An introduction to second infallible Hazrat Imam Ali (AS)

Birth

On the
13th of the month of Rajab, twenty-three years before the migration of the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) a child was born in the family of Abu Talib, the light
of whom kindled the whole World. Kunaab Mecci narrates about his birth:
"We and Abbas (Ibne Abdul Mutalib) were sitting together when suddenly
we saw Fatima bint-e-Asad moving towards the Kaabah in the condition having
delivery pain and saying "Oh God I have faith in you and the Prophet
(i.e., Abraham) who by your command laid the foundation of this house. O
God! I swear you by the same Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and swear you by the child
in my womb make this birth comfortable and easy for me."

This
was the time when all of us saw with our own eyes that the wall of Kaabah
broke apart and Fatima bint-e-Asad entered into the Kaabah. Then
the wall again united.

We ran
terrified and trembling to our houses to send our women into the Kaabah for
the help and assistance of Fatima. We did our best
but the door did not open. This event surprised all the people of Mecca.

The
women of Mecca were anxiously
counting moments to meet Fatima till the time she
came out of the Kaabah along with a beautiful baby, saying, "God has
chosen me from among the ladies of Mecca and He made me
His guest in His house and gave me meals and fruits of the heaven to eat.

The
ladies who were surrounding her in the form of a circle and escorting her
to her home asked her, "What name have you given to this child?"

She
said: "When I was in the Kaabah, I heard a hidden voice call,"
Name this child "ALI".

Yes!
We are talking about Ali (A.S.) the pious man whose childhood and infancy
period lasted in such a pure and chaste way that he himself stated in
Nahjul Balaghah, "The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) used to pick me in his lap
and embrace me and chew the food and put it into my mouth.

Early
Youth

Ali
Ibne Abi Talib describes this enlightening period of his age as under: The
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) used to go the Cave of Hira but nobody except
he (P.B.U.H.) and I did know about it. At the time when the religion of Islam
had not yet reached the homes, he (P.B.U.H.) and his wife Khatija were the
only Muslims. I was the next person to them who saw the light of revelation
and prophet hood and smelled the fragrance of the Prophet hood.

When
the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) of Islam was ordered by God to invite his family
members to embrace Islam Ali (A.S.) according to the advice of the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.) invited forty persons of the Prophet's family at his home.
Although the food was quite little but all of them ate fully well. After
the meal was over the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) spoke to those present saying,
"Oh the sons of Abdul Mutalib, God has ordered me to invite you to
embrace Islam and get you introduced to it."

Whosoever,
having believed in my Prophet hood, promises to help and assist me shall be
my brother, deputy and successor and my caliph.

He
repeated this sentence thrice but no one except "Ali (A.S.)" gave
a positive response. As many time as the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) addressed the
persons present, nobody except Ali (A.S.) answered. Ali (A.S.) was rising
again and again to his feet and promising help to him and announcing his
faith.

Youth

This
is the very reason why the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said: "This Ali, is my
brother and successor listen and lend ears to what he says and obey his
orders." When Ali (A.S.) entered from his early youth into the phase
of puberty, the part of age when all the human energies and powers are
strong and firm, even in this part of the life he remained closely
associated to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) like a flying moth which moves around
the Candle. He defended Islam and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) with his strong,
energetic arms.

When
the enemy besieged and surrounded the Muslims in the battle of Hunain and
they abandoned and left behind the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) running away for
their lives, it was only and only Ali (A.S.) who defended and saved the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and made the enemies retreat and take to their heals.

Ali
(A.S.) killed Marhab the chief of army of Jews in the Khyber battle, whose
power and bravery was making everybody tremble but Ali (A.S.) cut him into
two and pulled apart the gate of the Khyber fort which used to be opened
and closed by twenty men together. Ali (A.S.) used it as a bridge over the
trench for the Islamic army to cross over to the Khyber fort. Many such
events are the specimens and evidences about the faith, and spirit of
self-sacrifice and devotion of Ali (A.S.).

Self-Sacrifice
and Devotion

There
is no doubt to it that every body loves his soul and very rarely gets ready
to sacrifice it for another person but because of the fact that Ali (A.S.)
loved the soul of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) even more than his own one, he got
prepared to lay his life for him.

