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Imam Ali b. Abi Talib (a): Difference between revisions
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'''ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib''' (Arabic: {{iarabic|علي بن أبي طالب}}) known as '''Imam ʿAlī (a)''' (b. [[23 BH]]/[[600 CE|600]] - d. [[40]]/[[661 CE|661]]) is the first [[Imam]] of all the branches of the [[Shi'a]], a [[companions|companion]], a narrator, and a [[scribes of the Qur'an|scribe of the Qur'an]]. He is the fourth [[caliph]] of the [[Khulafa' al-Rashidun|Rightly Guided Caliphs]] in Sunni Islam. 'Ali (a) is the cousin, and son-in-law of [[ | '''ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib''' (Arabic: {{iarabic|علي بن أبي طالب}}) known as '''Imam ʿAlī (a)''' (b. [[23 BH]]/[[600 CE|600]] - d. [[40]]/[[661 CE|661]]) is the first [[Imam]] of all the branches of the [[Shi'a]], a [[companions|companion]], a narrator, and a [[scribes of the Qur'an|scribe of the Qur'an]]. He is the fourth [[caliph]] of the [[Khulafa' al-Rashidun|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. | 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. | ||
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== Lineage, Titles and Physical Attributes== | == Lineage, Titles and Physical Attributes== | ||
===Lineage=== | ===Lineage=== | ||
His lineage is Ali b. Abi Talib b. 'Abd al-Muttalib b. Hashim b. Qusayy b. Kilab.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 15.</ref> He was from [[Banu Hashim]] branch of [[ | His lineage is Ali b. Abi Talib b. 'Abd al-Muttalib b. Hashim b. Qusayy b. Kilab.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 15.</ref> 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]].<ref>Ibn Athīr, ''Usd al-ghāba'', vol. 1, p. 15.</ref> | ||
Ali's (a) mother was [[Fatima bt. Asad|Fatima bt. Asad]].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 2.</ref> His brothers were [[Talib b. Abi Talib|Talib]], [['Aqil b. Abi Talib|'Aqil]], and [[Ja'far b. Abi Talib|Ja'far]] and his sisters were [[Hind bt. Abi Talib|Hind]] (or Umm Hani), [[Jumana bt. Abi Talib|Jumana]], [[Rayta bt. Abi Talib|Rayta]] (or Umm Talib) and [[Asma' bt. Abi Talib|Asma']].<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 19, p. 57.</ref> | Ali's (a) mother was [[Fatima bt. Asad|Fatima bt. Asad]].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 2.</ref> His brothers were [[Talib b. Abi Talib|Talib]], [['Aqil b. Abi Talib|'Aqil]], and [[Ja'far b. Abi Talib|Ja'far]] and his sisters were [[Hind bt. Abi Talib|Hind]] (or Umm Hani), [[Jumana bt. Abi Talib|Jumana]], [[Rayta bt. Abi Talib|Rayta]] (or Umm Talib) and [[Asma' bt. Abi Talib|Asma']].<ref>Majlisī, ''Biḥār al-anwār'', vol. 19, p. 57.</ref> | ||
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.<ref>Qanawāt, "Dar kinār-i pidar," p. 68.</ref> Thus, Ali (a) was the first person who was a Hashimite from both his father's and his mother's sides.<ref>Muṣāḥib, ''Dāʾirat al-maʿārif-i Farsī'', vol. 2, p. 1760.</ref> | 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.<ref>Qanawāt, "Dar kinār-i pidar," p. 68.</ref> Thus, Ali (a) was the first person who was a Hashimite from both his father's and his mother's sides.<ref>Muṣāḥib, ''Dāʾirat al-maʿārif-i Farsī'', vol. 2, p. 1760.</ref> | ||
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When the Prophet (s) reached Quba region on his way to [[Medina]], he waited fifteen days so that Ali (a) joins him.<ref>Rajabī, "Imām ʿAlī dar ʿahd-i Payāmbar," p. 161.</ref> In Medina and after he constructed [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi|his mosque]], the Prophet (s) set up the formal [[pact of brotherhood]] between the [[Ansar|Helpers]] and the Immigrants; however, he chose Ali (a) as his brother.<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 188.</ref> In [[2]]/[[624 CE|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).<ref>Qanawāt, "Dar kinār-i pidar," vol. 8, p. 166; ʿAmilī, ''al-Ṣaḥīḥ min sīrat al-nabīyy'', vol. 5, p. 60; Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 16.