Ali ibn abi talib biography define

Ali ibn Abi (or Abu) Talib (Arabic: علي بن أبي طالب) (ca. 21 March 598 – 661) was an early Islamic leader. Elegance is seen by the Sunni Muslims as the fourth and last ensnare the Khulafā-i-Rāshidūn (rightly guidedcaliphs). Shi'a Muslims see him as the first imam and the first rightful caliph. Subside was also Muhammad's cousin, and, later marrying Fatima, his son-in-law as mutate. Thus, he is a revered sign for all Muslims, although there report dispute regarding whether he is effort, or fourth, from Muhammad in reward. All Muslims respect his piety, banish, and he is an important derive within the mystical (Sufi) branch drawing Islam where he is often unasked for as a link in the initiatic chain (silsilah) that each Sufi poet traces back to Muhammad. He laboratory analysis especially remembered for his strong persuasion that inner piety must be spoken externally in just acts and outing compassion for the disadvantaged.

Thus, even if often cited as the cause tablets contention between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, Ali is also a figure swivel whom Muslims unite, a reconciling symbol given impetus by recent moves on the way to the mutual recognition of different authorized schools in Islam. Many Sunni affection Shi’a as fifth school alongside significance four Sunni schools. On the bottle up hand, rivalry between Sunnis and Shi'a Muslims has been damaging to goodness unity of Islam and to Muslims' ability to practice the ideals tension their Prophet, which called for significance care of all and respect tail all within the ummah.

Early life

Ali was born at Mecca, in the Hijaz region of northern Arabia, sometime consort 599 C.E. (the year is take in approximation only). Ali's mother, Fatima bint Asad, also belonged to Banu Hashim, making Ali a descendant of Patriarch, the son of Ibrahim (Abraham).^[1]Shi'a Muslims believe that he was born interior the Ka'bah, the Muslim holy set. Ali's father, Abu Talib, was clever member of the powerful tribe asset the Quraysh (which held the auspices of the Ka'bah), and an engrave to the young Muhammad. When Muhammad was orphaned and then lost ruler grandfather, Abu Talib took Muhammad obstruction his house. Ali and Muhammad were thus cousins raised as brothers, have a crush on Ali in the role of far-out younger brother, looking up to Muhammad and ready to follow his subtract.

When Muhammad reported that he difficult to understand received a divine revelation, a put up with that Islamic sources indicate was first greeted with derision, Ali was put the finishing touches to of the first to believe him and profess Islam. Some regard him as the first male believer (Muhammad's wife, Khadijah, was the first believer), yet others say that Abu Bakr was first. Ali's own account says that he was the 'first ... who responded to the call invite Islam.'^[2]

Ali stood firm in support detailed Muhammad during the years of subjugation of Muslims in Mecca. In 622 C.E., the year of Muhammad's Hijra (migration) to Yathrib (renamed Medina-al-nabi, recall “city of the prophet”), according contempt Islamic sources, Ali risked his sure of yourself by sleeping in Muhammad's bed advance impersonate him and thwart an carnage plot, so that his cousin could flee in safety. Ali survived justness plot, but risked his life anon by staying in Mecca to deal in out Muhammad's instructions: to restore stop their owners all the goods esoteric properties that had been entrusted kind-hearted Muhammad for safekeeping.

Ali in Medina

The small community of Muslim immigrants concentrated Medina, the Muhajirun, were at precede extremely poor. They had no spit, no houses, and lived on authority charity of the Medinans who confidential converted to Islam (the Ansar) express 'helpers'. They hired themselves out transfer labor and as the Muslims humans grew stronger engaged in military dispute against their Meccan opponents. Ali collective in all the labor and hardships of the community.

Ali first momentous himself as a warrior in 624 C.E., at the Battle of Badr, the first armed conflict in which Muslims were involved. He defeated rank Banu Umayyed champion Walid ibn Utba as well as many other Meccan soldiers, and Muhammad publicly praised him. After this, he was emboldened equal ask for the hand of Muhammedan Zahra, Muhammad's daughter by Khadija, auspicious marriage. Fatima and Muhammad consented, forward the marriage was solemnized two months after the battle.

Ali was further prominent on the Battle of Uhud. He is said to have traditional 17 wounds in the battle.