The
event takes shape like this. When the polytheists saw that they are in
danger, they jointly made a firm determination to take the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.) by surprise and martyr him. So all of them gathered in "Dar
un Nadva" and choose one person from each family so that every tribe
gets involved in getting Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) killed and then no one could
take the revenge of him.

The
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had come to know about this conspiracy through
revelation. God ordered him (P.B.U.H.) to migrate from Mecca in the darkness
of the night. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) needed someone, prepared to sacrifice
his life and must be a trustworthy secret holder.

Hence,
there was no one else except Ali (A.S.) in whom he confided, and told him
"God has informed me that the infidels will break through the house to
kill me so today you sleep on my bed." Ali (A.S.) smilingly accepted
it.

Then
the time came when the darkness of the night covered everything and Ali
(A.S.) was sleeping on the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) bed calmly and peacefully
and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came out of his house and started proceeding
towards the Cave of Saur. The infidels
besieged the house and got prepared with their swords and spears to attack
it. The sooner they were instructed to make it, they break through the
house rushing with naked swords. But when they found Ali (A.S.) laying on
the bed of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) they immediately moved out of the house
desperate and astonished, and sent a few horsemen to search the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.). But not very long afterwards they too returned defeated and
hopeless.

Ali
(A.S.) and Holy War

Islam
is the religion of peace and tranquility and does not like killing,
plundering, and bloodshed. But if some one kills another without any reason
then Islam has strong punishment to deal with him.

Of
course, if an enemy attacks the Muslims then by the standards of wits,
common sense, and religious law, self defense which as a form of Jehad
becomes essential and indispensable.

All
the battles of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in which Ali (A.S.) fought armed and
truthfully were defensive battles.

Ali
(A.S.) was such a brave, faithful, holy warrior who never got frustrated
and upset and tired of the fighting and battles. He was afraid of no one
except God. He used to say "By God if I see that on one side is the
truth and on the other side all the rest of the people I, without caring
and paying heed to those reproaching me, will fight all alone with my
sword, on the way and path of the right, against them.

Ali's
(A.S.) way or Training

The
city of Kufa was the capital
of the Islamic Government. People from all over the World used to gather at
that point to get the benefit of knowledge and learning from that great
Islamic University.

One of
those days two men came across each other in the vicinity of the city one
of them was Ali (A.S.) and the other was a Christian who did not recognize
him. The Christian man was moving towards the suburban area of Kufa, where
as, Ali (A.S.) was on his way to kufa.

They
mutually agreed to accompany each other for a while, talking to each other,
so that they do not get tired.

They
reached a point where two ways split out, so that each one wanted to move
on one of those two different roads. The Christian bade Farwell and went on
his way but he observed that his Muslim companion, whose way was on the
opposite side, was moving towards him. So he stopped and questioned him,
"Don't you want to go to kufa?"

Ali
(A.S.) said, "Yes". The Christian man said, "Then why are
you coming towards this direction?"

Ali
(A.S.) replied, "I wish to accompany you to a certain length of
distance because the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, "when two persons are
together on a way (journey companions) they get a right over each
other."

"Now
that you have got a right upon me, I go along with you up to a certain
distance so that I must pay you (discharge) that light of yours in this world.
Then I will part off on my own way." The Christian man was much
pleased and moved by this humanly attitude and conduct and he liked his
talk and said, "It is befitting that I should also embrace Islam which
has such a culture and students."

His
amazement and astonishment was only too enhanced when he discovered that
his travel companion is Ali (A.S.), the ruler of Islam. So he immediately
accepted and embraced Islam at his hand.

Self-preservation
of Ali (A.S.)

When
human being is in the normal and natural condition, he can better be the
master of his wits and control himself and take distance and move away from
the sins and bad acts and get himself aside from them. But when the flames
of anger, rage or jealousy are lit, then it is only with difficulty that
man could think and keep in view fact and God. Therefore, most of the
crimes are committed at times when man looses his normal natural condition.

But,
Ali (A.S.) who was a self made and sublime person his approach and behavior
was different than that of the others. He, in all the conditions, kept his
attention focused and concentrated on God and took distance from anything
which did not have the approval of God, whether he was at home or in the
battle field, both in joy or anger.