</ref> After the battle,<ref>Abū l-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, ''Maqātil al-ṭālibīyyīn'', p. 59.</ref> Ali (a) at the age of 25 married Fatima (a) the daughter of the Prophet (s),<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 410.</ref> despite the fact that there were several prominent figures who had proposed marriage to her.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 16; Qazwīnī, ''Faṭima al-Zahrāʾ'', p. 192.</ref> The Prophet (s) himself solemnized their marriage.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Alī b. Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 350.</ref> | When the Prophet (s) reached Quba region on his way to [[Medina]], he waited fifteen days so that Ali (a) joins him.<ref>Rajabī, "Imām ʿAlī dar ʿahd-i Payāmbar," p. 161.</ref> In Medina and after he constructed [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi|his mosque]], the Prophet (s) set up the formal [[pact of brotherhood]] between the [[Ansar|Helpers]] and the Immigrants; however, he chose Ali (a) as his brother.<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 188.</ref> In [[2]]/[[624 CE|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).<ref>Qanawāt, "Dar kinār-i pidar," vol. 8, p. 166; ʿAmilī, ''al-Ṣaḥīḥ min sīrat al-nabīyy'', vol. 5, p. 60; Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 16.</ref> After the battle,<ref>Abū l-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, ''Maqātil al-ṭālibīyyīn'', p. 59.</ref> Ali (a) at the age of 25 married Fatima (a) the daughter of the Prophet (s),<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 410.</ref> despite the fact that there were several prominent figures who had proposed marriage to her.<ref>Ibn Saʿd, ''al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā'', vol. 8, p. 16; Qazwīnī, ''Faṭima al-Zahrāʾ'', p. 192.</ref> The Prophet (s) himself solemnized their marriage.<ref>Ibn Shahrāshūb, ''Manāqib Alī b. Abī Ṭālib'', vol. 3, p. 350.</ref> | ||
In [[3]]/[[625 CE|625]], the polytheists of Mecca waged the [[battle of Uhud]] against the Muslims to compensate their defeat in the Battle of Badr.<ref>Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 16.</ref> In this Battle, Ali (a) was among the few ones who did not flee the battleground and protected the life of the Prophet (s).<ref>Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 14.</ref> It is reported that He was severely wounded sixteen times in that battle.<ref>Muṣāḥib, ''Dāʾirat al-maʿārif-i Farsī'', vol. 2, p. 1760.</ref> Al-Kulayni and al-Tabari mention that the well-known formula "There is no sword but [[Dhu l- | In [[3]]/[[625 CE|625]], the polytheists of Mecca waged the [[battle of Uhud]] against the Muslims to compensate their defeat in the Battle of Badr.<ref>Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 16.</ref> In this Battle, Ali (a) was among the few ones who did not flee the battleground and protected the life of the Prophet (s).<ref>Shahīdī, "Zīstnāma-yi Imām ʿAlī," p. 14.</ref> It is reported that He was severely wounded sixteen times in that battle.<ref>Muṣāḥib, ''Dāʾirat al-maʿārif-i Farsī'', vol. 2, p. 1760.</ref> 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).<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 3, p. 1027.</ref> In the same year, Ali's (a) first child, [[al-Hasan (a)]], was born. <ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 537; Kulaynī, ''al-Kāfī'', vol. 1, p. 461.</ref> | ||
In [[4]]/[[626 CE|626]], when Ali (a) was 27, his mother Fatima bt. Asad passed away.<ref>Ibn al-Jawzī, ''Tadhkirat al-khawāṣ'', p. 6.</ref> Ali's (a) second child, [[al-Husayn (a)]], was born in this year.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 555; Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 246.</ref> In [[5]]/[[627 CE|627]], the [[Battle of Khandaq]] took place,<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 3, p. 224; Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 564.</ref> which ended with the bravery of Ali (a) in killing [[Amr b. Abd | In [[4]]/[[626 CE|626]], when Ali (a) was 27, his mother Fatima bt. Asad passed away.