The Inspiring Life of Hazrat Ali (RA): The Lion of Allah and Fourth Caliph of Islam

🌙 Birth and Family Lineage

Hazrat ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (رضي الله عنه) was born in the Sacred Kaʿbah in Makkah al-Mukarramah on 13th Rajab, 600 CE (approximately 23 years before Hijrah) — a unique honor granted to none other in history. His father was Abū Ṭālib ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, the respected chief of Banū Hāshim and protector of the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, and his mother was Fāṭimah bint Asad (رضي الله عنها), a noblewoman of the same clan.

Imām al-Ḥākim relates in al-Mustadrak (Vol. 3, p. 483) that no one was ever born in the Kaʿbah before or after him.

His lineage connects directly to that of the Prophet ﷺ, both being descendants of ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib. Hence, ʿAlī (RA) was the first cousin of Rasūlullāh ﷺ.

🧒 Childhood and Upbringing

During a time of economic hardship in Makkah, Rasūlullāh ﷺ offered to care for young ʿAlī (RA) to ease the burden on his uncle Abū Ṭālib. Thus, he was raised under the direct supervision of the Prophet ﷺ, long before the declaration of prophethood.

Ibn Saʿd records in Ṭabaqāt al-Kubrā that ʿAlī (RA) lived in the Prophet’s home, learning manners, worship, and truthfulness from him. This early upbringing was crucial; he grew up seeing the Prophet ﷺ in constant remembrance of Allāh, even before revelation.

🌿 Acceptance of Islam

When the Prophet ﷺ received the first revelation at the age of 40, ʿAlī (RA) was still a young boy of ten. Upon witnessing the Prophet ﷺ and Sayyidah Khadījah (RA) praying together, he inquired about their new faith. When the Prophet ﷺ explained the message of Tawḥīd (the Oneness of Allāh), ʿAlī (RA) immediately accepted Islam without hesitation.

Imām Ibn Hishām narrates:

“ʿAlī was the first of the boys to accept Islam.”
(Sīrah Ibn Hishām, Vol. 1, p. 245)

And Ibn Isḥāq reports from Ibn ʿAbbās (RA):

“The first person to pray with the Prophet ﷺ was ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib.”

Thus, among men, Abū Bakr (RA) was the first to accept Islam, and among boys, ʿAlī (RA) was the first.

🕋 His Devotion in Early Islam

In the earliest and most dangerous days of Islam, ʿAlī (RA) displayed unwavering faith. He stood by the Prophet ﷺ when others hesitated. When Quraysh plotted to kill Rasūlullāh ﷺ on the night of Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ asked ʿAlī (RA) to sleep in his bed, wrapped in his green mantle, to mislead the assassins.

ʿAlī (RA) complied without hesitation, fully aware of the danger. Imām al-Bayhaqī narrates in Dalā’il al-Nubuwwah (Vol. 2, p. 471):

“ʿAlī lay down on the Prophet’s bed, sacrificing his life, while the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madīnah.”

For this noble act, Allāh revealed in the Qur’ān:

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْرِي نَفْسَهُ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ رَءُوفٌۢ بِالْعِبَادِ
“And among the people is he who sells himself, seeking the pleasure of Allāh; and Allāh is full of kindness to His servants.”
(Sūrat al-Baqarah, 2:207)

According to many mufassirūn including Imām al-Ṭabarī and al-Qurṭubī, this verse was revealed regarding ʿAlī (RA).

📖 Knowledge and Early Understanding

Even as a youth, ʿAlī (RA) possessed a sharp intellect and deep understanding. The Prophet ﷺ often entrusted him with delicate matters. He was among those who could read and write Arabic fluently in a time when literacy was rare.

Imām Ibn Kathīr writes in al-Bidāyah wa’l-Nihāyah (Vol. 7):

“ʿAlī was among the first scribes of revelation, and he memorized many chapters directly from the Prophet ﷺ.”

He was also known for his eloquence, logic, and deep reasoning — qualities that later defined his leadership and sermons.

