayn (a), and Muhammad b. al-Hanfiyya, accompanied by 'Abd Allah b. Ja'far buried him in Ghariyyayn (present day Najaf) and hid his grave.[221] This was because if the Banu Umayya or the Kharijites knew about his burial place, they would exhume his body and treat it with disrespect.[222]
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Only his children and a few companions knew of his burial place. It was hidden until the first years of Abbasid Dynasty when Imam al-Sadiq (a) revealed that the location of his grave was in Najaf.[223]
Will and Advice
There are a few hadiths narrated from 'Ali (a) that contain his advice to his children with regards to his funeral rites: the way of his burial, ablution, Shroud and the performing of prayers over his body.[224] He also asked al-Hasan (a) and al-Husayn (a) to refrain from mutilating Ibn Muljam and to strike him only once. Imam Ali (a), moreover, emphasized in his final words on paying attention to the Quran, prayer, commanding good and forbidding evil, jihad, and visiting the House of God, as well as fearing God, being organized, reconciliation, and caring for the orphans and neighbors.[225]
Burial Place
Imam Ali (a) was martyred in 40/661 and was buried secretly at his request.[226] The Imam's (a) grave remained hidden for about one century. With the decline of the Umayyad dynasty, the hiddenness of the Imam's grave was no longer necessary.[227] It is not known for sure when exactly the burial place of the Imam (a) was made known to the people.[228] The meeting between Imam al-Sadiq (a) and al-Saffah, the first Abbasid caliph (r. 132/749 – 136/754) in Kufa during the reign of the latter is suggested by some scholars as the time when the burial place of Imam Ali (a) was disclosed by Imam al-Sadiq (a).[229] However, other scholars maintain that Imam al-Sadiq (a) revealed the burial place of his forefather during the reign of al-Mansur, the second Abbasid caliph (r. 136/754 – 158/775).[230] Despite this difference, all agree that it was Imam al-Sadiq (a) who made known the burial place of Imam Ali (a).[231]
Virtues
Birth Inside the Ka'ba
According to Allama Amini, sixteen Sunni sources, fifty Shiite sources, and forty-one poets since the second/eighth century have mentioned the birth of Imam Ali (a) inside the Ka'ba. Allama Majlisi also reports the birth of Imam Ali (a) inside the Ka'ba from eighteen (mostly Shiite) sources. According to these reports, Fatima bt. Asad, the mother of Imam Ali (a), prayed to God near the Ka'ba to make the delivery easy for her. Afterwards, the wall of the Ka'ba was torn, and Fatima went inside. She stayed there for three days, and on the fourth day she came out while holding her son, Ali (a), in her arms.
The First Muslim
It is a well-known and widely transmitted hadith that 'Ali (a) was the first Muslim who believed in the prophet (s).[232] According to some Shi'a hadiths, the Prophet (s) described Imam Ali (a) as the first Muslim, the first believer and the first person who acknowledged him. Al-Shaykh al-Tusi mentioned a hadith from Imam al-Rida (a) who mentioned Imam Ali (a) as the first believer in the Prophet (s). Al-Khasibi, the Shi'a author of the fourth/tenth century, mentioned Imam Ali (a) as the first Muslim and al-Allama al-Majlisi mentioned the order of believers as following, "First, Imam Ali (a), then Khadija (a) and then Ja'far b. Abi Talib believed in the Prophet (s)." Some researchers considered the consensus of Shi'a believing on the fact that Imam Ali (a) was the first Muslim man.
Some Sunni historians including al-Tabari, al-Dhahabi and others have mentioned reports suggesting that Imam Ali (a) was the first Muslim. In another narration, the Prophet (s) said to his daughter, Fatima (a) that, "Does it not please you that I urge you to marry a man from my Umma, who believed in Islam prior to anyone else, and who is the most learned and the most patient among them?"[233]
Helping the Prophet from very first moments
According to sources of Islamic history and Qur'anic exegesis, when the al-Indhar Verse was revealed to the Prophet (s) three years after Bi'tha, the Prophet (s) ordered Ali b. Abi Talib (a) to provide some food and invite the sons of 'Abd al-Muttalib to a banquet so that he calls them to Islam. Around forty people, including Abu Talib, Hamza, and Abu Lahab went to the meeting. After having the food, the Prophet (s) said: "O' sons of 'Abd al-Muttalib! I swear to God that I do not know any youth among Arabs who brought for his tribe something better than what I brought to you; I have brought to you the best in this world and in the afterlife, and God has ordered me to call you to it. So which of you assists me in this mission so that I make him my brother and my successor and my caliph among you?" Nobody responded to him except Ali (a) who was the youngest of all. He said: "O' the prophet! I will assist you". The Prophet (s) said: "This is my brother and my successor among you. Listen to him and obey him".