<ref>Ibn al-Jawzī, ''Tadhkirat al-khawāṣ'', p. 6.</ref> Ali's (a) second child, [[al-Husayn (a)]], was born in this year.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 555; Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 246.</ref> In [[5]]/[[627 CE|627]], the [[Battle of Khandaq]] took place,<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 3, p. 224; Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 564.</ref> which ended with the bravery of Ali (a) in killing [['Amr b. 'Abd Wadd]].<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 3, p. 234-237; Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 574-673; Wāqidī, ''al-Maghāzī'', vol. 2, p. 471-720.</ref> The third child of Ali (a) and Fatima (a), [[Zaynab (a)]], was born in the same year.<ref>Ibn Athīr, ''Usd al-ghāba'', vol. 1, p. 15; Kaḥḥāla, ''Aʿlām al-nisāʾ'', vol. 2, p. 91.</ref> | ||
In [[6]]/[[628 CE|628]] AH, the [[treaty of Hudaybiyya]] was signed between the Prophet (s) and the Quraysh, whose scribe was Ali (a).<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 2, p. 776.</ref> In this year, [[Umm Kulthum]], Ali's (a) fourth child was born.<ref>Dhahabī, ''Siyar aʿlām al-nubalāʾ'', vol. 3, p. 500.</ref> In the Sha'ban of the same year, the Prophet (s) sent Ali (a) on a preemptive battle against some of the [[Sariyya of Fadak|people of Fadak]] who had planned to support the Muslims' enemies. <ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 642.</ref> | In [[6]]/[[628 CE|628]] AH, the [[treaty of Hudaybiyya]] was signed between the Prophet (s) and the Quraysh, whose scribe was Ali (a).<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 2, p. 776.</ref> In this year, [[Umm Kulthum]], Ali's (a) fourth child was born.<ref>Dhahabī, ''Siyar aʿlām al-nubalāʾ'', vol. 3, p. 500.</ref> In the [[Sha'ban]] of the same year, the Prophet (s) sent Ali (a) on a preemptive battle against some of the [[Sariyya of Fadak|people of Fadak]] who had planned to support the Muslims' enemies. <ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk'', vol. 2, p. 642.</ref> | ||
In [[7]]/[[628 CE|628]], the [[Battle of Khaybar]] took place.<ref>Ibn Ḥabīb, ''al-Muḥabbar'', p. 115.</ref> Ali (a) was one of the flag-bearers of the Muslim army,<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 674.</ref> which was able to conquer [[Khaybar]] under his leadership.<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 678.</ref> In [[8]]/[[630 CE|630]], Ali (a), 31 years old at the time, was among the flag-bearers of the Muslim army in the [[conquest of Mecca]].<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 789.</ref> He helped the Prophet (s) destroy the idols in Ka'ba.<ref>Ibn Ṭāwūs, ''al-Ṭarāʾif'', vol. 1, p. 80.</ref> | In [[7]]/[[628 CE|628]], the [[Battle of Khaybar]] took place.<ref>Ibn Ḥabīb, ''al-Muḥabbar'', p. 115.</ref> Ali (a) was one of the flag-bearers of the Muslim army,<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 674.</ref> which was able to conquer [[Khaybar]] under his leadership.<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 678.</ref> In [[8]]/[[630 CE|630]], Ali (a), 31 years old at the time, was among the flag-bearers of the Muslim army in the [[conquest of Mecca]].<ref>Maʿādīkhāh, ''Tārīkh-i Islām'', p. 789.</ref> He helped the Prophet (s) destroy the idols in Ka'ba.<ref>Ibn Ṭāwūs, ''al-Ṭarāʾif'', vol. 1, p. 80.</ref> | ||
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===Saraya=== | ===Saraya=== | ||
[[Saraya]] (plural of | [[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 | # The Sariyya of Ali (a) to [[Fadak]] to confront Banu Sa'd in Sha'ban, [[6]]/December, [[627 CE|627]] | ||
# The | # 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 CE|630]]. | ||
# The | # The Sariyya of Ali (a) to Yemen in [[Ramadan]], [[10]]/December]], [[631 CE|631]]. | ||
===Mission to Yemen=== | ===Mission to Yemen=== | ||