🕋 Migration and Rejoining the Prophet ﷺ

After spending three days in Makkah to return the trusts the Prophet ﷺ had left with him, ʿAlī (RA) traveled to Madīnah on foot, enduring severe heat and wounds on his feet. When he finally arrived, the Prophet ﷺ embraced him warmly, saying:

“You have fulfilled your trust, O Abū al-Ḥasan.”

In Madīnah, the Prophet ﷺ made Muʿākhāt (Brotherhood) between the Muhājirūn and Anṣār, pairing ʿAlī (RA) with himself, saying:

“You are my brother in this world and the next.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 84)

This special bond between the Prophet ﷺ and ʿAlī (RA) was based on mutual love, trust, and spiritual brotherhood.

⚖️ Virtues Mentioned in Ḥadīth

Rasūlullāh ﷺ praised ʿAlī (RA) with several virtues. Among the most famous authentic narrations are:

1. The Prophet ﷺ said: أنتَ مني وأنا منك
   “You are from me, and I am from you.”
   (Sahih al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth 2699)
2. He ﷺ said: من كنت مولاه فعلي مولاه
   “Whoever loves me as his Mawlā, ʿAlī is his Mawlā.”
   (Musnad Ahmad, ḥadīth 23408; Tirmidhī, ḥadīth 3712 — ḥasan)
3. He ﷺ also said: اللهم وال من والاه، وعاد من عاداه
   “O Allāh, love those who love him, and be the enemy of those who are his enemies.”
   (Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 4, p. 281)

These narrations reflect the Prophet’s immense love for ʿAlī (RA) and his high rank among the Companions — not as a matter of succession, but as recognition of his piety and closeness.

⚜️ Manners and Appearance

According to Ibn Saʿd and al-Balādhurī, ʿAlī (RA) was of medium height, broad-chested, with a strong build, a full beard, and radiant eyes. He was known to wear simple clothing, often patching his garments himself.

He loved cleanliness and humility, and his speech was measured and profound. His strength in battle was matched by gentleness in behavior and compassion toward the poor.

🌿 Summary of Early Life

From birth to youth, Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) displayed:

• Pure monotheism — he never bowed to idols.
• Loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ — even risking his life.
• Early knowledge — among the literate of Quraysh.
• Exceptional manners — combining courage with humility.

He would go on to become one of the greatest heroes, scholars, and leaders of Islam.Battles and Service to Islam

⚔️ Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) in the Battles of Islam

1. Battle of Badr (2 AH)

When the Muslims faced the Quraysh at Badr, ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (رضي الله عنه) fought with extraordinary courage.
He was among the few who engaged directly in duels at the start of the battle, slaying some of the fiercest opponents of Islam — including Walīd ibn ʿUtbah and ʿĀṣ ibn Saʿīd.

Imām Ibn Kathīr narrates in al-Bidāyah wa’l-Nihāyah that ʿAlī (RA) killed more enemy warriors at Badr than any other companion (1).
The Prophet ﷺ was seen raising his hands to the sky during the battle, invoking Allah for victory, and when triumph came, he said:

هَذَا جِبْرِيلُ آخذٌ بِرَأْسِ فَرَسِهِ وَعَلَيْهِ أَدَاةُ الْقِتَالِ
“This is Jibrīl holding the head of his horse, equipped for battle.”
(Sahih al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth 3992)

And among those who fought under the banner of the Messenger ﷺ, ʿAlī (RA) was the most distinguished.

2. Battle of Uḥud (3 AH)

During Uḥud, when chaos struck and many fled in confusion, ʿAlī (RA) remained by the Prophet ﷺ’s side, shielding him with his body.
He was one of the few who never retreated. Ibn Hishām records that ʿAlī sustained more than sixteen wounds that day but continued fighting until the enemy withdrew (2).

