لطفا منتظر باشید ...
It was Friday 13th of Rajab 30 Amulfeel Hazrat Fatima binte Asad, the
wife of Hazrat Abu Talib entered the precincts of the Kaaba and prayed to
Allah saying O'my protector ease my pain.'All of a sudden the wall of the
Kaaba opened up and she, as if by some unseen force went inside the Kaaba
and the wall closed. Ali (AS) the youngest son of Abu Talib was born
inside the Holy Kaaba. She stayed inside for three days. On the 3rd day
she came out through the door and Muhammad was waiting outside. She told
Muhammad (SA) that the boy had not taken any milk. Muhammad gave him the
first feed from his mouth and afterwards asked his uncle Abu Talib that he
wished to adopt the baby. Ali entered the house of Muhammad from the very
first day of his birth. Ali's mother Fatima binte Assad Also lived there
who looked after his own son as well as Muhammad(SA) so much so that later
the Holy Prophet used to say that she was like his own mother.
Shah Waliullah, Mohadith-e-Dehlvi writes in the book "Izalatul Kholafa"
giving reference from Imam Hakim in his Mustadrak Part 3, Page 483. Qud
Tawatarul Akhbar Inna Fatimah Binte Asad woledat Aliyan Fi Jaufil Kaaba".
Another writer of the old school Sibtel Jauzi in his book Tazkeratul
Khawas ul Umma, page 7 mentions the same fact that Ali was born inside the
Kaaba.
Khawja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri mentions this fact in his famous
Quartet saying that when Ali was born inside the kaaba the Sky and the
earth was filled with a light and Angel Gabril announced that a child was
born in the house of God.
Maulan Rume in his Mathnawi writes, " O'one who travels to Najef to
visit the tomb of Ali must know the fact that the pearl of the Kaaba lies
there to give us security because of our intense love for him."
Masoodi the famous historian writes in his book of history Muruj el
Zahab, that Ali was born inside the Kaaba on the orders of Muhammad the
Messenger of God.
It was after the adoption of Ali(AS) that he lived with the Holy
Prophet in his house.
Wherever Muhammad(SA) went Ali(AS) was with him all the time. Even in
the Mountain of Hira when Muhammad (SA)went for meditation Ali(AS) went
with him most of the time. Sometimes they stayed on the mountain for 3 or
4 days. Some times Ali (AS) took his food their. In Nehjul Balagha Ali(AS)
said that " I used to go with the Holy Prophet like the baby camel goes
with his mother."
Some historians try to show that when Muhammad(SA) declared his
prophethood Ali(AS) was the first among male children who accepted Islam.
The implication here is that both Muhammad(SA) and Ali(AS) were non
-believers before this declaration. This is against the Qur'anic verdict
which says that Ibrahim was a muslim and he taught his children to be
muslims so that when the Prophet was born among the descendents of Ibrahim
through the line of Ismael he was born a muslim and so was Ali. The
correct thing to say would be that when Muhammad (SA)declared his
prophethood openly Ali (AS) immediately adhered to the declaration without
hesitation.
The three persons seen in prayers in the Kaaba were Muhammad, Khadija
and Ali before anyone else accepted Islam. For 3 years young and poor
persons of Makka were accepting Islam secretly. The first open declaration
came when the Qora'anic verse tells the Prophet to "come out openly and
warn the people of your own clan." Invitations were sent to leaders of the
Banu Hashim to come to the house of Muhammad (SA)for Dinner. Forty of them
came, ate food and then heard Muhammad (SA)about his mission of No god
but Allah and Muhammad(SA) as the messenger of Allah and whoever offers
his help to propagate this religion will be his deputy and successor. No
one stood up except Ali(AS). After announcing this 3 times Muhammad(SA)
declared that Ali (AS)will be his deputy to his mission and will be his
successor after him. People thought it as a joke that a 13 year old boy
was to be a deputy of this prophetic mission. Even Abu Lahab jokingly told
Abu Talib, go and obey your son to which AbuTalib smilingly accepted.
Ali(AS) promissed to help Muhammad(SA) in his mission and kept this
promise all his life.
The next thing which we see in the life of Ali (AS)is the reflection of
this promise he gave at this place in front of the leaders of the
Qoraish.