After the conquest of Mecca and the victory in the Battle of Hunayn in [[8]]/[[630 CE|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. In some sources, a conflict is reported between Ali (a) and the tribe of [[ | After the conquest of Mecca and the victory in the Battle of Hunayn in [[8]]/[[630 CE|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. 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]]. 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. | ||
== Event of Ghadir == | == Event of Ghadir == | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
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?"{{enote|«أَلَسْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ أَنِّی أَوْلَى بِالْمُؤْمِنِینَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ؟}} 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."{{enote|«مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلَاهُ، فَعَلِيٌّ مَوْلَاهُ، اللَّهُمَّ وَالِ مَنْ وَالَاهُ، وَعَادِ مَنْ عَادَاهُ»}} 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." When Prophet Muhammad (s) finished his sermon, a number of Companions, such as [[Umar b. Khattab]], congratulated Ali (a). | 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?"{{enote|«أَلَسْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ أَنِّی أَوْلَى بِالْمُؤْمِنِینَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ؟}} 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."{{enote|«مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلَاهُ، فَعَلِيٌّ مَوْلَاهُ، اللَّهُمَّ وَالِ مَنْ وَالَاهُ، وَعَادِ مَنْ عَادَاهُ»}} 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." When Prophet Muhammad (s) finished his sermon, a number of Companions, such as [[Umar b. al-Khattab]], congratulated Ali (a). | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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===Imam Ali's (a) Standpoint=== | ===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. 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. | 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. 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. | ||
On different occasions, Ali (a) objected to the decision at the Saqifa and reminded the people of his right to caliphate. | 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. | ||
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?!" | 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?!" | ||
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===During the Caliphate of Uthman=== | ===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 [[Bara' b. Azib]] participated in the conquests in the time 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. | ||
====Imam Ali's (a) Standpoint Regarding Uthman's Assassination==== | ====Imam Ali's (a) Standpoint Regarding Uthman's Assassination==== | ||
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{{main|Caliphate of Imam Ali (a)}} | {{main|Caliphate of Imam Ali (a)}} | ||
{{Template:Imam 'Ali (a)-Vertical}} | {{Template:Imam 'Ali (a)-Vertical}} | ||
After the assassination of [['Uthman]] in [[35]]/[[656 CE|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 | After the assassination of [['Uthman]] in [[35]]/[[656 CE|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.<ref>Tabari, ''Tarikh al-rusul wa l-muluk'', vol. 4, p. 429</ref> Except for few, all of the [[Ansar]] pledged allegiance to Imam 'Ali (a). But he did not make the opposition to allegiance.<ref>Tabari, ''Tarikh al-rusul wa l-muluk'', vol. 4, p. 427- 431</ref> | ||
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.<ref>''Nahj al-balagha'', sermon 92</ref> | 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.<ref>''Nahj al-balagha'', sermon 92</ref> | ||
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===Governors=== | ===Governors=== | ||
{{main|List of the Companions of Imam Ali (a)}} | {{main|List of the Companions of Imam Ali (a)}} | ||
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. | 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. When Ubayd Allah b. Albbas reached Yemen, [[Ya'la b. Munya]], the previous governor, took everything from the treasury and went to Mecca. 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. | ||