We
would better have a glance upon his behavior and conduct in the battlefield
to prove our point. In the battle of "the trench" all the people
of Medinah dug up a great trench on the sides of the city and filled it up
with water to block the enemy's way. Amer bin Abduwad, the famous and
gallant Arab warrior among the enemy army, was challenged the Muslims to
send him a match for the fight. Nobody among the Muslims plucked the
courage to give him a response and came out to face him. On this occasion
Ali (A.S.) came out taking stable and strong steps to face him with a heart
full of faith. He said, "Oh Amro do not boast off too much about your
bravery and man-hood. The one who has the power and energy to fight you is
standing before you".

Amro
viewed him and said: "You would better turn back I do not like to kill
you because I was a friend of your father."

Ali
(A.S.) replied: "By God, I like killing you."

Amro
got angry and climbed down from the horse and quickly attacked Ali (A.S.)
with his sword but the sword did strongly strike Ali's (A.S.) shield and so
it was not effective. Then Ali (A.S.) by blowing a strike of his sword made
him fall to the earth and climbed upon his chest to kill him. But Amro, out
of his rage and anger spitted at Ali's (A.S.) face. Suddenly Ali (A.S.) came
down from his chest and started walking on the ground. Then he came again
towards him. Amro enquired him, "what is the meaning of it that
firstly you struck me an effective blow and then let me go free?"

Ali
(A.S.) said, "Oh Amro I use my sword for God and not myself? At the
time when I saw you fall to the ground and climbed your chest, you spit at
my face and made me angry. Had I killed you in such condition I would had
no reward to my credit because I was angry. Therefore, I got up from your
chest and started walking so that my anger and hot temper is cooled down
and subsided and I may do my job purely for God."

The
bravery, ferocity, self-preservation and control of Ali had a very deep
effect over the Arab champion. And attracted the attention and eyes of both
the friends and foes to such an extent that the friends raised the slogan
of Takbeer (Allaho Akbar) from the depth of their heart and the enemies
hearts were filled up with tenor and harassment, so far so, that it ended
upon the defeat of the enemy. This is the sole reason why his deed was
decisive and fate making such as the Prophet said about it. "The job
that Ali (A.S.) did on the day of the Khandak (battle of trench) and the
sword strike by him (against the enemy) is more precious to God then the
collective prayers of the mankind and jins together.

Ali's
(A.S.) Mercy and Compassion

We
learnt about the bravery and dauntlessness of Ali (A.S.) in the battlefield
but we should not omit this point that if a man is brave, ferocious, and
dauntless but he does not possess the qualities of mercy and generosity
then that bravery and gallantry has no value. The bravery of Ali (A.S.),
when he stepped into the battlefield, was such that he did care and was
attentive to the injured, thirsty and hungry ones. He would attack an
aggressive enemy and kill him but when he came across an injured thirsty
and hungry enemy he would save him from thirst and hunger and if he was
injured then he would extend his treatment.

He did
fiercely fight the enemy but never killed him while he was in a thirsty or
hungry condition and he never destroyed and dismantled the houses of the
enemy. Because he considered all these acts as against the norms of
nobility and generosity. This is the reason, why having taken the river
water from the control of the Muawiyah's forces in the sifeen battle he
ordered his warriors to let the water free for all and sundry and do not
resist against the army men of Muawiyah if they wanted to use the water.

The
army men of Ali (A.S.) objected and said "the enemy having taken the
water's control in their hand had stopped us from using it. So that they
wanted us to submit to them through this way. We would better do the same
to them."

Ali
(A.S.) replied, "No we will fight the enemy manly and we consider this
act against the human nobility and generosity. If we do the same what they
did then what would be the difference between them and us? Beware, works
are for God and we should not take steps against His wish and will."

Ali
(A.S.) Conduct during his ruler ship

1.
Siding with the masses

Ali
(A.S.), with all the difficulties that he had to face, used to personally
attend the affairs and works. He would get himself informed about the
problems of the people. He did not drive away his enemies due to personal
enmities. So far so that he used to give them their rights from the
bait-ul-mal (Islamic treasury). Moreover, he did not give any privileges to
his friends due to their friendship. He continuously used to order his
officials and workers to have a conduct of justice with the people and if
he observed any misdeed or misconduct of his subordinates and workers he
did not spare them. So when one of the ladies known as Sooda approached him
for justice, he was then offering his prayers. He shortened his prayer and
smilingly greeted her and asked, "What is it that you want?"

With
tears rolling on her face, Sooda complained about the tax officer and his
excesses.