We see Ali(AS) protecting Muhammad(SA) from the abuses of the enemies
of Islam. When Muhammad (SA)went to Taif a nearby town to preach Islam
children of Taif hurled stones and it was Ali(AS)who protected the Prophet
and drove the stone throwing children away from the Prophet.
As a youth Ali(AS) was strongly built, strong arms, wide chest and a
very strong brave and shining face. Children of his age and even older to
him were frightened of him and whenever they tried to mock the Prophet,
they always ran away when they saw Ali (AS)standing by for protection.
Time passed and hostility of the Qoraish increased so much so that
Muhammad (SA) was ordered by Allah to leave Makka. Ali(AS) slept on
Muhammad's bed without hesitation and when the non believers entered the
house of Muhammad(SA) to kill they found Ali(AS) who was not afraid at all
at the site of 40 swordsmen entering the house. When they questioned
Ali,"where was Muhammad" he bravely replied, did you leave him in my
custody? When after 3 days of Muhammad's departure Ali returned all the
goods entrusted to Muhammad to their owners, he set out to leave Makka for
Madina with the rest of the family. Ali(AS) had with him his mother Fatima
binte Asad, His aunt, the wife of Hamza, and Fatima, the daughter of
Muhammad(SA) and many other ladies. Non-believers of Makka tried to stop
Ali(AS) from his departure but Ali (AS)fought back, drove the infidels
away and safely reached Madina. Muhammad(SA) was waiting for the family
outside the precincts of the town. He entered the city with Ali(AS) and
the rest of the family.
The Holy Prophet created a bond of brotherhood between the muslims,
making Ali(AS) as his muslim brother saying O'Ali, you are my brother in
this world as well as in the next.
Once the family settled in the newly adopted city of Madina their first
task was to complete the mosque around which their houses were also built.
Ali initially stayed with his mother but when he married Fatima the
daughter of the Prophet he was given a house next to the Prophet by the
side of the mosque. He had been betrothed to her several days before the
battle of Badr. But the marriage was celebrated three months later. Ali
was about 23 years old and Fatima was 18. This was most happy and
celebrated marriage. The distinctiveness of their respectivecharacters
blended so well with each other that they never quarrelled and complained
of one another and led a happy and most contended life. Materially the
couple did not posses much, spiritually they were at the highest level of
assent. They had no worries if they go hungry or their clothes had
patches.They would be more concerned if an orphan goes away from their
door without receiving any food.
History records Ali's life in Madina with the Holy Prophet for the next
ten years as the most busy in defending Islam against the attackers from
Makka. Ali(AS) was always the standard bearer of the Flag of Islam in all
such battles and his bravery became legendary.
Ibne Abil Hadid, the Motazelli commentator of Nahjul Balagha says that:
Ali(AS) had a personality in which opposite characteristics had so
gathered that it was difficult to believe a human mind could manifest such
a combination. He was the bravest man that history could cite and such
brave men are always hard hearted, cruel and eager to shed blood. On the
contrary Ali was kind, sympathetic, responsive and warmhearted person,
qualities quite contrary to the other phase of his character and more
suited to pious and God fearing persons.Ali's bravery and piety both
became legendry.Life in Madina while the Holy Prophet was alive was the
most busy for Ali. But he remembers these times as the best times of his
life. He says in Nehjul Balagha Life with my brother was a life of ease
and happiness.'
The battles of Badr, Ohud, Khandaq and Khyber were fought in the
defence if Islam and won on the hands of Ali(AS). He was not only the
standard bearer of the Flag of Islam in these battles,but always lead the
forces of Islam against Kufr and came out victorious. Khyber was the
climax of these battles when Ali's victory brought prosperity in the
muslim ranks. Ayesha the wife of the Prophet said once that until the
victory of Khyber we in the house of the Prophet spent days without food.
It was only after Khyber that life at home became a little easier. Thus
Ali(AS) brought an end to the hostilities of Quraish in three encounters
of Badr, Ohud and Khandaq. Their best warriors were killed, their unity
against Islam was crushed, their pride was humiliated and their prestige
before Arab clans was lowered by him and by him alone. Khyber saw an end
to the hegmony of jews in Arabia at the hands of Ali(AS).
The peace agreement of Hodaibiya was written by Ali (AS)and at the time
of the peaceful victory at Makka, the idols of the Kaaba were demolished
by the Holy Prophet with the help of Ali(AS).Details of these battles were
shown in the life of the Prophet.
Battle of Honain.