=== Battles === | === Battles === | ||
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On the morning of [[Ramadan 19]], [[40]]/[[January 26]], [[661 CE|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. 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.<ref>Ja'fariyan, ''Guzida-yi hayat-i siyasi wa fikri-yi Imaman-i Shi'a'', p. 53-54</ref> | On the morning of [[Ramadan 19]], [[40]]/[[January 26]], [[661 CE|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. 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.<ref>Ja'fariyan, ''Guzida-yi hayat-i siyasi wa fikri-yi Imaman-i Shi'a'', p. 53-54</ref> | ||
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 [[ | 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.<ref>Ja'fariyan, ''Guzida-yi hayat-i siyasi wa fikri-yi Imaman-i Shi'a'', p. 55</ref> | ||
[[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.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 27-28</ref> 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.<ref>Sayyid b. Tawus, ''Farhat al-ghari'', p. 93; Majlisi, ''Bihar al-anwar'', vol. 42, p. 222</ref> | [[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.<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Irshād'', vol. 1, p. 27-28</ref> 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.<ref>Sayyid b. Tawus, ''Farhat al-ghari'', p. 93; Majlisi, ''Bihar al-anwar'', vol. 42, p. 222</ref> | ||
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== Imamate and Wilayah == | == Imamate and Wilayah == | ||
{{main|Imamate|Imamate of the Twelve Imams (a)}} | {{main|Imamate|Imamate of the Twelve Imams (a)}} | ||
The Prophet's (s) repeated designation of Imam Ali (a) (s) as his successor shows, according to some scholars, that the Prophet's (s) greatest concern was the leadership of the Muslim community after himself. These recurrent designations started since the early years of the Prophet's (s) mission when he gathered his close kin and invited them to Islam, and continued until the final days of his life when he asked the Companions to bring him a [[Hadith of pen and | The Prophet's (s) repeated designation of Imam Ali (a) (s) as his successor shows, according to some scholars, that the Prophet's (s) greatest concern was the leadership of the Muslim community after himself. These recurrent designations started since the early years of the Prophet's (s) mission when he gathered his close kin and invited them to Islam, and continued until the final days of his life when he asked the Companions to bring him a [[Hadith of pen and paper|pen and paper]] to write them something that would protect them against deviation. | ||
Some of the evidence for the Imamate of Ali (a) explicitly indicate his designation for [[imamate]] and [[wilaya]] after the Prophet (s) and some indicate his virtues and excellence. The former includes the [[Wilaya Verse]] (Qur'an 5:55), which was revealed when Ali (a) gave his ring, while bowing down in his prayer, to a poor man; [[Qur'an 5:3]] "Today the faithless have despaired of your religion. So do not fear them, but fear Me. Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion" and [[Qur'an 5:67]] "O Apostle! Communicate that which has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not, you will not have communicated His message, and Allah shall protect you from the people. Indeed Allah does not guide the faithless lot," which were revealed during the [[Event of Ghadir]], in which the Prophet (s) was tasked by God with designating Ali (a) as his successor; and [[Hadith al-Ghadir]], which is the most important proof for the imamate of Ali (a) and which occurred in the final year of the Prophet's (s) life. | Some of the evidence for the Imamate of Ali (a) explicitly indicate his designation for [[imamate]] and [[wilaya]] after the Prophet (s) and some indicate his virtues and excellence. The former includes the [[Wilaya Verse]] (Qur'an 5:55), which was revealed when Ali (a) gave his ring, while bowing down in his prayer, to a poor man; [[Qur'an 5:3]] "Today the faithless have despaired of your religion. So do not fear them, but fear Me. Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion" and [[Qur'an 5:67]] "O Apostle! Communicate that which has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not, you will not have communicated His message, and Allah shall protect you from the people. Indeed Allah does not guide the faithless lot," which were revealed during the [[Event of Ghadir]], in which the Prophet (s) was tasked by God with designating Ali (a) as his successor; and [[Hadith al-Ghadir]], which is the most important proof for the imamate of Ali (a) and which occurred in the final year of the Prophet's (s) life. | ||
Other evidence that are regarded as indirect indications of the imamate and wilayah of Ali (a) are the following verses and hadiths that point out his virtues and excellence: [[Quran 33:33]]; [[Quran 3:61|3:61]]; [[Qur'an 9:119|9:119]]; [[Qur'an 98:7|98:7]]; [[Qur'an 16:43|16:43]]; [[Qur'an 2:207|2:207]]; [[Qur'an 58:12|58:12]]; [[Qur'an 66:4|66:4]]; [[Qur'an 4:59|4:59]] (Uli l-Amr Verse); [[hadith al-Thaqalayn]], the [[hadith of the City of Knowledge]], the [[hadith of Flag]], [[hadith al-Kisa']], [[hadith al- | Other evidence that are regarded as indirect indications of the imamate and wilayah of Ali (a) are the following verses and hadiths that point out his virtues and excellence: [[Quran 33:33]]; [[Quran 3:61|3:61]]; [[Qur'an 9:119|9:119]]; [[Qur'an 98:7|98:7]]; [[Qur'an 16:43|16:43]]; [[Qur'an 2:207|2:207]]; [[Qur'an 58:12|58:12]]; [[Qur'an 66:4|66:4]]; [[Qur'an 4:59|4:59]] (Uli l-Amr Verse); [[hadith al-Thaqalayn]], the [[hadith of the City of Knowledge]], the [[hadith of Flag]], [[hadith al-Kisa']], [[hadith al-Wisaya]], [[hadith Yawm al-Dar]], the [[hadith of Brotherhood]], [[hadith al-Manzila]], [[hadith al-Wilaya]], the [[hadith al-Safina]], and the [[Sadd al-Abwab|hadith of Closing the Doors]]. | ||
== Moral Characteristics == | == Moral Characteristics == | ||
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''Ghurar al-hikam wa durar al-kalim'' was compiled by [['Abd al-Wahid b. Muhammad al-Tamimi al-Amidi]], a scholar of the sixth/twelfth century. In this book, almost 10,760 hadiths of Imam 'Ali (a) have been organized alphabetically by subjects of theology, worship, morality, politics, economy, and society.<ref>Damiri, Muhammad Rida, ''Kitab shinasi-yi tafsili-yi madhahib Islami'', p. 375</ref> | ''Ghurar al-hikam wa durar al-kalim'' was compiled by [['Abd al-Wahid b. Muhammad al-Tamimi al-Amidi]], a scholar of the sixth/twelfth century. In this book, almost 10,760 hadiths of Imam 'Ali (a) have been organized alphabetically by subjects of theology, worship, morality, politics, economy, and society.<ref>Damiri, Muhammad Rida, ''Kitab shinasi-yi tafsili-yi madhahib Islami'', p. 375</ref> | ||
===''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam wa ma' | ===''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam wa ma'thur makarim al-shiyam''=== | ||
''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam wa ma' | ''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam wa ma'thur makarim al-shiyam'' was compiled by Qadi al-Quda'i. He was a [[Shafi'i]] scholar who lived in the fourth/tenth century and was considered to be reliable among traditionists. Some scholars regard him as a [[Shi'a]].<ref>Nuri, Husayn b. Muhammad Taqi, ''Mustadrak al-wasa'il'', vol. 3, p. 367</ref> | ||
The book is divided into nine chapters: 'Ali's (a) beneficial maxims, his denunciation of this world, his aversion to it, his sermons, his advice and prohibitions, his answers to questions, his peculiar words, his rare words, his prayers and supplications, and a poem attributed to him.<ref>Qadi al-Quda'i, ''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam''. in Introduction</ref> | The book is divided into nine chapters: 'Ali's (a) beneficial maxims, his denunciation of this world, his aversion to it, his sermons, his advice and prohibitions, his answers to questions, his peculiar words, his rare words, his prayers and supplications, and a poem attributed to him.<ref>Qadi al-Quda'i, ''Dastur ma'alim al-hikam''. in Introduction</ref> | ||