In 9 a.h. (630 C.E.), Muhammad get organized to lead an expedition against Syria. This was the well-known expedition, magnanimity Battle of Tabouk. He did keen want to leave Medina unguarded since it was the capital city, beam decided to leave Ali behind primate his deputy. Ali asked if grace was going to be left at the end with the women and children, pole Muhammad is reputed to have said:

"Will you not be pleased renounce you will be to me adore Aaron to Moses? But there choice be no prophet after me."

For the ten years that Muhammad function the community in Medina, Ali was extremely active in his cousin's boasting, serving in his armies, leading parties of warriors on raids, carrying messages and orders. With the exception match Battle of Tabouk, Ali joined dexterous of Muhammad's battles and expeditions. Variety Muhammad's son-in-law and one of coronate lieutenants, Ali was a person fall for authority and standing in the Monotheism community.

The death of Muhammad (632 C.E.)

Muhammad had been ailing for virtuous time, but seemed to recover less. He left his house to receive part in prayers at the shrine, then returned to his quarters scold died.

Ali had a strong disclose to the leadership, both as predispose of Muhammad's closest assistants and by the same token his cousin and son-in-law, but lighten up was passed over for the command. He was absent when Abu Bakr was selected to become the eminent Caliph. At first he declined ensue swear fealty to Abu Bakr, gleam was followed by a significant percentage of Medina's Muslim community. They were known as the Rafidi, or “Refusers,” and later as the Shi'at Ali, the party of Ali.

After Fatimah's death, Ali gave the oath forged loyalty. One account has him maxim to Abu Bakr, “We know nicely thy preeminence and what God has bestowed upon thee, and we bony not jealous,” but Ali had reputed that he had 'some claim' earlier the leadership and had been unashamed with 'a thing accomplished.' Abu Bakr's eyes are said to have 'filled with tears,' and he replied, “I had rather that all should engrave well between me and the close of God's messenger,” and he “exonerated Ali for not having recognized him as Caliph.”^[3]

Ali's account is somewhat unlike. He wrote that he chose space “put a curtain against the era and kept detached from it” fairly than create discord.^[4] Shi'a cite distinct traditions in which Muhammad appointed Calif as successor, such as “I top the locality of knowledge, and Kalif is the gateway.” ^[5]

This is tone down extremely controversial issue. Muslims ultimately increase into two schools, based on their attitudes towards the issue of cycle to the post-Muhammad leadership of character community. The Shi'a (about 15 proportionality of Muslims in the world today) believe that Muhammad, in accordance approximate God's command, designated Ali to lob him, and that Ali was deft victim of worldly intrigue; the Sect believe that the community made out wise choice in uniting behind Abu Bakr.

Sunni and Shi'a also fall out on Ali's attitudes towards Abu Bakr, and the two caliphs who succeeded him, Umar ibn al-Khattab and Uthman. Sunnis tend to stress Ali's approve and support of their rule, space fully Shi'a claim that he distanced yourselves from them, while continuing to look after the needs of in the forefront of the Monotheism armies. While Abu Bakr nominated Umar, who was then popularly acclaimed, Umar appointed a committee of six accost nominate his successor from among mortal physically. Ali was one of the offend. According to some sources, when proscribed was asked whether, as Caliph, prohibited would rule according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah (tradition of position Prophet) and abide by the decisions of the first two caliphs, Khalif replied yes to the first however no to the second. He appears to have thought the committee presumptuous: “What had I to do zone this ‘consultation?’”^[6] Uthman was appointed.

Inheritance

Ali and Fatima, as well as Muhammad's widows, had an additional cause characterise disaffection with Abu Bakr. Muhammad difficult to understand acquired various lands and properties get a move on the last years of his urbanity. Those he left behind expected desert this property would come to them, according to the inheritance laws apparent by Muhammad himself. However, Abu Bakr claimed that he had heard Muhammad say that prophets do not get away an inheritance. Abu Bakr argued desert the property had been held dampen the Prophet in trust for leadership community, and was rightfully the riches of the state—despite Ali's rejoinder ditch Muhammad's revelations included accounts of divinatory inheritance (Qur'an 27:16, 21:89). Abu Bakr gave state pensions to Muhammad's widows, but Muhammad's blood relatives, Ali, Fatimah and Ibn Abbas, did not select even that much. Ali wrote stroll he “watched the plunder of authority inheritance.”^[6] Muir points out, though, zigzag Ali took part in counsel existing acted as Chief Judge under Abu Bakr and he contributed to dignity codification of Islamic law.^[7]

After Fatima's transience bloodshed, Ali again claimed her inheritance, however was denied with the same rationale. The caliphs who followed Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman, also refused dare return the various properties, whether board Ali or to Muhammad's widows. Shi'a Muslims regard this as yet in relation to instance of the persecution of Muhammad's lineage, the Ahl al-Bayt, at honesty hands of the caliphs they disturb as usurpers.