The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَا زَالَ جِبْرِيلُ يُقَاتِلُ عَنْ عَلِيٍّ
“Jibrīl continued to fight on behalf of ʿAlī.”
(Ṭabarānī in al-Kabīr, ḥadīth 4931)

He carried the Prophet’s banner with valor. When Ubayy ibn Khalaf charged at the Prophet ﷺ, it was ʿAlī (RA) who leapt forth to defend him.

3. Battle of al-Khandaq (The Trench, 5 AH)

When the confederate tribes surrounded Madīnah, the Muslims dug a trench as a defense.
The fierce warrior ʿAmr ibn ʿAbd Wudd, known for his strength, crossed the trench and challenged the Muslims to single combat. None dared step forth — except ʿAlī (RA).

The Prophet ﷺ granted him permission and supplicated:

اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنْهُ عَلَيْهِ
“O Allah, help him against him.”
(Ibn Hishām, Sīrah, 3:229)

ʿAlī faced ʿAmr in a duel that shook the valley. Dust rose as their swords clashed, until finally, ʿAlī (RA) struck him down in defense of Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ exclaimed in joy:

ضَرْبَةُ عَلِيٍّ يَوْمَ الْخَنْدَقِ أَفْضَلُ مِنْ عِبَادَةِ الثَّقَلَيْنِ
“The strike of ʿAlī on the Day of Khandaq is superior to the worship of both mankind and jinn.”
(Ḥākim, al-Mustadrak, 3:33)

This statement, though transmitted with various chains, is affirmed by the scholars of faḍā’il (virtues).

4. Battle of Khaybar (7 AH)

At the fortresses of Khaybar, the Prophet ﷺ gave the flag of Islam to Abū Bakr (RA) and ʿUmar (RA) successively, but the fort remained unconquered.
Then the Prophet ﷺ declared:

لأُعْطِيَنَّ الرَّايَةَ غَدًا رَجُلًا يُحِبُّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ، وَيُحِبُّهُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ
“Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhārī, 4210; Muslim, 2406)

The next morning, he called for ʿAlī (RA) — who was suffering from an eye infection. The Prophet ﷺ applied his blessed saliva to ʿAlī’s eyes, and they were instantly healed.

ʿAlī then led the charge, single-handedly breaking through the gate of the fortress. Ibn Hishām reports that he used the gate itself as a shield, defeating the enemy and bringing victory.
This unmatched heroism earned him the title “Asadullāh al-Ghālib” — The Victorious Lion of Allah.

5. Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah (6 AH)

During the writing of the treaty between the Prophet ﷺ and Quraysh, ʿAlī (RA) was chosen as the scribe.
When the Prophet ﷺ said, “Write: This is what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has agreed upon,” the Quraysh objected.
They demanded, “If we believed you were the Messenger of Allah, we would not fight you. Write: Muhammad ibn ʿAbdullāh.”

ʿAlī (RA), out of deep reverence, hesitated to erase “Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet ﷺ said gently:

“Show me where it is,”
and he himself erased it (Sahih Muslim, 1783).

This incident showed ʿAlī’s immense love and respect for the Messenger ﷺ — his heart could not bear to remove the blessed title.

6. Conquest of Makkah (8 AH)

When the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah in victory and humility, ʿAlī (RA) carried one of the banners of Islam.
He also destroyed the idols that were placed around the Kaʿbah, fulfilling the command:

وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ
“And say: The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished.”
(Sūrah al-Isrāʾ, 17:81)

Ibn ʿAbbās (RA) narrates that when the Prophet ﷺ recited this verse, ʿAlī (RA) climbed on his blessed shoulders to reach and remove the idols atop the Kaʿbah (Ibn Saʿd, Ṭabaqāt 2:88).

7. Battles of Hunayn and Tabūk (8–9 AH)

At Hunayn, when the army momentarily faltered under the fierce attack of the Hawāzin, ʿAlī (RA) remained firm, holding the standard close to the Prophet ﷺ (Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāyah wa’l-Nihāyah, 5:94).

