Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه is one of the most significant figures in Islamic history. His courage, wisdom, and deep devotion to Islam made him an exemplary leader and a model for believers. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet ﷺ, the first among the youth to embrace Islam, and one of the four rightly guided Caliphs.
His life, from his early years to his martyrdom, was marked by steadfastness, immense knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
His Lineage and Family Background
His full name was Ali ibn Abi Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf. His kunya (honorific title) was Abu al-Hasan and later Abu Turab, a title given to him by the Prophet ﷺ.
His mother, Fatima bint Asad, was from the noble Banu Hashim tribe and was the cousin of Abu Talib, making Ali’s parents close relatives. Ali was born and raised in the household of Abu Talib, a respected leader of Quraysh and the uncle who took care of the Prophet ﷺ.
Fatima bint Asad was among the early Muslim women who migrated from Makkah to Madinah, and she passed away in Madinah during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ. This is confirmed by the narration of Amr ibn Murrah, where he mentioned that Ali once instructed his mother:
اكفي فاطمة بنت رسول الله ﷺ سقاية الماء وتكفيكِ هي الطحن والعجن
(Suffice Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, by fetching water, and she will suffice you in grinding and kneading the dough.) (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaibah:8/156)
This indicates that Fatima bint Asad was alive in Madinah when the Prophet ﷺ was present.
Ali’s Kunya – Abu Turab and Its Story
Ali رضي الله عنه was known as Abu Turab, a name he loved the most. The story behind this title is narrated by Sahl ibn Sa’d:
"ما كان لعلي اسم أحب إليه من أبي تراب"
(There was no name more beloved to Ali than Abu Turab.) (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6280)
He was given this title by the Prophet ﷺ himself. One day, the Prophet ﷺ visited the house of Fatima رضي الله عنها and found Ali missing. He asked:
"أين ابن عمك؟"
(Where is your cousin?)
Fatima رضي الله عنها replied:
"قد كان بيني وبينه شيء فغضبني فخرج ولم يقل عندي."
(There was a disagreement between us, and he got upset and left. He did not stay with me.)
The Prophet ﷺ went out looking for Ali and found him lying in the masjid, covered in dust. The Prophet ﷺ began wiping the dust off his body and said:
"قم أبا تراب! قم أبا تراب!"
(Get up, O Abu Turab! Get up, O Abu Turab!) (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6280)
From that day, this became the most beloved title of Ali رضي الله عنه.
Ali’s Early Embrace of Islam
Ali رضي الله عنه was among the earliest people to accept Islam. Different narrations mention his age at the time:
- Ibn Abbas: "The first person to embrace Islam was Ali." (Al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr: 12151)
- Muhammad al-Quradhi: "The first Muslim was Khadijah, and among men, the first were Abu Bakr and Ali." (Al-Bidāya wa l-Nihāya: 4/65)
- Urwa bin Zubair narrated: "Ali accepted Islam when he was only eight years old. (Al-Sunan al-Kubra: 6/206)
Despite his young age, Ali never wavered in his faith and remained among the closest companions of the Prophet ﷺ.
Ali’s Participation in Battles
Ali رضي الله عنه was among the earliest warriors of Islam and fought in every battle except for the Battle of Tabuk.
Battle of Khaybar
The most famous incident from Ali’s military career happened during the Battle of Khaybar, where the Prophet ﷺ declared:
"لأعطينا الراية رجلا يفتح الله على يديه يحب الله ورسوله، ويحبه الله ورسوله."
(Tomorrow, I will give the banner to a man, at whose hands Allah will grant victory; a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.) (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 3009)
The next morning, Ali was called and given the banner of Islam, demonstrating his esteemed position in the eyes of the Prophet ﷺ.
Ali’s Knowledge and Wisdom
Ali رضي الله عنه was recognized for his deep understanding of Islamic law. Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه said:
"أقضانا علي."
(The best judge among us is Ali.) (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 4481)
Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه also remarked:
"إِذَا حَدَّثَنَا ثِقَةٌ عَنْ عَلِيٍّ بِفُتْيَا لا نَعْدُوهَا."
(If a trustworthy person narrated a fatwa from Ali, we would not go beyond it.) (Tabaqāt Ibn Sa'd: 2/258)
Ali’s Martyrdom and Assassination
On the 17th of Ramadan, 40 AH, while Ali رضي الله عنه was leading Fajr Salah, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam, a member of the Khawarij, struck him with a poisoned sword.
Despite his injuries, Ali showed justice and mercy, saying:
"أطعموه واسقوه، وأحسنوا إسَارَهُ، فإن عشت فأنا ولي دمي، أعفو إن شئت، وإن شئت استقدت، وإن مت فقتلتموه، فلا تُمثلوا."
("Feed him, give him water, and treat him well in captivity. If I survive, I have the right over my own blood—I may pardon if I wish, or seek retribution if I wish. But if I die and you kill him, do not mutilate his body.") (Al-Sunan al-Kubra: 8/317)
Ali رضي الله عنه passed away two days later at the age of 58 or 63, according to different narrations.
His grave was hidden to prevent desecration by the Khawarij, who hated Ali despite his immense virtue.
Final Words on Ali’s Legacy
Ali رضي الله عنه was a beacon of knowledge, justice, and courage. His virtues are many, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:
"ما ورد لأحد من الصحابة من الفضاءل ما ورد لعلي."
(No companion of the Prophet ﷺ has more virtues mentioned than Ali.) (Tārīkh al-Islām: 3/638)
His life is not just a chapter in history—it is a legacy of faith, courage, and steadfast justice. His story inspires us to lead with wisdom, uphold the truth, and remain resilient in the face of trials.
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