His Position in the Silsila
Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu holds the title of the second Imam in the Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razaviyyah Nooriyah Silsila.
Blessed Name
His name is Ali, and he is also known by titles like Abul Hassan, Abu Turab, Murtuda, Asadullah, and Haidar-e-Karraar.
His Father and Mother
His father, Abu Taalib, was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and his grandfather was Abdul Mutallib. His mother, Faatima bint Asad, was from the lineage of Haashim. When she passed away, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam personally prepared her grave and used his blessed garment as her shroud.
Miraculous Events in the Womb
While pregnant with Ali, his mother had extraordinary dreams. She felt a spiritual change during her pregnancy and could not prostrate before idols. She was blessed with signs of Ali's greatness before his birth. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]
His Birth
Hadrat Ali was born on a Friday, either on the 13th of Muharram or Rajab, 30 years after the Year of the Elephant. He was born inside the Holy Kaaba, a unique and unparalleled blessing. His mother faced a challenge when he refused milk for three days, but the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam soothed him by placing his blessed tongue in Ali's mouth, allowing him to begin nursing.
His Childhood
At age five, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam took Ali into his home, where he was raised until the age of ten, in the loving care of the Prophet.
His Features
Hadrat Ali was known for his strength and athletic build. He was of medium height with a tan complexion and a beautiful face that would shine like the full moon. His eyes were large and black, and his body was muscular, with broad shoulders and strong hands. His overall health and physical prowess were legendary.
Family Tree
Ali’s lineage is as follows: Ali bin Abu Taalib bin Abdul Mutallib bin Abd Munaaf bin Qasi bin Kilaab bin Marrah bin Lawi bin Ghaalib bin Fahar bin Maalik bin Nuzar bin Kinaana. [Tareekh al-Khulafa]
His Acceptance of Islam
Hadrat Ali was the first among the youth to accept Islam, doing so when the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam invited him. He was raised in the Prophet’s household and was an early and steadfast supporter of Islam. [Ikmaal fi Asmaa ar-Rijaal]
His Excellence
Hadrat Ali was known for his profound knowledge and righteousness. He was firm in his religious commitments, quick to help others, and often spent time in meditation, weeping in fear of Allah. His humility was unmatched despite his immense wisdom and leadership. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]
His Role as Khalifa
Hadrat Ali served as the fourth Khalifa after the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His leadership was marked by his wisdom, generosity, and commitment to justice. His rule lasted for about four years, eight months, and nine days. [Tareekh al-Khulafa]
His Bravery
Ali’s bravery was legendary. He fought in all major battles, including the Battle of Khaibar, where he famously uprooted a heavy door with his bare hands and used it as a shield. His courage was unmatched in battle, and he played a key role in defending the Muslim community. [Madarij an-Nabuwwah]
His Generosity and Kindness
Hadrat Ali was known for his charity, often giving away what little he had to the poor. In one story, he and his family fasted for three days, giving away all their food to those in need, an act that was praised by the revelation of a verse in the Qur’an. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]
His Knowledge
Ali's knowledge of the Quran and Hadith was unmatched. He is known to have narrated over 500 Hadiths. His wisdom was so great that he was regarded as the best judge among the companions. [Jaami’ al-Manaqib]
His Love for the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam
Ali was deeply devoted to the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, even willing to sacrifice his life for him. His relationship with the Prophet was unique, and he is often described as the Prophet’s closest companion.
His Poetry
Hadrat Ali was also known for his eloquence and poetry, often writing verses to express his love for Allah and the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Some of his poetry reflects his wisdom and faith, such as his verses on the value of knowledge over material wealth.
Wives and Children of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu):
There are different opinions among scholars about how many wives Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu had, but we know about a few:
-
Bibi Faatima (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha) – She was the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and Hadrat Ali’s first wife. He was not allowed to marry anyone else as long as she was alive.
-
Bibi Imaama (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha) – She was the granddaughter of the Prophet and daughter of Sayyida Zainab. Hadrat Ali married her at the request of Bibi Faatima before her passing.
-
Hadrat Aasma bint Umais (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha) – She had been married to Hadrat Ja’far Tayyaar, then to Hadrat Abu Bakr, and finally to Hadrat Ali.
-
Hadrat Khaula bint Jaafar bin Qais (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha)
-
Umm al-Baneen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha)
-
Umme Habeeb bint Rabiaa (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha)
-
Sayyida Laila bint Mas’ood (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha)
-
Umme Sa’ad bint Urwah (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha)
-
His ninth wife’s name is not known.
Regarding his children, different scholars give different numbers. Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan mentions he had 12 sons and 9 daughters, while Allama Muhammad Mia mentions 18 sons and 18 daughters.
The Martyrdom of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu):
The martyrdom of Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was a tragic and painful event in Islamic history. A group of Kharijites, including Abdur Rahman bin Muljim, plotted to kill Hadrat Ali, Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah, and Hadrat Amr ibn al-A’as on the same day in 40 Hijri during the month of Ramadan.
-
Bark bin Abdullah attacked Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah, but he was only injured.
-
Amr bin Bukair went to Egypt to kill Hadrat Amr ibn al-A’as, but due to an illness, Amr appointed someone else to lead prayers. Amr’s substitute was killed by mistake.
Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu woke up that morning and shared a dream he had about the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), where the Prophet told him to curse the tyrants. As Hadrat Ali entered the mosque for prayer, Ibn Muljim, the assassin, struck him with a poisoned sword. Hadrat Ali, despite being severely injured, asked for the assassin to be treated kindly, saying he would either forgive or take revenge based on his survival.
Hadrat Ali passed away on the 21st of Ramadan at the age of 63 due to the wound.
His Final Advice:
Before his death, Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu gave heartfelt advice to his sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, urging them to be pious and not to desire the worldly things even if they are offered. He also advised them to show mercy to orphans and help the weak.
He repeated similar advice to his son Muhammad bin Hanafiyah and then recited the Kalima (Testification of Faith), passing away soon after.
The Ghusl (Washing) and Kafan (Shrouding):
His sons Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, along with Abdullah ibn Jaa’far, performed the ghusl (ritual washing) for Hadrat Ali and wrapped him in a simple kafan (shroud made of three pieces of cloth). Imam Hasan led his funeral prayer (Janaaza Salaah).
His Final Resting Place:
The most widely accepted location of Hadrat Ali’s grave is in Najaf Ashraf, Iraq, though there are various narrations about its exact location.
The Belief of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah:
The Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah believe that Hadrat Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu was the fourth caliph of Islam. While the Shia community holds differing views, the Sunni perspective affirms the rightful leadership of the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.
The renowned scholar Imam Abu Hanifa (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) stated that after the Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), the most exalted companions are Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. This belief is upheld in various hadiths where Hadrat Ali himself confirmed the superiority of Abu Bakr and Umar over himself.
Sayyiduna Gawth al-Aa’zam Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) also affirmed that the Asharah al-Mubasharah (the ten companions promised Paradise) are the greatest, and from these, the four caliphs are the most exalted.
Conclusion
Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was a paragon of virtue, humility, bravery, and wisdom. His life continues to inspire Muslims around the world.