In Tabūk, he was left as deputy in Madīnah to care for the Prophet’s family and affairs. Some hypocrites mocked him, saying he was left behind.
The Prophet ﷺ responded:

أَمَا تَرْضَى أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنِّي بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُونَ مِنْ مُوسَى؟
“Are you not pleased that you are to me as Hārūn was to Mūsā, except that there is no prophet after me?”
(Sahih Muslim, 2404)

This hadith signifies his spiritual closeness, not succession in prophecy — as clarified by Sunni scholars like al-Nawawī and Ibn Ḥajar.

8. Farewell Pilgrimage and Final Years with the Prophet ﷺ

ʿAlī (RA) accompanied the Prophet ﷺ in his Farewell Ḥajj (10 AH).
After the Prophet ﷺ’s passing, he was among those who washed and prepared his blessed body, reciting with tears:

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.” (Sūrah al-Baqarah, 2:156)

He pledged allegiance to Abū Bakr (RA) — showing unity and submission to the rightly guided caliphate, as authentically recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī and Musnad Aḥmad.

🕋 The Caliphate and His Pledge of Allegiance

After the martyrdom of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (رضي الله عنه) in 35 AH, the Muslim ummah was plunged into great confusion.
The senior Companions and the people of Madīnah unanimously turned to ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) as the most learned, pious, and deserving of leadership.

At first, he refused out of humility, saying:

“Leave me and seek someone else, for we are facing a matter with many faces which neither hearts can bear nor minds can handle.”
(al-Ṭabarī, Tārīkh al-Umam wal-Mulūk, 4/427)

But when the community insisted and the majority pledged allegiance, he accepted — not as a pursuit of power, but as a duty to preserve the unity and justice of Islam.
His bayʿah (pledge) was taken at the Masjid of the Prophet ﷺ in Madīnah, marking the beginning of the fourth caliphate among the Khulafāʾ ar-Rāshidīn.

⚖️ His Principles of Justice and Governance

ʿAlī (RA) ruled upon the foundations of ʿadl (justice) and taqwā (God-consciousness).
He would often remind his governors:

اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ فِي عِبَادِ اللَّهِ وَبِلَادِهِ
“Fear Allah concerning His servants and His lands.”
(Nahj al-Balāghah, Letter 47 — also cited by Ibn Abī al-Ḥadīd in his Sunni commentary*)

He would personally walk in the markets to ensure fair trade and pricing, saying:

“Give full measure and do not cheat, for cheating brings ruin and curse.” (Ibn Saʿd, Ṭabaqāt, 3/29*)

📜 The Letter to Mālik al-Ashtar — A Model of Islamic Governance

When appointing Mālik al-Ashtar (RA) as governor of Egypt, ʿAlī (RA) sent a letter that scholars of every age have called a masterpiece of Islamic political ethics.
It begins:

أَمِرْهُ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ، وَإِيثَارِ طَاعَتِهِ، وَاتِّبَاعِ مَا أَمَرَ بِهِ فِي كِتَابِهِ
“Instruct him to fear Allah, to prefer obedience to Him, and to follow the commands found in His Book.”

He commanded him to be merciful:

“Let your heart be filled with mercy, love, and kindness for your subjects. Do not be a beast toward them.”

He warned against arrogance and favoritism, stating:

“Beware of favoritism, for that corrupts justice and undermines truth.”

Sunni scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and al-Māwardī have cited this letter as an example of righteous administration (al-Siyāsah ash-Sharʿiyyah, al-Aḥkām as-Sulṭāniyyah).

💎 Simplicity and Humility in Rule

Despite being Caliph, ʿAlī (RA) lived with absolute simplicity.
He wore coarse clothes, ate barley bread, and would say:

أَلَا وَإِنَّ إِمَامَكُمْ قَدِ اكْتَفَى مِنْ دُنْيَاهُ بِطِمْرَيْنِ وَمِنْ طُعْمِهِ بِقُرْصَيْنِ
“Your leader has contented himself with two worn garments and two loaves for his food.”
(Nahj al-Balāghah, Sermon 45)