The Victory of Makka brought many non believers into the fold of Islam.
Broadly speaking there were three types who embraced Islam. Fear, greed
and the true understanding of Islam and its principles. Some of the
Makkans became muslims for fear of their lives, they were afraid that the
Prophet would kill them, others were simply frightened that the Holy
Prophet with the help of Angel Gabriel would bring the wrath of God on
them. Then there was greed that Islam was now victorious, so if they
joined in the good life would be theirs for free. Very few of them truly
understood Islam and accepted it as a true faith. The Test of their true
faith came immediately after the fall of Makka while muslims were still in
the sweet pleasure of this bloodless victory,that various tribes outside
Makka gathered an army of 20,000 in Taif to fight the muslims. The hostile
tribes decided to attack at a vantage point at Hunain and selected two
prominent places where they concealed their archers. The Muslims were
proud of their success in Makka,but their behaviour during the encounter
was timorous and cowardly. Qur'an tells us this in Sura Tauba V9 "God came
to your help on so many occasions, on the day of Honain, your vanity in
the number of your soldiers and your arrogance did not prove any avail to
you, you were badly defeated and could not find any place of shelter, you
started running away without shame."
This encounter took place in the month of Shawwal 8th Hijri (Jan 630
AD). When the muslim army marched towards the place where archers were
concealed the enemy opened the campaign with such a severe onslaught that
the muslim army could not stand it. Their assault was fierce and confusion
in the muslim ranks made the archers bolder and they came nearer and
attacked from both flanks and from the front. The muslims could not stand
the attack and started running without putting any resistance and where
not concerned to leave the Prophet alone,(see Saheeh Bukhari)
The first battalion to run was the one in the command of Khalid ibne
Waleed(Rauzathus Safa vol II pafw 137) This was followed by such a
disorderly and tumultuous flight that only 10 people were left out of an
army of 15,000 with the Holy Prophet. Eight of them were of Bani
Hashim,(.Abbas, two of his sons, Ali and three other cousins of the Holy
Prophet)
Abbas was shouting to the muslims to come back, reminding them of the
oath of allegiance taken and promises made, but it was to no avail. Those
who accepted Islam for greed , wealth and power were not willing to risk
their lives.Many of them who had carefully hidden their enmity from the
rising power were happy at the defeat. They gathered round Abu Sofian,
started congratulating him and saying, "The magical circle of the lying
Prophet is broken," They were praying for the return of Polytheism.
1.
Once again it fell to the lot of Ali(AS) to save the Holy Prophet and
the Islam. Armies of Bani Hawaazen and Banu Saqeef under cover of their
archers were rushing the hillock and were getting ready for a fierce
onslaught. Ali(AS) divided the small band of faithful true muslims in
three divisions; to Abdullah Ibne Masood, Abbas ibne Abdul Muttalib and
Abu bin Harris has assigned the duty of protecting the Holy Prophet, to
three he ordered to guard the rear and he himself faced the onslaught with
only three warriors with him. He fought, wounded at many places,but
continue fighting when he faced the commander of the hostile army, Abu
Jerdal in hand to hand fight and killed him with one stroke of his sword.
He alone killed over 30 of the enemy and with this bravery his aids also
fought bravely and enemy was defeated.The day was saved, the commander of
the enemy's army was killed,their ranks were broken they had no courage to
face Ali(AS) and they started retreating. The sight of the powerful army
in retreat, made the fleeing muslims bold and they came back as victory
was won for them 2.
The defensive battles were over and the peaceful spread of Islam began.
Ali(AS) was again in the forefront. He brought the whole tribe of bani
Hamdan to Islam by preaching . Similarly when he was sent to Yemen he
brought the whole country in to the fold of Islam by his sermons. This
news so pleased the Holy Prophet that he bowed down in Sajdah to thank God
three times and said loudly, peace be to Bani Hamdan and to Ali. Again in
the year 10th of Hijra Ali's sermon and preachings proved so effective
that the whole province embraced Islam as one man.
In the 9th year of Hijra the famous event of Mobahela took place.