He, in
the same standing condition of his prayers, wept and said: "Oh God be
a witness that I have not ordered them to commit excesses and aggressions
against your slaves."

He at
once picked up a skin piece and jotted down the dismissal order of his
official and gave it to Sooda to take it to him as soon as possible.

Another
day he received the information that son of Hunaif (the Governor of Basra)
made himself present on a very colorful, richly provisioned dinner table of
one of the nobles and notables and possibly the blood thirsty and cruel
chance seekers and opportunists may make the most of his political station and
position.

He got
seriously annoyed and reprimanded him for this act of his and wrote him a
letter saying. "I have heard that you joined a richly provisioned
(colorful) dinner table which the poor were not allowed to join. Be aware!
That I am your Imam, leader and chief if I wish and am inclined to it I can
lay hand and provide myself with the best food but I will not do such a
thing because it is possible that there might be some hungry people in the
nooks and corners of my country who go to sleep with empty stomachs. I have
contented myself with a simple dress and small quantity of food, which is
bread and dates, from this world of yours. Although you can not do this,
which I practice but try it that your way and path is not segregated from
that of mine."

He,
through this letter, gave him a good advice and exhortation and reminded
him about his duty. Imam Ali (A.S.) lived his life with such a justice and
equity that when Muawiyah a staunch and extreme enemy of Ali (A.S.) met one
of his companions "Addi-bin-Hatim" and asked him, "How did
you find Ali (A.S.) during his reign and rule?"

He
replied, "The oppressive and coercive ones did not have the courage of
oppression during his reign and the weak ones always took benefit from his
justice and never allowed disappointment find its way towards them. So that
he repeatedly used to say, "Is it right and just that people consider
and think I am their leader and Imam but I do not share their difficulties
and hardships?"

Still
again, we read in the history that one day the governors accompanied by his
old friend Ibn-e-Abbas came to see him.

They
saw their leader repairing and mending his shoes. Ali (A.S.) turned his
face towards them and said, "What do you think is the price of this
shoe?" They replied, "It value is not much. It cann't be more
than a few Dirhams."

He
said, "By Lord this post that I have got, if I could not make use of
it in connection with the salvation and safety of the poor, have not and
arresting and stopping the cruelties or restoration of the right and truth,
then for me it's value would be lesser than this shoe."

2.
Canceling the distinctions and Privileges

The
moment people took oath of an allegiance at his hand and accepted his
caliphate he climbed the pulpit and tribune and addressed them, "By
God till the time I possess even one single palm date tree in Medinah. I
will not take anything from the bait-ul-mal (Islamic treasury).

His
brother Aqeel stood up and said, "Do you take me equal to a black
skinned living in Medinah?"

He
said, "Oh brother sit down, you do not have any superiority over that
black man except through faith and piety."

One
summer night his brother Aqeel invited him to dinner at his house so that
he may attract the attention of his brother towards himself and he
increases his monthly stipend.

He
said, "Oh brother from where did you procure and provide this
dinner."

He
replied "For a few days, I and my wife spent lesser amount of money
thus saved the surplus money to invite you to dinner."

He
said, "From tomorrow onwards I would issue an order that your monthly
salary may be curtailed and decreased to the equal of the amount that you
saved because, you can, as per your own confession, spend lesser than
that."

Aqeel
was very much perturbed and annoyed and he started shouting appealingly.
Ali (A.S.) picked up a piece of iron lying near him heated it up (on a
nearby lamp) and took it near his hand.

Aqeel
cried, "Oh I am burnt."

Ali
(A.S.) said, "What a surprise that you are so much afraid and cry of a
fire which is provided by me alone. How are you prepared to get me burnt in
the fire of God's anger? These are the money and property of the people and
I am the trustee and custodian of them."

Again,
we observe that a group of the officials objected up on him and said,
"Had you given a larger contribution and portion to the rebellious and
the governors, you could run and manage the newly established Islamic
government in a better way. Then, you might have ruled with authority and
justice.

Imam
Ali (A.S.) replied, "What a surprise you want me to lay the
foundations of my government, which is formed in the name of Islam, upon
the pillars of excess and injustice? By God, I will definitely never do
such a work."

Moreover,
had the Muslim's money and property been my own property I would not have
done this thing still less all of it belongs to the people and I am not
more than a trustee.