He refused to use public funds for personal comfort. Once his brother ʿAqīl asked him for extra from the Bayt al-Māl, and ʿAlī (RA) heated an iron rod to remind him of the fire of Hell, saying:

“O Aqīl, you cry from this fire made by man, yet you call me to a fire kindled by the anger of the Almighty?”
(Ibn ʿAbd Rabbih, al-ʿIqd al-Farīd, 2/195)

⚔️ Internal Challenges — Jamal and Ṣiffīn

During his caliphate, the Ummah faced severe trials.
After the martyrdom of ʿUthmān (RA), differences arose over the pursuit of his killers.
ʿĀʾishah (RA), Ṭalḥah (RA), and az-Zubayr (RA) — all noble Companions — marched toward Basra, seeking justice.
ʿAlī (RA) sought peace and sent letters of reconciliation, but the unfortunate Battle of Jamal occurred.

Sunni historians like Ibn Kathīr and al-Ṭabarī emphasize that both sides sought justice, and all acted according to ijtihād, not rebellion (2).
After the battle, ʿAlī (RA) personally treated ʿĀʾishah (RA) with utmost honor and escorted her back to Madīnah, declaring:

“She is our mother, and no one should speak ill of her.”

Later, at Ṣiffīn, disagreement arose between ʿAlī (RA) and Muʿāwiyah (RA) regarding the punishment of ʿUthmān’s killers.
When arbitration was proposed, ʿAlī (RA) accepted reluctantly for the sake of avoiding further bloodshed.
These events caused deep pain to him, as he said:

“How strange it is that people dispute over me, when I seek nothing but the truth.” (Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī, 5/76)

Sunni scholars have always held that all the Ṣaḥābah were mujtahidūn, and both ʿAlī (RA) and Muʿāwiyah (RA) will be rewarded according to their intentions (al-Bāghawī, Sharḥ as-Sunnah, 10/363).

⚖️ His Judicial Wisdom

ʿAlī (RA) was famed for his mastery of fiqh and qaḍāʾ (judicial rulings).
ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) said:

“The best judge among us is ʿAlī.”
(Tirmidhī, 3799)

He solved cases with remarkable insight.
Once two women came claiming the same child. He said, “Bring me a knife; I will divide the child.”
One woman cried, “No! Give it to her!”
ʿAlī (RA) said, “You are the mother.” — similar to the judgment of Prophet Sulaymān (AS) (Ibn Saʿd, 3/35).

He would often say:

لَا يَعْرِفُ الْحَقَّ بِالرِّجَالِ، اعْرِفِ الْحَقَّ تَعْرِفْ أَهْلَهُ
“Truth is not known by men; know the truth, and you will know its people.”

🌙 His Piety and Worship

His nights were spent in prayer and dhikr.
Ibn Abī Shaybah narrates that when he would stand in prayer, he would tremble and say:

“This is the time of fulfilling the trust Allah offered to the heavens and the earth.”

He was seen reciting:

يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ
“O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Generous Lord?”
(Sūrah al-Infitar, 82:6)

and tears would flow down his blessed face.

🌟 His Titles and Virtues in Ḥadīth

The Prophet ﷺ said:

أَنْتَ مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْكَ
“You are from me, and I am from you.”
(Sahih al-Bukhārī, 2699)

And:

اللَّهُمَّ أَدِرِ الْحَقَّ مَعَ عَلِيٍّ حَيْثُ دَارَ
“O Allah, make the truth revolve with ʿAlī wherever he turns.”
(Tirmidhī, 3712)

He was known as:

• Asadullāh al-Ghālib (The Victorious Lion of Allah)
• Abū al-Ḥasan (Father of Ḥasan)
• Karrār ghayr Farrār (The One Who Advances and Never Retreats)

🌹 The Martyrdom of the Fourth Caliph

In Ramadan, 40 AH, while praying Fajr in the Masjid of Kūfah, he was attacked by ʿAbd ar-Raḥmān ibn Muljam, a Khārijite.
The sword struck his blessed head as he recited:

الصَّلَاةَ الصَّلَاةَ، لَا يَفُوتَنَّكُمُ الْجَمَاعَةُ
“Prayer, prayer! Do not abandon the congregation.”