Najran was a city in the province of Yemen. It was the centre of Christian
Missionary activities in southern Arabia. The Holy Prophet had written to
the Chief Priest of the City to realize the blessings of Islam. In reply
he wrote that he personally would like to discuss the teachings of this
new religion. His name was Haris. He was invited and came with a group of
14 priests. These priests as guest of the Holy Prophet. Long discussions
took place during the course of 4 days of their stay in Madina. When
Sunday came the Chief priest wanted to go out of the city to have their
Sunday Service. Prophet Islam said that they all have permission to
conduct their religious service inside the mosque of the Prophet which
they happily did. Long discussions continued about monotheism verses
trinity and it was realised that these priests were not open minded, on
the contrary they were prejudiced against monotheism. The Almighty Lord
ordered the Holy Prophet to explain to tthat " Verily Jesus is as Adam in
the sight of God. He created Adam from dust. He said unto him, Be, and he
was. This is truth from thy Lord. be not therefore one of those who doubt,
and whoever shall dispute thee, say unto them, "come let us call together
our sons and your sons, our women and your women, our Selves and your
Selves, then let us make imprecations and lay the curse of God upon those
who lie. (Sura Ale Imran, V. 61) According to Bibi Ayesha when the above
verse was revealed to the Apostle of God, he called Ali, Fatima, Hasan and
Hussain and said, "Lord, this is my family (Ahlulbayt). The Holy Prophet
took this small family with them to the open land outside the city where
they all assembled to bring the curse of God on those who lie. When the
Chief priest saw these faces, he told his companions that he was looking
at the faces that if they call the mountain, the mountain will go them. Do
not have Mobahela with them or you will be destroyed. On hearing this they
all agreed to pay homage to the Holy Prophet and an annual tax for living
in the Islamic State and withdrew from the scene.
name="Designation of Ali as successor to the Prophet">Designation of Ali
as successor to the Prophet
In history there were numerous occasions when the Holy Prophet
designated Ali as his Deputy and successor after him. From the moment of
Zulasheera to the time of the conquest of Khyber and the occasion of the
battle of Tabuke the Holy Prophet made it abundantly clear that no one
deserved more than Ali to be his Deputy and successor. But at the time of
Ghadeer this was clearly ordered by Allah through a clear verse revealed
on the Prophet. The Verse said,
"O' apostle; proclaim the whole of that which hath been sent
down to thee from thy Lord, for if thou dost it not, it will be as if
thou hast not at all performed the duty of His Prophethood. And God will
protect thee from evil men, verily God guideth not the unbelievers." (
Sura 5 : V.67.)
The occasion was after the last pilgrimage in 10th Hijri. The Prophet
delivered his Sermons on Mount Arafat, had the final rounds of the Kaaba
and left for Madina. More than 120,000 pilgrims were coming out with him
from Makka going to the North. Half way through their journey where the
routes were separated for various pilgrims, the Holy Prophet ordered the
whole caravan to halt. All those who went ahead were called back and for
those who were behind they waited for them to arrive. The place was
Ghadeer, near the pool of water. That is why it was named Ghadeer-e-Khom.
When all assembled at this place the Holy Prophet stood up on top of the
pulpit and said, "O'people, shortly I shall be called towards my creator
where I shall have to give an account as to how I have conveyed His
message to you and you in your turn will be asked as to how you have
accepted and carried out the teachings. Now tell me what you will say".
Thereupon all the pilgrims declared as one man, "O'Apostle of God, we
testify and declare that you have conveyed the message of God fully, you
have strived your utmost to guide us to the Right Path and taught us to
follow it. You were most kind to us and you never wished for us but our
good, may God repay you for all that." After that the Prophet said, "Do
you not testify that there is no god but Allah,that Muhammad is His
creature,His servant, and His apostle, that there is the Heaven and the
Hell,that death will over take every one of you,that you will be brought
back from your graves that the Day of Judgement will surely dawn and human
beings will be resurrected from their graves to account for their deeds.
The whole crowd declared in unison, "We believe and testiy all this."
Hearing this the Apostle declared, "I am leaving amongst you two most
important things worthy of obedience, the Qur'an and my progeny
(Ahlulbayt). Take care how you treat them, they will not separate from
each other till they reach me at the fountain of Kauser." Then he said, "
The Almighty God is my Lord (Maula) and I am the Lord of all muslims and
have more right and power on their lives than they themselves. Do you
believe in this assertion of mine?" They all in one voice replied " Yes
O'Apostle of God. Three times he asked the same question and three times
he received the same affirmative reply. At this solemn affirmation he
said, "Hear and remember that to whomever I am Lord or Maula, Ali is the
Lord and Maula to him. He is to me what Aron was to Musa. The Almighty God
be a friend to his friends and a foe to his foe, help those who help him
and frustrate those who betray him. While saying this he raised Ali High
over his shoulders in order to be seen by all the muslims assembled there.
