Introduction of Hazrat Ali (RA)
Hazrat Ali (RA) was a noble and courageous leader of Islam, who was born in the sacred precinct of the Holy Kabah in Mecca. His birth date was the 13th of Rajab in the year 23 BH, which was a Friday. He (RA) belonged to the Quraish tribe and the Bani Hashim clan, the same as Hazrat Muhammad (SAW), who was his first cousin and his guardian. His father was Hazrat Abu Talib (RA), the uncle and protector of the Prophet (SAW), and his mother was Fatima bint-e Asad, who was also highly respected by the Prophet (SAW).
Hazrat Ali (RA) received a great blessing when Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) himself named him after his birth. He (RA) grew up under the loving care and guidance of the Prophet (SAW), who taught him the values and principles of Islam.
Accepting Islam at an early age
Hazrat Ali (RA) was the first young person to embrace Islam at the age of 10. He accepted Islam when the Messenger of Allah (SWT) received the very first revelation from Allah Almighty.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) began spreading the message of Islam among his family and closest relatives. He invited them all to a meal and asked, “Who will join me in the cause of Almighty Allah?” The entire group remained silent, but Ali (RA) bravely stood up and expressed his unwavering belief in the Word of Righteousness to all.
He (RA) said, “Though my eyes are sore, my legs are thin, and I am the youngest among all those present here, yet I will stand by you, O Messenger of Allah.”
Thus, he became the first youth to enter the fold of Islam. Hazrat Ali (RA) started following Islam early in life, and this shaped his whole journey with strong dedication and bravery. His important role in Islamic history continues to influence, leaving a lasting mark.
Importance of Hazrat Ali (RA) in Islam
Hazrat Ali (RA) played a vital role in Islam and made significant contributions to the faith. As the cousin, son-in-law, and one of the closest companions to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his importance cannot be understated. As mentioned earlier, Hazrat Ali (RA) was the first male to embrace Islam and displayed immense courage in battles like Badr and Khandaq.
For more information about the Battle of Badar, you can visit this blog: The Significance Battle of Badr.
Hazrat Ali (RA) served as the fourth Caliph, and his leadership was characterized by a strong emphasis on justice and adherence to Islamic principles. His profound wisdom is reflected in his numerous sayings, which are compiled in Nahj al-Balagha. Even today, his legacy is viewed as a symbol of piety, courage, and devotion, and he is revered by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, which makes him one of the most distinguished figures in Islamic history.
Risking his life for the Holy Prophet (SAW)
The Holy Prophet (SAW) faced opposition from almost everyone when He (SAW) began spreading the message of Islam, except for a few individuals, such as Hazrat Ali (RA). Hazrat Ali (RA) remained loyal and steadfast in his support for his cousin despite the challenges. He was one of the most loyal and brave companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW). As he (RA) risked his life many times for the sake of Islam and the Prophet (SAW).
One of the most famous examples of his courage and sacrifice was when he slept in the bed of the Prophet (SAW) on the night of Hijrah when the enemies of Islam were plotting to kill him. By doing this, he saved the Prophet (SAW) from harm and fulfilled his trust. Hazrat Ali (RA) was ready to face death for the love of the Prophet (SAW), who was like a father to him.
It makes us think about how many of us would be willing to risk everything for the sake of the Prophet (SAW).
For more exploration, you can visit this blog: Hijrah Madina
Marrying to Hazrat Fatima (RA)
The marriage of Hazrat Ali (RA) to Hazrat Fatima (RA), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is a significant and blessed union in Islamic history. This sacred event took place in the second year of the Islamic calendar, shortly after the migration to Medina. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) proposed the marriage, highlighting the spiritual and familial bond between his family and Hazrat Ali (RA).
Learn More: Who was Hazrat Fatima Zahra (RA)?
Both Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA) had a contented life and were blessed with five children: Hazrat Hassan (RA), Hazrat Hussain (RA), Hazrat Zainab (RA), Hazrat Umm Kalthum (RA), and Hazrat Mohsin (RA), who passed away in early childhood. Imam Hussain (RA) is credited with rendering the greatest service to Islam by standing up against the unjust ruler Yazid and sacrificing his life for this cause.
Learn More: Who was Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)? What was His Life Like?