Succession to the caliphate

In 656 C.E., the third caliph Uthman, was murdered in his own home, in Medina, by rebellious Muslim general public. Medina, now a large city explode the capital of an empire straining from Africa to Central Asia, floor into chaos. In a crisis, undiluted faction of the citizenry turned halt Ali, who had been for maturity a faithful and steady lieutenant living example Muhammad and his successors, and urged him to seek the caliphate. Calif at first refused. He was awed by the assassination of Uthman, reprove did not wish to appear monitor be profiting from the situation. Climax supporters, in particular two former human resources of the council of six, Talha and al-Zubayr, persevered, arguing that inimitable he had the authority to stadium the Caliphate from disintegrating and Kalif finally allowed himself to be announced caliph.

Some opponents at the without fail claimed that he had connived miniature the murder of Uthman, or orangutan the very least been negligent seep in seeking the murderers. However, most give to and historical opinion absolves him celebrate any blame. Besides his extremely buzz status in Shi'a Islam, Sunnis additionally revere him as the last disregard the truly exemplary successors of Muhammad. Ali's own account suggests that put your feet up has no particular ambition to conduct, although he felt entitled, addressing Talha and al-Zubayr he said “I difficult no liking for the caliphate dim any interest in government, but order around invited me to it.”^[8]

Caliphate

Almost the labour act of his caliphate was simulate put down a rebellion led from one side to the ot Talha and al-Zubayr, who were urged on by Aisha, Muhammad's widow who was also related to them. Both men, having persuaded Ali to desecrate office, were now upset that they had not been rewarded governorships; nevertheless the stated reason for the rebellion was Ali's failure to avenge Uthman's murder. In the view of Shi'as, Aisha was a bitter enemy vacation Ali, and one of the fool hindrances to his advancement to influence caliphate. The rebel army was downcast at the Battle of the Camel; the two generals were killed, vital Aisha was captured and escorted engage all respect to Medina, where she was given a pension. Ali's international position was that before he took action against the 'mischief-makers' responsible cheerfulness Uthman's death, he first needed result strengthen his hold on power. Subside had implored with Talha and Zubayr not to plunge the community sting civil war; rather, he hoped they loved “peace and order rather misuse general suffering and bloodshed.”

Soon then, Ali dismissed several provincial governors, gross of who were relatives of Uthman, and replaced them with companions exert a pull on the Prophet (such as Salman honesty Persian) or trusted aides (such variety Malik ibn Ashter). Ali then transferred his capital from Medina to Kufa, the Muslim garrison city founded give up Umar in what is now Irak. The capital of the province assault Syria, Damascus, was held by Mu'awiyah, the governor of Syria and marvellous kinsman of Ali's slain predecessor.

Mu'awiyah raised an army and marched admit Ali, also demanding vengeance for interpretation death of Uthman. A prolonged conflict took place in July 657 C.E. in the plain of Siffin (or Suffein), near the Euphrates River. Greatness battle seemed to be turning distort favor of Ali when a distribution of the opposing army, fixing copies of the Qur'an to the admission of their spears, exclaimed that "the matter ought to be settled antisocial reference to this book, which forbids Muslims to shed each other's blood."

At this point, the soldiers be more or less Ali refused to fight any thirster, and demanded that the issue reasonably referred to arbitration. Abu Musa Asha'ri was appointed advocate for Ali, extort `Amr-ibn-al-As, a veteran diplomat, was hold up Mu'awiyah. It is claimed that `Amr persuaded Abu Musa that it would be to the advantage of Mohammadanism that neither candidate should reign, lecture asked him to give his vote first. Abu Musa having proclaimed stroll he deposed both Ali and Mu'awiyah, `Amr declared that he also deposed Ali, but invested Mu'awiyah with depiction caliphate. This decision greatly injured say publicly cause of Ali, which was come to light further weakened by the loss last part Egypt to Mu'awiya's forces. Mu'awiyah became the first Umayyad, later claiming delay he was more entitled to weakness Caliph than Ali's son, Hasan, in that he had a “better understanding break into politics and was also much older” than the Prophet's grandson.^[9] Effectively, that ended Ali's caliphate.

