His bravery, wisdom, and piety are legendary. The Prophet (SAW) declared: ‘I am the City of Knowledge, and Ali is its gate.’ Hazrat Umar (RA) said: ‘Had Ali not been there, I would have been in trouble.’
Raqif Makhdoomi
Hazrat Ali (RA) holds a very important and special place when we speak about the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He was the son-in-law of the Prophet, married to Hazrat Fatima (RA), the leader of the women of Jannah. Their blessed children included Hazrat Hassan (RA), Hazrat Hussein (RA), and Hazrat Zainab (RA).
Hazrat Ali (RA) is known for his unparalleled bravery. He is bestowed with attributes such as Conqueror of Khyber, Haider-e-Qarar, Al-Murtaza, and Asadullah (Lion of Allah). When Khyber posed a challenge and remained unconquered, the Prophet (SAW) declared, “Tomorrow I will give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and whom Allah and His Messenger love, and he will conquer Khyber.” The next morning, everyone awaited who would receive the flag, and it was handed to Hazrat Ali (RA). He conquered Khyber, fulfilling the Prophet’s words.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said, “I am the City of Knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” When one speaks of bravery without mentioning Hazrat Ali (RA), it is an injustice to bravery itself.
Hazrat Ali (RA) was the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the first among the children to accept Islam. He was born on the 13th of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar, around 599 AD or 600 CE. The 13th of Rajab is celebrated annually as his birthday, with dates varying on the Gregorian calendar each year.
Known for his extraordinary bravery, Hazrat Ali (RA) was martyred while in prayer. He was approximately 62 or 63 years old. To be honest, had he not been in prayer, it would have been next to impossible for the Kharijite Ibn Muljim to even approach him with such intention. Ibn Muljim struck him on the head with a poison-coated sword on 19 Ramadan 40 AH (c. 26 January 661 CE) in the Great Mosque of Kufa. He died two days later on 21 Ramadan 40 AH (c. 28 January 661 CE). It was during Fajr prayers that he was martyred.
The Virtues Of Hazrat Ali (RA)
Hazrat Ali (RA) was known for:
- Unmatched Knowledge and Wisdom: Considered a primary source of knowledge after Prophet Muhammad, he is renowned for his deep insights into spiritual and worldly matters.
- Justice and Fairness: A symbol of Islamic justice, he was unwavering in fairness, often cited for treating all Muslims equally.
- Courage and Bravery: Renowned for his role in early Islamic battles, he is viewed as the archetype of chivalry.
- Piety and Asceticism: He was deeply devoted to God and disregarded worldly pleasures.
- Compassion for the Weak: He demonstrated immense kindness towards the poor, orphans, and the disadvantaged.
- Eloquent Speaker and Writer: His sermons and letters are considered masterpieces of Arabic literature.
- Unwavering Honesty: He was known for his absolute integrity and truthfulness.
- Eloquence and Wit: He was known for his sharp wit and powerful, persuasive speech.
- Stewardship and Leadership: His leadership was marked by integrity, fairness, and accountability.
- Devotion to the Prophet’s Legacy: He was committed to upholding the teachings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
His Role In The Caliphates
Hazrat Ali (RA) played key roles in the caliphates of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), and Hazrat Uthman (RA). He served as Chief Secretary, Chief Justice, and Military General, respectively.
Hazrat Umar Al-Farooq (RA) once said, “Had Ali not been there, I would have been in trouble.”
It is not for anyone to say that Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Uthman (RA), or Hazrat Ali (RA) were successful separately. They were each other’s support. They all helped one another to ensure their caliphates were successful.
Once, a person said to Hazrat Ali (RA), “Hazrat Uthman (RA) had the best law and order. Look at your situation.” Hazrat Ali (RA) replied, “The reason is that I was his military general, and you are mine.”
The justice of Hazrat Umar (RA) is very well known. His chief justice was Hazrat Ali (RA). In no way were these four separate; they were always together.
A Warning About Extremes
Based on historical traditions, Hazrat Ali (RA) indicated that two groups would face destruction because of their stance towards him: those who hold excessive, exaggerated love for him (extremists) and those who bear hatred towards him. This is often interpreted as falling into either the idolatry of his personality or enmity against him—both diverging from the true path.
The Prophet’s Words
“You are to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that there will be no prophet after me.” This famous hadith, found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, highlights Ali’s close, trustworthy, and deputy-like relationship with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
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