Thereupon the Holy Prophet received the final revelation: "This day I have
perfected your religion for you and have filled up the measure of my
bounties upon you and I am pleased with Islam to be your Deen,"(religion)
(Sura 5 :V 3 ).
After performing this ceremony and receiving the above revelation the
Holy Prophet came down from the pulpit and ordered a tent to be erected.
In this Ali (AS)was made to take his seat and all muslims were ordered to
pay homage to him and address him as Amirul Momeneen (Lord of the
faithful) The first person to congratulate and address him as such was
Omar Ibne Khattab saying, "I congratulate you, O'Ali, today you have
become my Maula and Lord and Lord of every muslim man and woman.
1.
The event of Ghadeer was on 18th of Zilhijja 10th Hijri, immediately
after the last pilgrimage by the Holy Prophet. He then arrived back in
Madina and lived only for 70 days after the event.(130 Prominent
Companions of the Holy Prophet narrated this Hadith including the first
three Kholafa-e-Rashidoon)
The year 11th AH was the saddest year for Ali.(AS) He lost two of his
best friends. One of whom he loved and venerated like a father, like a
master and like a dearest friend, the Holy Prophet(SA) who died on 28th
Safar 11th Hijri, exactly 70 days after the event of Ghadeer. His death
followed by the death of his dearest companion his wife Fatima, the Lady
of Light.
Immediately after the death of the Holy Prophet who was buried by Ali
(AS)with the help of his uncle Abbas and all the family of Bani Hashim,
the news was given to Ali(AS) about the events at the Saqeefa that Abubakr
was made Caliph. Abu Sofian heard the news came to Ali(AS) and told him
that his Right was taken away from him. If he wishes, Abu Sofian would
fill the city of Madina with horsemen to defend Ali's Right of Khilafat.
Ali's reply was typical, he said," since when you have become friends of
Islam", you want to create serious dissension amongst the muslims. You
have always tried to harm Islam I do not need your sympathies or help."
Ali realized that any serious dissension at this stage would harm the
cause of Islam. He had before him the example of Hodaibiya and he had been
foretold by the Holy Prophet of all that would happen. Allama Ali Ibne
Mohammed (630 AH) in his book Usdul Ghaba Vol iv page 31 says, The Holy
Prophet had told Ali, your status is like that of Kaaba. People go to
Kaaba but that August house never approaches anybody. Therefore after my
death, if people come to you and swear the oath of allegiance you accept
it and if they do not come to you then you do not go to them."
Ali's love for Islam was so intense, he could not,for the sake of
wordly rule, endanger Islam. He knew fully well that a civil war at this
stage would give chances to the jewish tribes of Banu Nuzair and Banu
Qoraiza on the one side, and the Byzantine armies in thnorth with the
Munafiqoon (hypocrites) the new converts on the third side to simply take
advantage of the situation. When they would find the muslims busy killing
each other they would literally cut them to pieces and Islam would totally
disappear as a message of peace. Ali's utmost desire was to see Islam and
the Arabs in one piece and wanted the enemies of Islam to realize that
Islam was strong enough to defend itself as "Deen". even after the demise
of the Apostle of God.,He had another important job to complete that is
the completion of the collection of Qur'an with its Tafseer (explanations)
according to the instructions of the Holy Prophet. Qur'an as a bwas
already completed by the Holy Prophet, many copies were made and
circulated among the muslim communities all over the Islamic world. What
Ali did in the next six months after the demise of the Holy Prophet was to
collect all the explanations of the various verses, reasons behind their
revelation and their full context. This monumental job he completed in six
months and brought before the muslims in the city of the
Prophet.Unfortunately this was ignored by the ruling party and Ali(AS)
took it back with him.Their comment was "this is too bulky and people will
not understand it."
The original remained with Ali (AS) all his life and then passed on to
his son Hasan (AS) and then to Hussain (AS) which then continued with the
Ahlulbayt of the Prophet. It is now with the 12th Imam (AS).