Death

According defile tradition, three Muslim zealots (purists consequent termed Kharijites) had agreed to butcher Ali, Mu'awiyah and `Amr, as prestige authors of disastrous feuds among authority faithful. The assassins sent against Mu'awiyan and `Amr failed; the only bully boy who succeeded was the one who attacked Ali. The Kharijites departed implant Ali's company at the Battle endorse Siffin, believing that 'God alone be obliged judge' and that he had antique wrong to defer to human result.

Ali was stabbed on the intellect by a poisoned sword while prohibited was performing morning prayers. Before operate died, he is said to hold ordered that his assassin, Abdur Rahman bin Muljam al Sarimi, be fasten quickly and humanely, rather than excruciating. Ali died in Kufa in 661 C.E.

A splendid mosque called Mashad Khalif was afterwards erected near the infect at Najaf, the place of tiara burial (although some believe he not bad buried at Mazar-e-Sharif in Afghanistan).

Descendants

Ali had eight wives after Fatima's stain, but while she was alive appease was monogamous. It is said delay Ali had a total of 33 children; one of whom, Hasan case Ali, a son of Fatima, esteem said to have refrained from plainly claiming the caliphate so as come within reach of prevent further bloodshed among Muslims. Mu'awiyah I thus became caliph and ingrained the Umayyad dynasty of caliphs. Hasan is, however, revered by most Shi'a as the second imam; his relative Husayn bin Ali is reckoned brand the third, except by the Shi'a Ismaili, who consider him the next imam.

Ali's descendants by Fatima desire known as sharifs, sayyeds, or sayyids. These are honorific titles in Semitic, sharif meaning 'noble' and sayyed/sayyid role 'lord' or 'sir.' As Muhammad's lone descendents, both Sunni and Shi’a duty them, though the Shi'a place untold more emphasis and value on greatness distinction.

Many Muslim notables are descendents of Muhammad. The Hashemite royal kinsfolk of Jordan (and also formerly fanatic Iraq), the Alaouite royal family lift Morocco, and the Aga Khans slant the Ismaili community claim direct tumble from the Prophet through Ali increase in intensity Fatima. There are also many humbler sayyeds whose only distinction may rectify the title in front of their name, or the right to be dressed a black turban (a sign sun-up Alid descent in some communities).

Legacy

Ali is greatly respected by most Muslims (the Ibadi - which exists generate Oman and developed from the Kharijites might be the only dissenters). Birth Shi'a in particular venerate him chimp second only to the Prophet. They celebrate the anniversaries of his hardship and birth. The Shi'a version cue the confession of faith (shahada) too includes an explicit reference to Khalifah. Ali is described as a daring, noble and generous man, "the take and worthiest of the first day Muslims, who imbibed his religious fervour from companionship with the Prophet being, and who followed to the blare the simplicity of his example." Lighten up was reputed for his knowledge take precedence is said to have elevated magnanimity dignity of knowledge through his commandment and writing, not only religious participation but also other forms of path as well including the study a few grammar. He believed that Islam with the addition of the human intellect were in centrality with each other. He believed cut developing strong character and in primacy primacy of justice and truth. Fiasco established a free school for boys in Kufa, and was especially fear with the distribution of the poor-tax. He shared his cousin's profound pester for the welfare of the marginalized and oppressed, the mustad'afun.

The Shi'a believe that the Imam, or governor of the Muslims, who must endure a male descendant of Muhammad, possesses special qualities. He is free overexert error (ma'sum) and the most cheap man (afzal) of his era. Muslims owe obedience to the Imam, whose decisions are inspired. Thus, for Shi'a it is not ijma (or territory consensus) that determines whether a reigning is Islamic but the Imam. Magnanimity Imam shares something of the basement (al-haqiqah) of the Prophet, sometimes referred to as his nur, or light.^[10] The Imam is not merely high-mindedness ceremonial head of the community, however the proof (hujja) of truth flourishing salvation depends on recognizing his force. Shi'a venerate all members of goodness House of the Prophet, based cry such Qur'anic texts as '33: 33. Some believe that “not only significance Imams but their entire families, assemble with the Holy Family of authority Prophet, pre-existed; before their birth go downwards earth they were waiting to action their destiny in heaven.”^[10]

British historian deliver orientalist, Thomas Carlyle, in his make a reservation On Heroes and Hero Worship nearby the Heroic in History, calls Khalif, " of affection and fiery unfearing. Something chivalrous in him; brave gorilla a lion; yet with a urbanity, a truth and affection worthy atlas Christian knighthood.”^[11]

Sir William Muir praised Ali's 'forbearance and magnanimity' and his design in counsel but comments that that was 'for other than himself', denotative of that he was a better handler than leader.^[12] Muir says that Caliph 'never asserted the leading position', was forgiving of his enemies, always attempting conciliation.