3.
Attending the Complaints

Ali
(A.S.) during his ruler ship personally attented to the complaints. During
the hot days of summer, when all the people rested at their homes, he sat
by the shadow of a wall, so that if someone had a complaint he might reach
him and tell him about it.

One of
the hot scorching summer days, when he was perspiring sitting besides and
leaning at the wall. A woman who was depressed and disturbed came and said,
"My husband has committed excess and ousted me from the house in this
hot weather. I wish you to attend to my problem."

Ali
(A.S.) hung his head down and said, "Oh lady the weather is hot, and
can you possibly wait till it becomes better. Then I will accompany you and
attend to your matter. The woman said, "I am afraid that the temper
and anger of my husband may shoot up even higher. It is better that you do
the needful right away.

Ali
(A.S.) said, "very well, you walk on and I follow you." Ali
(A.S.), along with the lady, came to the door of the young man and called
him out of the house. He did not recognize Ali (A.S.) and knew that his
wife has called this man to her help.

Ali
(A.S.) said, "This woman says you turned her out of the house. I have
come to advise you that you should have the fear of God and be kind, nice
and do good to your wife. The self-loving, egotist giving an insulting
reply to Ali (A.S.) said, "This matter is not your concern. I would do
whatever I please. Now, when she has brought you along with her I shall
burn her with fire."

Ali
(A.S.) was angry and annoyed at this response of the man and shouted
objecting. Thereafter, he laid his hand on his sword to punish the youth.
When people heard the loud voice of the Imam, they rushed out of their
houses. As their eyes met Ali (A.S.), they respectfully came close to him
and saluted and greeted him. The rude and impolite youth knew that he was
facing Ali (A.S.). So he got embarrassed, loosing his wits fell down to the
ground and started making excuses and apologizes and said, "I will
accept whatever you say and hereafter I shall respect my wife and not annoy
her."

Ali
(A.S.) said, "I hope you will do the same." Then he addressed the
woman saying, "return to your home, I hope that you would also he a
good wife to your husband."

The
Ghadeer Affair

The
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) set out for the pilgrimage of God's house with a large
Caravan in the 10th Hijra, so that the people may perform their Hajj
rituals with great fervor, in dignified and magnificent way, because that
was the last Hajj of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). The rituals were performed
very well and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) returned to Medinah along with his
companions. On his way back, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was very anxious. His
anxiety was about his followers and the ummah. He was uneasy and anxious
about the events, which were to take place after his death. The actors and
jugglers among the ummah, were waiting for his death and had preplanned to
deviate and de-track the Imamate and leadership from its course. He sees
all the hypocrites who disguised as his friends; beat their heads and
chests for him. But they have not committed any blunder, folly and wrong
yet, so that he may publicly disgrace and dishonor them and prevent them
(from doing what they intend). He on one side, views all the incidents of
the history and on the other, he must perform the mission that God has
handed him in connection with Ali (A.S.), that duty and mission is the
caliphate of Ali (A.S.) that he must choose and select him as his successor
and heir, and put an end to the ambitions of the chance seekers. Those who
had nominated each one of themselves for the post of caliphate and had made
propaganda among the people that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) will choose us as
his heirs and successors.

The
call of the angel of revelation is reflecting in the heart and soul of the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) as if still he is listening to what he said, "you
have a great mission ahead, if you did not perform this job then you have
not done the Prophetic duty and mission at all." You must know, that
God will save you from the deceitfulness and tricks of the enemy.

Yes,
the successor of the sun of Prophet hood should be the sun of Willayat
(guardianship), possessing all the perfections, completeness and values of
the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Who else could that be except Ali Ibne Abi Talib
(A.S.)? Ali (A.S.), who was many times introduced by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
with the words such as: "'Ali (A.S.) is the wisest of all my ummah
(followers).' 'I am the city of knowledge and wisdom and Ali is (like) its
gate.' 'Whosoever desires to have access to my wisdom should learn it from
Ali.'" This is the very reason that only Ali (A.S.) can go up the
cathedra (tribune) and say amid the people. "Oh people, ask me
whatsoever you desire, before a time comes that you loose me."

The
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) made up his mind and decided it to choose Ali (A.S.) as
his successor on the command and at behest of God, so that, he may complete
and make the Islam perfect, as God had ordered him to do. The day of
Ghadeer, became a day in the history when God gave the good news to the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and said, "Today is the day when I have made Islam
to be a perfect (religion) and completed and finalized my blessings upon
you (Muslims)." What a fruitful Hajj and a holy return. There were
approximately one hundred and twenty thousand men accompanying the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.).