His final words were:

فُزْتُ وَرَبِّ الْكَعْبَةِ
“By the Lord of the Kaʿbah, I have succeeded!”

He passed away at age 63, the same as the Prophet ﷺ, and was buried near Kūfah — later known as Najaf al-Ashraf.

🕊 His Legacy

Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) left behind a legacy of justice, courage, scholarship, and spirituality.
His descendants — through al-Ḥasan and al-Ḥusayn — became the noble Ahl al-Bayt, whose love is an obligation for every believer.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

أُذَكِّرُكُمُ اللَّهَ فِي أَهْلِ بَيْتِي
“I remind you by Allah concerning my Ahl al-Bayt.”
(Sahih Muslim, 2408)

🌿 His Character and Virtues

Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) was a man of immense taqwā (God-consciousness), ʿilm (knowledge), and shajāʿah (courage) — a blend rarely seen in any other companion. His humility, justice, and spirituality were reflections of his closeness to the Prophet ﷺ.

🕋 Deep Faith and Devotion

He was among the most devout worshippers after the Prophet ﷺ. He would weep at night in prayer, often trembling before Allah out of awe and love.

It is narrated that when ʿAlī (RA) would stand for ṣalāh, his complexion would change and his body would tremble. When asked why, he replied:

“It is the time when the trust was offered to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they declined to bear it; and I must bear it.”
(Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, vol. 8)

He never sought worldly power or fame. During his caliphate, he often wore patched clothes and ate barley bread, saying:

“This is enough for the servant of Allah, that I do not fill my stomach while there are those in my realm who go hungry.”
(Ibn Saʿd, Ṭabaqāt, 3/32)

🌙 His Justice and Simplicity

As Caliph, ʿAlī (RA) was known for his strict justice (ʿadl) — he never gave preference to family or tribe. He famously said:

“Justice is better than generosity, for justice puts things in their proper places, while generosity distributes wealth to those who do not deserve it.”
(Nahj al-Balāghah, maxim 437)

When his armor was stolen, he appeared before a Jewish judge like any ordinary citizen. The judge ruled against him due to lack of evidence, and ʿAlī (RA) accepted the verdict without complaint. The Jew, seeing such humility, embraced Islam.
(Reported by Ibn al-Jawzī, Ṣifat al-Ṣafwah, vol. 1)

📖 ʿAlī (RA) and His Knowledge

💡 Fountain of Wisdom

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“I am the city of knowledge, and ʿAlī is its gate.”
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī, ḥadīth 3723 — Hasan according to al-Ḥākim)

ʿAlī (RA) possessed unmatched knowledge of Qurʾān, Fiqh, and the Arabic language. Ibn ʿAbbās (RA) said:

“The knowledge of the Companions ended at four: ʿAlī, Muʿādh, Abū Dardāʾ, and Ibn Masʿūd — and ʿAlī was the most learned of them.”
(al-Istīʿāb, Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr)

He was among the greatest Qāḍīs (judges) of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The most just of you in judgment is ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, ḥadīth 3582)

📜 Qurʾānic Insight

ʿAlī (RA) memorized the Qurʾān and understood every verse revealed. He said:

“By Allah, there is no verse revealed except that I know when and about whom it was revealed.”
(Ibn Saʿd, Ṭabaqāt, 3/25)

He would interpret the verses with deep reflection — uniting law, spirituality, and language. His tafsīr laid the foundation for many later Sunni exegetes, including al-Ṭabarī and al-Qurṭubī.

🌸 His Sayings and Wisdom

ʿAlī (RA) left behind timeless sayings that reflect the soul of Islam — deep, balanced, and filled with humility. Some of his most famous words include:

“He who knows himself, knows his Lord.”
(Ghurar al-Ḥikam, ḥadīth 119)

“Patience (ṣabr) is of two kinds: patience over what pains you, and patience against what you covet.”
(Nahj al-Balāghah, maxim 134)

“The disease of the heart is worse than the disease of the body.”