Title of “Asadullah”-The Lion of Allah
Hazrat Ali (RA) was famously known as “Asadullah” which means “The Lion of Allah” due to his exceptional bravery and courage during the war of Khaibar against the Jews. He was chosen by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for his unwavering love and devotion towards Allah (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW). Despite his apparent weakness, Hazrat Ali (RA) exhibited unmatched bravery and fearlessness in the face of danger.
During the war, he faced the bravest Jewish warrior, Mahrab, and defeated him with a single powerful sword blow. This extraordinary feat left a lasting impression on Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who bestowed upon him the title “Asadullah,” which symbolized Hazrat Ali’s (RA) valor and strength.
Being the Fourth Caliph in Islamic History
After the martyrdom of the third caliph, Hazrat Usman (RA), in the year 35 A.H., Hazrat Ali took charge and became the fourth caliph of the Muslim community. This was a challenging time for Hazrat Ali (RA). He (RA) had to work against rebellions and maintain peace in the territory.
Hazrat Ali (RA) had to move the Muslim capital from Medina to Kufa, Iraq, due to the immense support he received from there. Despite facing numerous challenges during his caliphate, he managed to revive the essence of a simple Islamic way of life based on equality and honest earning through hard work in a short period.
Although he held the highest authority in Islam, he did not hesitate to sit at shops and sell dates. He wore clothes that were patched, sat on the ground with poor people, and shared food with them. Hazrat Ali (RA) was always determined to ensure that the income of Baitul Mal reached its rightful recipients as quickly as possible. He was not in favor of the growth of government revenue in the treasury. His (RA) reign lasted for nearly five years.
Hazrat Ali is a great Scholar of Islam
Hazrat Ali was a skilled warrior and a great scholar of Islam. He had a remarkable understanding of the teachings of Islam, particularly in the Holy Quran. Ali was an excellent public speaker, proficient at writing letters, and recording his sayings. His writings and speeches are still followed and preserved by the Muslim community to this day. Notably, he was a master of the Arabic language.
Martyrdom of Hazrat Ali (RA)
Ali was martyred on the 21st of Ramadan, 40 Hijrah (661 CE) by a Kharijite named Ibn Muljim. The Kharijite attacked him with a poison-coated sword while he was leading the morning prayer at the Great Mosque of Kufa, present-day Iraq. Ali suffered from the wound for two days before passing away. He was buried in Najaf al-Ashraf, and his shrine is visited by millions of Muslims every year.
We can learn from Ali’s teachings and follow his footsteps in obeying Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W). We should remember him in our prayers and ask Allah to grant him the highest rank in Paradise. If you want to learn more about Hazrat Ali, you can read this blog from Islamic Finder.
FAQs
Q: Was Hazrat Ali a prophet?
A: No, Hazrat Ali (RA) was not a prophet. He was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the last and final messenger of Allah. Hazrat Ali (RA) was one of the first and foremost believers of Islam, and a close companion of the Prophet (SAW).
Q: What can we learn from Hazrat Ali’s life?
A: Hazrat Ali’s (RA) life is a source of inspiration and guidance for Muslims. He was a courageous warrior, a loyal leader, a devout worshipper, and a wise scholar. He dedicated his life to the service of Islam and the Muslim community. Hazrat Ali (RA) faced many trials and tribulations with patience and perseverance. He was known for his justice, generosity, and kindness.
Q: Where is Hazrat Ali buried?
A: Hazrat Ali (RA) is buried in Najaf, Iraq. His mausoleum, known as the Imam Ali Shrine, is a sacred place for Shia Muslims. Najaf is one of the four holy cities of Shia Islam, along with Karbala, Mashhad, and Qom. Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Najaf to pay homage to Hazrat Ali (RA) and seek his intercession.
Q: What was the name of his sword and where is it now?
A: Hazrat Ali (RA) had a legendary sword called “Zulfiqar.” It was a gift from Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who bestowed it upon Hazrat Ali (RA) during the Battle of Uhud. Zulfiqar was a double-edged sword with a distinctive shape and design. It was a symbol of Hazrat Ali’s (RA) valor and strength in the battlefield. The current location of Zulfiqar is unknown. There are various claims and theories about its whereabouts, but none of them are verified or agreed upon. Zulfiqar is more than a physical object. It is a spiritual legacy that lives on in the hearts of the followers of Hazrat Ali (RA).