All of
them reached a place known as "Ghadeer-e-Khum" on the land of
"Juhfa". The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) ordered them to stop. All of them
did stop at the behest of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). They were saying to
themselves, "It appears that some vitally important problem has
confronted us." It was just the same that they were thinking of.

They
built a tribune with the camel saddles for the Prophet (P.B.U.H), heralds
were appointed amid the gathering to repeat and call out the words of the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.), so that, all the people may hear. He (P.B.U.H) went
atop the tribune while he was surrounded by his friends and said: "Oh
people! I performed my Prophetic mission and did put in endeavor to the
maximum of my energy that I possess. You should know that I leave two
valuable (weighty) things among you after myself (after my death) so that
these two will never at all get separated from each other.

1.
The Holy Quran, the Book of God.
2. My Ahle Baith [People of the house, the Imam Ali (A.S.) Fatima
(A.S.), Hassan (A.S.), Hussain (A.S.) and nine Imams from the descendents
of Hussain (A.S.)].

Then,
he took the hand of Ali (A.S.) and hoisted it like a flag, so that all of
the people might see. Thereafter, he said, "I am the guardian (wali)
of whosoever, (he should know that) Ali is also his guardian. Oh God! Be
the friend of the friends of Ali and be the enemy of his enemies. Help
those who help him and be the enemy of anyone who fights him. Yes, those
who are present convey my words to those who are not present here. I hope
they will lend ears and accept it."

How
did Ali (A.S.) get the Government?

The
opportunists, who had embraced Islam for the sake of seeking power and made
themselves, move along on the path of Prophet (P.B.U.H.), held confidential
and secret meetings to oust the caliphate from the family of Bani Hashim.
They were counting days to achieve their ends and to put into practical
shape what they had planned to do, because they were aware that they are
face to face with a person whose past services for Islam are not hidden and
are clear to everybody. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had made a plenty of
recommendations about him and particularly invited all to swear in an oath
of allegiance for him. After the death of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), all the
plans were put into practice and materialized one after the other. So that
Ali (A.S.) became all alone, and did not have any alternative except
remaining silent. For, he only thought of Islam and did not pay any
attention towards his post and station. And had he drawn the sword then the
only desire of his enemies would have taken practical shape, that is to
say, no sign of Islam would have been left back.

The
silence of Ali (A.S.) and Fatima Zahra (A.S.) and the immoralities and
irregularities of the previous power seekers, particularly the cruelties
and excesses of the officials and agents of the Bani Ommayides dynasty,
whose influence had gone up during the regime of third Caliph Usman, had
made the people aware and all of them knew that the Islamic Caliphate had
turned into the stage of political actors and stooges and what God and the
Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had meant was quite different from those things.

Resultantly
the displeasure and dissatisfaction of people reached it's climax and the
spark of revolution was kindled in the hearts of the people, which erupted
like a volcano, so that, no one had the means and power to resist and stand
up to it. People attacked the house of Usman in the shape of a flood,
showing camel like anger and grudge, a camel who throws foam out of its
mouth due to anger. These out numbered and countless people, who made the
attack, killed him.

People
were so enraged and furious that they even did not pay any attention and
notice to Imam Hasan (A.S.) and Imam Hussain (A.S.) who were sent by Imam
Ali (A.S.) to prevent Usman from being slain. Imam Hassan (A.S.) was
injured in this disturbance.

People
rushed towards Ali's (A.S.) house with blood dripping out of their swords
and they were burning with fever and fervor of excitement and commotion.
They insistently and requesting dragged him out and took the oath of
allegiance and chose him as their leader and ruler.

Why
Ali's (A.S.) Government faced defeat?

Although
Ali (A.S.) had told the people, while they were taking the oath of
allegiance, that, "I will act upon the right and will not sell my
religion for anybody's world (wishing to gain material), and will not hand
over the power to this person or that person without seeing reason. I will
take into consideration their past activities and if I observe any
violation and breach of law by my officials I will not spare them, I will
dismiss them immediately. I will act decisively and peremptorinessly and
will not have any fear of any reproaching and blaming. I will not give
Baith-ul-mal's wealth to this and that person without reason though he may
be my son.