“The most complete gift of God is a life based on knowledge.”

“Silence is the best reply to a fool.”

“Your remedy is within you, but you do not sense it; your sickness is from you, but you do not perceive it.”

These gems of wisdom influenced generations of scholars — from Imām al-Ghazālī to Shaykh ʿAbd al-Qādir al-Jīlānī (RA).

⚔️ His Bravery and Heroism

Even in spirituality, ʿAlī (RA) never separated ʿilm (knowledge) from jihād (struggle).
He carried the banner of Islam in Badr, Uḥud, Khandaq, Khaybar, and Hunayn — fighting with sincerity and mercy.

At Khaybar, when no one could breach the fort, the Prophet ﷺ declared:

“Tomorrow I shall give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.”
The next day, he gave it to ʿAlī (RA).
(Sahih al-Bukhārī, ḥadīth 3701)

ʿAlī (RA) opened the gates of Khaybar with his bare hands, a miracle witnessed by hundreds.
Yet, he never boasted — he said:

“Victory comes not by strength but by the help of Allah.”
(Ṭabaqāt Ibn Saʿd, 3/33)

🕊️ His Spiritual Legacy

Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) is regarded among Ahl al-Sunnah as the Fourth of the Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn, the rightly guided Caliphs whom the Prophet ﷺ commanded us to follow.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after me. Bite onto it with your molar teeth.”
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, ḥadīth 4607)

He was also known as the Imām of Zuhd (asceticism), master of eloquence, and symbol of courage.
Sufis across generations traced their chains of spiritual knowledge (silsilah) to him, honoring his deep inner understanding of Tawḥīd and ihsān.

Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal said:

“ʿAlī had many enemies, but when people saw his knowledge, worship, and justice, they could not find fault in him.”
(al-Siyar, al-Dhahabī, 2/497)

🌹 Martyrdom and Legacy

In 40 AH (661 CE), while praying Fajr in Masjid Kufa, ʿAlī (RA) was attacked by a Kharijite named ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn Muljam. He was struck with a poisoned sword while in sujūd.

His last words were:

“By the Lord of the Kaʿbah, I have succeeded!”
(Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah, 8/9)

He was buried in Najaf al-Ashraf (Iraq), where millions visit to pay their respects.

🌺 His Everlasting Influence

Among Ahl al-Sunnah, ʿAlī (RA) is remembered as:

• The Lion of Allah (Asadullāh al-Ghālib)
• The Gate of Knowledge (Bāb al-ʿIlm)
• The Pillar of Justice (ʿImād al-ʿAdl)
• The Crown of the Pious (Sayyid al-ʿĀbidīn)

His love is part of true faith. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Loving ʿAlī is a sign of faith, and hating him is a sign of hypocrisy.”
(Sahih Muslim, ḥadīth 78)

Imām al-Shāfiʿī said:

“If loving ʿAlī is called rāfiḍism, then let mankind witness that I am a rāfiḍī!”
(Tadhkirat al-Ḥuffāẓ, al-Dhahabī, 1/42)

🌼 Lessons from His Life

1. Faith before sight: He believed in the Prophet ﷺ without hesitation.
2. Sacrifice for the truth: He risked his life in the Hijrah.
3. Courage with mercy: He fought without hatred.
4. Justice without pride: He ruled with humility.
5. Knowledge with spirituality: He merged intellect with piety.
6. Zuhd over wealth: He lived simply despite power.
7. Love for Ahl al-Bayt and Sahābah alike: A model of unity and balance.

✨ Conclusion

Hazrat ʿAlī (RA) was not only a warrior of Islam but also a beacon of knowledge, justice, and spirituality. His words continue to inspire Muslims in every age.
May Allah grant us love for all the Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn, and gather us under the banner of the Prophet ﷺ with ʿAlī (RA), Ḥasan (RA), and Ḥusayn (RA) in Jannat al-Firdaws.
Āmīn.