Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) is one of the most honored personalities in Islamic history. He was the fourth Caliph of Islam, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad ï·º, and is remembered for his knowledge, bravery, justice, and deep spirituality.
Here’s a detailed overview:
Early Life
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Born in Makkah in 600 CE, inside the Kaaba (according to many reports).
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Father: Abu Talib, uncle of Prophet Muhammad ï·º.
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Mother: Fatimah bint Asad (RA).
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Raised in the household of Prophet Muhammad ï·º from a young age.
Acceptance of Islam
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Among the first to accept Islam, at about 10 years old.
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Grew up in the Prophet’s care and became his devoted supporter.
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Stood by Islam in its earliest and hardest days.
Role During Prophet Muhammad ï·º’s Life
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Migration to Madinah (Hijrah)
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When Prophet ï·º left for Madinah, Ali (RA) slept in his bed to protect him from Quraysh assassins.
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Battles
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Fought bravely in almost all major battles.
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Known for unmatched courage and strength.
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Famous incidents:
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Battle of Badr (624 CE): One of the strongest fighters.
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Battle of Uhud (625 CE): Defended the Prophet ï·º fiercely.
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Battle of Khandaq (627 CE): Defeated the warrior Amr ibn Abd Wudd in single combat.
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Battle of Khaybar (628 CE): Carried the gate of the fort and led Muslims to victory.
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Marriage
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Married to Fatimah (RA), daughter of Prophet Muhammad ï·º.
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Their children: Hasan (RA), Husayn (RA), Zaynab (RA), and Umm Kulthum (RA).
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Title
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Known as Asadullah (Lion of Allah) for his bravery.
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Prophet ï·º said about him:
“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.”
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As the Fourth Caliph (656–661 CE)
After the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman (RA), Ali (RA) became the fourth Caliph of Islam.
Challenges During His Rule
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Faced major internal conflicts (Fitnah) within the Muslim community.
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Two important battles:
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Battle of Jamal (656 CE): Against a group led by Aisha (RA), Talha (RA), and Zubair (RA).
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Battle of Siffin (657 CE): Against Muawiyah (RA), governor of Syria.
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These battles were tragic, as they involved companions fighting each other due to misunderstandings and political tensions.
Governance
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Known for his justice, simplicity, and humility.
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Focused on equality and removing corruption.
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Strict against misuse of wealth and power.
Death
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In 661 CE (40 AH), while leading Fajr prayer in Kufa, Iraq, Hazrat Ali (RA) was struck with a poisoned sword by a Kharijite named Abdul Rahman ibn Muljam.
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After two days, he attained martyrdom.
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Buried in Najaf, Iraq, where his shrine remains today.
Legacy
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Revered by all Muslims as a symbol of bravery, knowledge, and justice.
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For Sunni Muslims, he is the fourth of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Khulafa-e-Rashideen).
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For Shia Muslims, he is the first Imam and rightful successor of Prophet Muhammad ï·º.
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His sayings and wisdom are preserved in books like Nahj al-Balagha.
⚔️ Titles:
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Asadullah (Lion of Allah)
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Abu al-Hasan (Father of Hasan)
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Al-Murtaza (The Chosen One)
📜 Famous Saying of Hazrat Ali (RA):
“Knowledge enlivens the soul. The disease of the heart is ignorance.”