But
alas, the materialist and ease and comfort seekers did not welcome the
right government of Ali (A.S.). They abandoned and quit Ali (A.S.) at the
initial stage and created chaos, disorder and mutiny for him. Talha and
Zubair, who were experienced men, went to Mecca and provoked Ayesha (R.A.)
to rise up for the sake of taking vengeance of Usman's blood. They by
taking benefit of the station of Ayesha (R.A.), who was the wife of
Prophet, gathered a large group around her. And, with a big army, they
moved hastily towards Ali (A.S.). They had told the illiterate people that
Ali (A.S.) was the murderer of Usman. As a result, they shed the blood of a
group of Muslims and shifted its responsibility towards Ali (A.S.). After
this incident Muawiyah, that cunning fox, who was discharged by Ali (A.S.)
perceived a very good chance for his obstinacy and resistance. He rose
against Ali (A.S.) from Syria and declared war against him.

These
battles were continuing, when a group named Khwarij came into existence
among the army men of Ali (A.S.). This was a group, which considered
neither of Ali (A.S.), nor Muawiyah, and Amro Aas suitable for ruler ship.
They, under the slogan of "Rule is only for God," started a
mutiny and adventure.

Finally,
they martyred Ali (A.S.) but they did not succeed in killing Muawiyah and
Amro Aas. This is how Ali's (A.S.) Government was defeated and sacrificed
upon its own Justice (righteousness) meaning thereby, if Ali (A.S.) had
ruled cunningly treacherously like Muawiyah he would had never been killed.

Martyrdom
of Ali (A.S.)

After
the battle of Neherwan was over, group of Khwarij daily held a meeting in
Mecca and wept over their dead, those killed in Neherwan. One day, they
told each other, "Sitting here and weeping is of no use. We should
kill these three persons Ali (A.S.), Muawiyah and Amro Aas, who destroyed
the Islamic State and killed our brothers."

They
invited three volunteers to perform these errands. Ibn-e-Muljim stood and
said, "I will kill Ali (A.S.)." Hajjaj bin Abdullah, under took
killing Muawiyah and Amro bin Bakr Taimeemi said, "I will kill Amro
Aas." The three of them made a commitment together that they would
materialize their plan on the 19th of Ramadan. Then, each one of them moved
towards the place of his mission, so that they reach there and wait for the
date, which was fixed.

But
alas, the other two did not succeed in achieving there end, whereas,
Ibn-e-Muljim did succeed. Ibn-e-Muljim came to Kufa and contacted the
enemies of Ali (A.S.) and lived in their house till the 19th of Ramadan
approached. One day Ali (A.S.) came across him in the streets of Kufa. He
wanted to hide himself. But Ali (A.S.) said, "I know for what purpose
you have come to Kufa."

As
soon as Ibn-e-Muljim heard these words, he trembled and his legs could no
more carry him. He said to Ali (A.S.), "Oh Ali (A.S.) when it is so
(that you know) release the orders of my being killed or put me in the
prison or banish me off. Ali (A.S.) had a look upon him and said,
"Although I can put into practice each one of your suggestions, but
Islam does not deem pre-crime punishment, fair. So I am obliged to let you
go free. Perhaps you may repent upon your decision.

At
last, on the 19th of Ramadan of the 40th Hijra the son of Muradi opened
apart Ali's (A.S.) head and the mountain of faith and piety tumbled and
crumbled down making the world of Islam mournful.

After
Ali (A.S.) cried on the prayer place (when injured), "By the God of
Kaabah I have succeeded." The haven's angel Jabriel shouted, "By
God, the pillars of guidance are demolished. Ali (A.S.) has been
martyred."

People
rushed out of their houses and arrested the killer of Ali (A.S.) and handed
him over to Imam Hassan (A.S.), and carried Ali (A.S.) with a blood stained
face to his house.

Imam
Hassan (A.S.) imprisoned the killer and informed his father about it.

Imam
Ali (A.S.) told his son, "Oh Son! This man who is my killer and he is
your prisoner, look after his food and water and do not molest him. If I
survive I know what to do with him and if I die then do not strike him but
one blow."

Alas,
Ali (A.S.) did not survive for this ummah. He passed away on the 21st of
Ramadan at the age of 63 yean His pure body was burried secretly at Najaf
(Iraq).