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Some other collections of 'Ali's (a) sayings are as follows: | Some other collections of 'Ali's (a) sayings are as follows: | ||
* ''Nathr al-La'ali'' by [[ | * ''Nathr al-La'ali'' by [[Al-Fadl b. al-Hasan al-Tabrisi]] | ||
* ''Matlub kull al-talib min kalam Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali b. Abi Talib (a)'', selected by al-Jahiz, commentary by Rashid al-Din Watwat | * ''Matlub kull al-talib min kalam Amir al-Mu'minin 'Ali b. Abi Talib (a)'', selected by al-Jahiz, commentary by Rashid al-Din Watwat | ||
* ''Qala'id al-hikam wa fara'id al-kalim'' compiled by Qadi Abu Yusuf Ya'qub b. Sulayman Isfarayini | * ''Qala'id al-hikam wa fara'id al-kalim'' compiled by Qadi Abu Yusuf Ya'qub b. Sulayman Isfarayini | ||
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'''[[Uways al-Qarani]]''', (Uways b. 'Amir al-Muradi al-Qarani) was a famous ascetic who converted to [[Islam]] at the time of the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn Athir, ''Usd al-ghaba'', vol. 1, p. 179</ref> Uways was among the special companions of 'Ali (a) who pledged allegiance with him and promised to defend him until the last moments of his life, and in doing so, would never turn his back from the enemy [i.e. escape the enemy].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Jamal'', p. 59</ref> | '''[[Uways al-Qarani]]''', (Uways b. 'Amir al-Muradi al-Qarani) was a famous ascetic who converted to [[Islam]] at the time of the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn Athir, ''Usd al-ghaba'', vol. 1, p. 179</ref> Uways was among the special companions of 'Ali (a) who pledged allegiance with him and promised to defend him until the last moments of his life, and in doing so, would never turn his back from the enemy [i.e. escape the enemy].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Jamal'', p. 59</ref> | ||
'''[['Ammar b. Yasir]]''' was one of the first people who believed in the Prophet (s) and [[ | '''[['Ammar b. Yasir]]''' was one of the first people who believed in the Prophet (s) and [[Migration to Abyssinia|immigrated to Ethiopia]] with the first group of Muslims and after the Prophet (s) immigrated to [[Medina]], he joined the Prophet (s). After the Prophet (s) passed away, Ammar stood in defense of the Ahl al-Bayt (a) and 'Ali (a). Under the rule of [['Umar b. al-Khattab]], he became the governor of [[Kufa]] for a period of time, but since he was just and lived a simple life, some tried to get him dismissed. He returned to Medina and stood with 'Ali (a) and benefited from him.<ref>Kumpani, Fadl allah. '''Ali (s) kist'', p. 412</ref> | ||
'''[[Ibn 'Abbas]]''' ('Abd Allah b. al-'Abbas) was a cousin of the Prophet (s) and 'Ali (a). He narrated many hadiths from the Prophet (s).<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Amali'', p. 140</ref> During the time of the three caliphs before 'Ali (a), Ibn 'Abbas was always of the opinion that 'Ali (a) deserved the caliphate. During the rule of 'Ali (a), Ibn 'Abbas helped him in the battles of Jamal, Siffin and Nahrawan and was appointed by 'Ali (a) to become the governor of [[Basra]].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Jamal'', p. 265; Nasr b. Muzahim, ''Waqa't Siffin'', p. 410; Ibn Abi l-Hadid, ''Sharh nahj al-balagha'', vol. 2, p. 273</ref> | '''[[Ibn 'Abbas]]''' ('Abd Allah b. al-'Abbas) was a cousin of the Prophet (s) and 'Ali (a). He narrated many hadiths from the Prophet (s).<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Amali'', p. 140</ref> During the time of the three caliphs before 'Ali (a), Ibn 'Abbas was always of the opinion that 'Ali (a) deserved the caliphate. During the rule of 'Ali (a), Ibn 'Abbas helped him in the battles of Jamal, Siffin and Nahrawan and was appointed by 'Ali (a) to become the governor of [[Basra]].<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Jamal'', p. 265; Nasr b. Muzahim, ''Waqa't Siffin'', p. 410; Ibn Abi l-Hadid, ''Sharh nahj al-balagha'', vol. 2, p. 273</ref> | ||