Sacrifice in the Night of Migration
After the Muslims were severely persecuted by the Quraysh, the Prophet (s) ordered his companions to emigrate to Medina, and so they gradually left Mecca.[234] After exchanging ideas in the Dar al-Nadwa meeting, the Quraysh decided to designate brave young men from each tribe to assassinate the Prophet (s) in his house. The archangel Gabriel came to the Prophet (a), informed him of their plot, and commanded him not to sleep in his bed and to leave Mecca and emigrate to Medina that same night. The Prophet (s) informed 'Ali (a) of the enemy's plot and asked him to sleep in his bed to fool the enemy.[235]
Exegetes of the Qur'an regard the following verse to have been revealed about this event and about the virtues of 'Ali (a):[236]
And among the people is he who sells his soul seeking the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is most kind to [His] servants.
Quran, 2:207
Brother of the Prophet (s)
After his emigration to Medina, the Prophet (s) created bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajirun and the Ansar. Both times, he told 'Ali (a), "You are my brother in this world and in the hereafter", and so he established a bond of brotherhood between himself and 'Ali (a).[237]
Returning of the Sun
In 7/628, the Prophet (s) and 'Ali (a) prayed the noon prayer. The Prophet (s) then sent 'Ali (a) on a mission when he had not yet prayed the Asr prayer. After 'Ali (a) returned, the Prophet (s) laid his head on 'Ali's (a) lap and slept until the sun set, and the time for prayer had expired. When the Prophet (s) woke up, he prayed to God saying, "O God! Your servant, 'Ali (a), dedicated himself for his Prophet (s). Turn the sun back for him." The sun returned, and 'Ali (a) made an ablution before prayer and performed his Asr prayer after which the sun set again.[238]
Delivering the Bara'a Verses
The first verses of Quran 9 state that the polytheists had four months to accept monotheism and to become Muslims. However, if they were to refuse stubbornly, the Qur'an warns that they should be ready for war. When the verses were revealed, the Prophet (s) was not planning on attending the hajj to deliver its message. So, according to the divine decree that, "such messages should be delivered by the Prophet (s) himself, or by one who is from him and nobody else is competent to do so"[239] , the Prophet (s) called 'Ali (a) and ordered him to go to Mecca so that on the Eid al-Adha he could deliver these verses to the polytheists in Mina.[240]
Truth Hadith
The Prophet (s) said, "Ali (a) is with the truth, and the truth is with 'Ali (a)."[241]
Closing the Doors except Ali's house
The Prophet (s) ordered that all doors opening to the mosque of Medina (al-Masjid al-Nabawi) should be locked except for the door of 'Ali's house (and his own). When the Prophet (s) was asked of the reason, the Prophet (s) said, "I was ordered to lock the doors except that of 'Ali's (a). However, there is a lot of talk about it. I swear by God that I never locked or opened any door, except that I was ordered to do so and thus did it."[242]
Compiling the Qur'an
Both Shi'a and Sunni scholars agree that Imam 'Ali (a) was the pioneer in compiling the Qur'an according to the will and advice of the Prophet (s).[243] It is related in a tradition that Imam'Ali (a) swore an oath not to wear his robe [and exit his house] until he had finished compiling the Qur'an.[244] It is also said that Imam 'Ali (a) compiled the Qur'an within six months of the demise of the Prophet (s).[245]
Beginning of Islamic Calendar
Imam 'Ali (a) was the one who suggested that 'Umar set the immigration of the Prophet (s) from Mecca to Medina as the beginning of Islamic calendar.[246]
Ali's Virtues in the Qur'an
Several verses of the Qur'an were revealed about the virtues of 'Ali (a) and the number of these verses is so great that it is narrated from Ibn 'Abbas that more than 300 verses of the Qur'an are related to 'Ali.[247] Some of these verses include:
Al-Mubahala Verse
Say, 'Come! Let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our souls and your souls, then let us pray earnestly and invoke the curse of Allah upon those who lie.
Quran, 3:61
On the day of mubahala in 9/631, the Prophet (s) and the Najran Christians agreed to curse one another, until Allah punished those who were on the wrong path. So, the