During the time of the three Kholafa, although Ali (AS) did not take
part in any of the battles, he was always available when they sought his
advice on religious matters. His position as the jurist was on the top of
the list among the companions of the Holy Prophet. Omar Ibne Khattab the
2nd Caliph had given clear instructions that when Ali was present in the
mosque of the Prophet no one should take precedence over him in answering
questions on religious matters. In one such encounter during the time of
the 2nd Caliph, a group of Jewish scholars approached the caliph and said,
" We have a few questions. If we get the answers to these questions
correctly, we will accept the Islamic faith. "Ask whatever you want to
ask," said the caliph. They asked the following questions.
1. What are the locks and keys of heaven?
2. Who was the messenger who was neither of the human nor of the jinn
and who warned his people?
3. Which are the 5 beings who were created without the aid of
ovaries?
4 What are one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
eleven and twelve?
The caliph thought over these questions for a time, then said, I do not
know the answers to these questions. I will take you to a man who is most
knowledgeable in the commandments of God and the Prophet and the greatest
among us. The caliph then brought the jewish scholars to Ali (AS). They
asked the same questions to him. Ali(AS) answered thus:
1. The locks of the heavens are beliefs in more than one God, and its
keys are the letters of "La Ilaha Illallah, Muhammad-Ur-Rasulallah."
2. The messenger who warned his people is the ant who, when Solomon's
army was passing by, said to his people, " Enter your houses so that the
army may not stamp you out (without intention)". So God states in the Holy
Qur'an, " Until they came to the valley of the Ants, said an ant
(addressing the other ants of the valley) O" you ants' enter into your
dwellings, so that Solomon and his hosts may not crush you while they know
it not". (Sura An-Naml.V 18)
3. The five beings who were not born of ovaries are: Adam, Eve, the
staff of Moses which used to change into a python, the camel of Saleh, and
the sheep of Ibrahim (which was sent by God to become a ransom of the life
of Ibrahim's son Ismael).
4. One is God who has no partners, two are Adam and Eve, three are the
substances ( i.e. non-living matter, plants and animals), four are the
Heavenly books: Torah of Moses, Bible of Jesus, Zubur of Dawood and the
Qur'an of Muhammad (SA). Five are the daily prayers. Six are the days of
creation of the heavens and earth, as per the verse of the Qur'an: " And
indeed We created the heavens and the earth and what is between them two,
in six periods and touched us not any fatigue." (Sura Qaf V.38). Seven are
the seven heavens, in the light of the Qoranic Verse: " And we have
erected above you the seven strong ones."(Sura An-Naba V12)
Eight are those angels who bear the heavens, as per the Qur'anic Verse:
" And the angels shall be on the side of it; and above them shall bear
that day Arsh'(the throne of authority). of your Lord, eight of them
(Sura Al-Haqqah.V.17) Nine are the nine signs given to Moses as stated by
God: "And indeed we gave Moses nine clear signs (miracles); so ask the
children of Israel when he came to them, Pharoah said to him; "Verily I
deem you O'Moses one bewitched."(Sura Bani Israel, V 101). Ten are the ten
days, i.e. God had promissed Moses that he would stay on the mountain of
Toor for thirty days, and later added ten more days to this duration, as
it is stated in the Qoran." And we made an appointment with Moses for
thirty nights and completed it with ten more;" Thus was completed the term
of his Lord, forty nights, and (before he went up) Moses said to his
brother Aaron: You take my place among my people, act rightly and follow
not the path of the mischief-makers." (Sura Al-A'araf. V.142). Eleven are
the brothers of Joseph, son of Jacob, as the Qur'an states, "When said
Joseph to his father, O'my father; Verily I did see (dream) eleven stars
and the sun and the moon,, I saw them all prostrating to me." (Sura
Yousuf.V.4) . Twelve are the Twelve water-springs manifested by the staff
of Moses, as God states, " And (remember) when Moses sought water for his
people; said We, Strike the rock with your staff' Then gushed out
therefrom twelve springs; each people knew their drinking place; "Eat and
drink God's provision, and commit not evil in the earth acting
mischievously. "(Sura Al BaqaraV60).
When the jewish scholars heard the replies of Ali (AS) they said, "We
bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad(SA) is His
Messenger and Ali(AS) is the "Wasi" and successor of the Messenger of God
as Aaron was the Wasi of Moses. They all embraced Islam, went back to
their tribe and converted all of them to Islam.(Kaukabe Durri).
