Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib

Foreword

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

All praise be to Allah alone, and all blessings be upon the Chosen Prophet, Muhammad, and his household whom He has chosen

Amir al-Mu’minin, `Ali ibn Abi-Talib (a.s), is a great and peerless personality whose qualities have been recognized by friends and foes alike. None could ever deny his sterling qualities. He was born in a distinguished family of the tribe of Quraysh. He had the singular distinction of taking birth in the holy precincts of the Ka`bah. He first opened his eyes in this world to see the radiant visage of the Prophet (a.s). He grew and received upbringing under the tutelage of the Prophet (a.s). Imam `Ali (a.s) followed the footsteps of his mentor and cousin from his very childhood. He was always with the Prophet (a.s) like a shadow and derived felicity from the company. Imam `Ali (a.s) accomplished the various stages of upbringing and training under the fond and watchful eyes of the Prophet (a.s) His head and heart absorbed the actions and the exemplary character of the Prophet (a.s).The purity of thoughts and excellence of upbringing elevated Imam `Ali (a.s) to such heights that the moon and the stars appear to be at lower elevations!

This is a common belief, and true to a certain extent, that the environment plays a major role in shaping the nature and thoughts of persons. But, in this world, there have been august personalities who were not at all affected by the popular beliefs and superstitions. The thinking of these persons has always been different and their actions far apart from those of the populace. `Ali ibn Abi-Talib (a.s) has been one such noble personality who, rather than falling in line with the mundane thoughts and habits of the people, left his mark on their thoughts and actions. With his vision, power of comprehension and Allah’s help he was able to draw a line between right and wrong and, therefore, laid the foundation of a new and unique culture and thought process. Instead of treading the beaten track, he left his own footprints for others to follow. Therefore, in that idolatrous period in the history of Arabia, he never bowed his head to anyone other than the Creator, Allah! He kept his radiant forehead safe from bowing to myriad idols installed in the Ka`bah

those days. Imam `Ali’s thoughts and actions were always in tune with those of the Prophet (a.s). It was the result of this unity of thoughts that no sooner the Prophet (a.s) proclaimed his Message, `Ali (a.s) accepted it and gave the proof of his adherence to the Truth by being the first person to join the Prophet (a.s) in the prayers.

In his early days Imam `Ali (a.s) dedicated himself to the task of propagating Islam as a universal movement. He became a pillar of support for the Prophet (a.s) to confront and fight against the enemies of the Cause. At the Feast of al-`Ashirah when the Quraysh were dumbfounded at the Prophet (a.s)'s Declaration, Imam `Ali (a.s) faced their piercing eyes and stood firmly to witness the Prophet-hood of Muhammad (a.s). He publicly declared his support to the Prophet (a.s) and remained steadfast in his resolve until the end. History bears witness to the fact that when the infidel Quraysh exceeded all bonds of decency in torturing and ridiculing the Prophet (a.s) and his followers, they had to take shelter in a cave. Imam `Ali (a.s) braved all these hardships and never left the side of the Prophet (a.s) for a moment. He faced untold hardships but remained firm in his resolve. He was scared neither of the hardships nor the blatant threats of the enemies. He bore the difficulties with absolute equanimity. During the days in Medina, when the different tribes in Arabia kept aside their long drawn differences and joined to confront and harm the Prophet (a.s) and his Cause, Imam `Ali (a.s) stood firm as a wall of steel in the battlefield to vanquish and chase them away. He laid to dust the false pride of the infidels of Quraysh, who in the end capitulated to lay down arms and hypocritically professed allegiance to the New Creed!

The atmosphere was not congenial for Imam `Ali (a.s) after the closing of the eyes of the Prophet (a.s), the greed for power and pelf turned the Divinely commissioned leadership into worldly rule. These circumstances forced him into self-imposed isolation. But whenever the greater interests of Islam were at stake, he came out of his seclusion and gave invaluable advice to the “powers-that-be” in times of important expeditions and economic or religious matters. During these years of seclusion Imam `Ali (a.s) busied himself in study of Islamic tenets and thoughts. He always preferred collective rights to individual desires. When at the ripe old age of fifty-eight he ascended to the worldly caliphate, he found the State in turmoil. With the plunder of the foreign lands there was excess of wealth in the Nation that had changed the very nature of the Arabs for the worst. Instead of the proverbial simplicity, the life style of Arabs turned towards pomp and show of wealth. Although it was not an easy task to mend the fences, Imam `Ali (a.s) faced the intrigue of the adversaries to protect Islam and its moral values.

His services in this direction were selfless and his observations are a treasure- house in the annals of Islamic History. In the battlefield and in the halls of debate he represented the cause of Islam with absolute valor and success. Whether it was the Feast of al-`Ashirah or it was the presentation of the Verse of Bara’ah to the infidels of Makkah; whether it was the Capture of Makkah, Purification of the Ka`bah, the expedition of Khandaq or that of Khaybar; Imam `Ali’s services to the cause have a unique distinction enjoyed by none else in the comity of the Prophet’s companions. His efforts are rated the highest in the protection, welfare, propagation and development of the Faith of Islam.

If his contribution is separated from the History of Islam, the history will appear wanting in content. His achievements are a dominant part of the annals of Islamic History. Although in every epoch efforts were made by his adversaries to put curtains of darkness over his achievement, and the establishments of those days were hand in glove with such historians, their enmity and hatred could not succeed in hiding Imam `Ali’s great contributions, and he continues to shine on the horizon of Islam like the brightest of stars!

Amir al-Mu’minin (a.s), on the one hand patronized learning and knowledge to take the caravan of humanity forward and on the other he himself set brightest examples of virtuous action that became a beacon of guidance for the populace. It is necessary that people follow and emulate his way of life. They should draw light from his thoughts and beliefs. The norms of action should be devised on his teachings and actions. The society must be built on the foundation of unshakable principles. Then only the individual and collective lives will be compatible with the requirements of the Faith and will achieve the moral heights.

With this aim impressions of the life and achievements of Imam `Ali (a.s) are being described in this work. Attempt has been made neither to make a colorful presentation nor to exaggerate any facts. We have abstained from the slightest element of bias in this work and all the facts are presented in the light of authentic historical references. They are arranged in such a way that chronologically the presentation has the interest of a biographical work. If any references have been made to the events of difference and controversy in the narrative, we have limited them to mere quotation of the source material without going into a discussion over the matter. We do pray to Allah that this work dispels the clouds of bias and helps people to understand the great personality. “And with none but Allah is the direction of my affair to a right issue; on Him do I rely and to Him do I turn.”