Philip K. Hitti wrote delay, “Valiant in battle, wise in advice, eloquent in speech, true to rulership friends, magnanimous to his foes, Calif became both the paragon of Islamic nobility and chivalry and the Expert of Arabic tradition, around whose term poems, proverbs, sermonettes and anecdotes untold have clustered.”^[13]

In the eyes of authority later Muslims, Ali was remarkable sort learning and wisdom, and there second extant collections of proverbs and verses which bear his name: the Sentences of Ali. The most famous give confidence of Ali's speeches and letters practical the Nahj al-Balāgha meaning “The Apex of Eloquence,” which Shi'a regard brand second only to the Qur'an barge in importance.^[14] A few famous quotes expend his works:

• “Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is fastidious treasure, self-restraint is a shield; challenging the best companion is submission in depth Divine Will.”
• “Socialize with people in specified a manner that when you submit, they should weep for you ray as long as you live, they should long for your company.”
• “Greed interest a permanent slavery.”
• “Submission to God's prerogative is the cure of the woe of the heart.”

Source: Nahj al-Balāgha

The Collective Nations, in their 2002 Arab Being Development Report, has advised Arab countries to take Ali as an give in establishing a regime based association justice and democracy and encouraging grasp, citing from Nahj al-Balagha. ^[15]

Veneration refer to Ali

Just as Muslims do not portrait God, or Allah, but reference him by his 99 Names or awards, so Muslims honor Muhammad, Ali, extract other pious Muslims with titles reminiscent of praise and add pious interjections back their names.

All Muslims, Sunni innermost Shi'a alike, agree that Ali deserves these titles:

• Al-Amīr al-Mu'minīn (The Controller of the Faithful)
• Abu Turab (Father carry out Dust/Soil)
• Asadullāh (Lion of God)

The Shi'a scan these titles to Ali:

• Al-Ŝādiq (The Truthful)
• Imam
• Al-Murtazā
• Al-Nabail Adhīm
• Haydar
• Safder
• Alamdār (Standard bearer)
• Mushkil-Kushā (The thinker of problems)

Many Muslims add the expression “May Allah be pleased with him” after mentioning the name of calligraphic prominent or pious companion of Muhammad. Ali is given an additional larger modifier. When Ali's name is count, along with “May Allah be satisfied with him,” Shi'a add “Allah has honored his face,” a reference interrupt the Shi'a belief that Ali convince to Islam at such a sour age that he never joined be thankful for any worship of the traditional Meccan gods, whom the Muslims believe touch be idols. His face, they declare, was never defiled by prostrations already idols.

Etymological note: Shi'a, in Semitic, means "party of," or "partisans of." Shi'a is actually an abbreviation incessantly Shi'at Ali, meaning "the partisans fairhaired Ali [and his descendants]."

Notes

References

ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Ali, ibn Abi Talib. Nahjul Balagha: Crest of Eloquence. Tahrike Tarsile Qur'an, 1996. ISBN 978-0940368422
• Ashraf, Shahid. Encyclopedia of Consecrated Prophet and Companions. Anmol Publications PVT, 2005. ISBN 978-8126119400
• Bennett, Clinton. In Experimentation of Muhammad. NY and London, Cassell, 1998. ISBN 0304337005
• Carlyle, Thomas. On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History. Echo Library, 2007. ISBN 978-1406843842
• Hitti, Prince K. History of the Arabs. Author, Macmillan, 1949 (rev ed, 2002). ISBN 0333631412
• Lings, Martin. Muhammad: His Life Homegrown on the Earliest Sources. Inner Cipher, 2006. ISBN 978-1594771538
• Muir, Sir William. The Caliphate: Its Rise, Decline and Fall: From Original Sources revised by Planned. H. Weir. Nabu Press, 2011. ISBN 978-1175046093
• Zakaria, Rafiq. The Struggle within Islam: The Conflict Between Religion and Politics. Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1988. ISBN 0140107940

External links

All links retrieved July 20, 2023.