After the death of Osman the 3rd Caliph Ali(AS) was elected by the
overwhelming majority of muslims as the 4th Caliph. He was reluctant to
accept the office of the caliph but when pushed by the majority , accepted
it by saying that he was taking the reigns of wordly authority only to
bring back the Ummah of the Prophet on the Right Path, though the value of
this wordly khilafat is less than the sneeze of a goat. His position as an
Imam and guide was already established during the period of three earlier
khulafa, with wordly power he began the undaunting task of establishing
the type of rule the Messenger of God had established during his time.
Imam Bukhari mentioned in his Saheeh that the very first prayers which Ali
(AS) lead in the mosque of the Prophet as the Caliph, many companions of
the prophet said that " today we have prayed as the Messenger of God used
to pray". But during the past 25 years many companions of the Prophet had,
due to excessive wealth coming in from the conquest of the foreign lands,
changed into the habit of living like feudal lords of the period of
Jahiliya of pre-Islamic days. Ali (AS) as caliph warned them of the
dangers of excessive wealth by these words. " Beware of the intoxication
of wealth".(Masudi,Muruj el Zahab).
The path of Ali (AS) was full of thorns and as soon as he tried to
establish the austere path of the Messenger of God, he created many
enemies. The first and foremost was the Governor of Syria Moawiya ibne Abi
Sofian. He persuaded Talha and Zubair,when they were denied the
Governorship of various provinces by Ali(AS), to start a revolt against
Ali.(AS) Both of them left Madina, arrived in Makka and somehow persuaded
bibi Ayesha the widow of the Prophet to start a fight against Ali.(AS)
They left Makka for Basra and assembled an armyagainst Ali.(AS). He warned
them of the dangers of war against the caliph upon whose hand they had
taken the oath of allegiance, but persuasion from Moawiya and promises of
Governorship of various provinces was so strong that they would not hear
any advice. Ali (AS) left Madina in pursuit of these deviants and two
muslim armies faced each other near Basra. When many companions of the
Prophet saw this they questioned the validity of this war and cast doubt
as to which party was on the right path. Ali(AS) replied in the most
subtle way to these doubters. " Truth cannot be identified from men, find
the truth and you will find the deserving person". The battle of Jamal was
fought, Ali s army was victorious, boTalha and Zubair were killed by
their own men and bibi Ayesha was sent back to Madina under the escort of
her brother Muhammad ibne Abibakr. She always repented this venture and
asked forgiveness from God. When with the connivance of Moawiya her
brother Muhammad ibne abi bakr was killed and his body was put into the
body of a dead camel and burnt, she cursed Moawiya five times a day after
every prayer, throughout her life..
The Battle of Siffin was also fought due to the deviant action of
Moawiya against the Islamic State. Some companions of Ali's army deserted
him by accepting bribes from Moawiya and due to this deceitful action the
battle of Siffin remained indecisive, no one won and no one lost. In the
meantime this deviant group which were later named as "Khawarij" meaning
deviant, began to spread trouble within the Islamic State by looting and
burning villages and killing women and children that Ali(AS) fought
against them and the battle of Nahrwan took place.
On the way to Nahrwan Ali(AS) passed a monastery. An old Christian monk
who also claimed to be an astrologer of some repute called out, " O' army
of Islam, ask your leader to come to me. Upon hearing this Ali (AS) turned
his horse towards the monastery and approached the monk. Where do you go
ask the monk. To fight the enemies of Islam, replied Ali(AS).
Do not fight now, because at this moment the stars do not favour the
muslims. Wait for a few days when the stars will become favourable for
you. Ali (AS) replied, do you defy Allah for this action we are taking on
the orders of Allah and for His Deen.
Ali (AS) said, " since you profess knowledge of the stars, tell me
about the movement of such and such star." The old man said, By God, I
have never heard the name of this star. Ali(AS) asked him another question
about the skies and when the old man failed to reply, said " It is now
known that you do not know about the skies. Shall I ask you about the
earth? Tell me what is buried beneath your feet at the spot where you
stand. I do not know said the old monk., "There is a vessel filled with so
many silver coins and the coins bear such and such emblem. How do you know
enquired the monk". " By God's grace." said Ali (AS). Then Ali proceeded
to say that in the ensuing fight, less than ten persons of Islamic army
would be killed where as less then ten persons from the opposing army
would escape. The old monk listened astonished. As per Ali's command, when
the earth beneath the feet of the monk was dug, a vessel filled with
silver coins was found exactly as described by Ali (AS)
Ali (AS) proceeded to Nahrwan and in the ensuing fight, the khawarij
were thoroughly defeated. Out of the four thousand men of the khawarij
only nine escaped and only nine men of the Islamic army were killed in
this battle. (Rawdhatul Shuhada, Kaukab el Durri )
Returning from the battle Ali(AS) passed the monastery and when the
monk heard the full story he embraced Islam immediately.
Ali(AS) also admonished him about his belief in astrology. He said " do
you think you can tell the hour when a man goes out and no evil befall
him. Whoever testifies this falsifies the Qoran and becomes unmindful of
Allah in achieving his desired objective and in warding off the
undesirable." Then Ali (AS) addressed to his own soldiers and said "
Beware of learning the science of stars except that with which guidance is
sought on land or sea, because it leads to divining and an astrologer is a
diviner, while a diviner is like the sorcerer, the sorcerer is like the
unbeliever and the unbeliever's place is in hell."(Nahjul Balagha)
The four years and ten months of the Khilafat of Ali(AS) has been
regarded by many historians as the best example of Islamic State after the
Prophet of Islam's death, in spite of the fact that the family of Abu
Sofian tried their best to destroy it. Imam Abu Yousuf the famous disciple
of Imam Abu Hanifa in his book about the history of Kholafae Rashedun
declares above the title of his book that Ali's (AS) time of Khilafat was
the best in the management of the Islamic State and most just.
Many European historians mentioned Ali's name with love and affection.
Carlyle writes in his Heros and Heroworship that" Ali had such a
personality that he was liked, loved and venerated by everybody. He was
the man of excellent character loving and lovable, so intensely brave that
if anything stood against his bravery it was consumed as if by fire, yet
he was so gentle and kind that he represented the model of a Christian
Knight."
The famous Egyptian scholar Mohammad Abdoh relates a story about the
time of the conquest of Alexandria during the reign of the 2nd caliph.
They found a great library there and did not know what to do with it.
Orders were issued from Madina that if these books are according to the
Holy Qur'an, then we do not need them and if they say anything contrary to
the Holy Qur'an then we do not want them. Therefore, in any case they
ought to be burnt. (Akhbarul Ulama wa Aakhbarul Hukama of Ibne Quftee,
pages 232 and 233,Printed Cairo). When Ali (As) heard the news of this, he
tried to pursude them to refrain from issuing such order. He told them,
"These books are treasures of knowledge and they cannot say anything
against the Holy Qur'an. On the contrary the knowledge contained therein
would act as commentaries of the Holy Book and would assist and help in
further explanations of the knowledge as presented by the Holy Prophet.
Knowledge is an asset for human beings and a birth right of man. It should
not be destroyed."
It was 19th of Ramadhan 41 Hijri while Ali (AS) was leading the morning
prayers and was in the second sajdah of the 2nd Rakaat that Ibne Muljim's
sword fell and the life of the greatest warrior saint was taken away to
his merciful Lord. The famous christian writer of Lebanon George Jurdaq
writes in his books on Ali(AS) that with this one blow of the sword of
Ibne Muljim the world was deprived of the person who, if had lived a few
more years would have given the world a system of administration that
future generations would have benefited for a long time to come." In fact
the letter to his Governor of Egypt Malike Ashter advising him of the
"Do's and Don'ts for a successful administration of the State is the hall
mark in the annals of history". We can only say that Ali's supreme wisdom
provides the guidance of a stature that mankind can aspire to.
Ali (AS) injured with the wound from the poisonous sword lived for two
days. In these two days he dictated his Will and last testament to his son
Hasan (AS) which is again a brilliant part of literary history. He advised
his eldest son to love God and obey Him and to live for the service of the
people in the way of God. " And then do not forget to set apart the best
of your time for communion with God, although every moment of yours is for
Him, provided it is spent sincerely in the service of your people."
Ali's (AS) sermons, collected by Sayid Razi in the 4th century (AH) are
the examples of the most brilliant piece of Arabic literature that after
the Holy Qor'an and the authentic Hadith of the Prophet of Islam, ever
produced.
What Syed Razi could compile in Nehjul Balagha does not contain all the
Sermons, letters and sayings of Ali (AS). Masoodi (d.346) in his famous
book of history Muruj-al-Zahab says that the only Sermons of Ali,(AS)
which have been preserved by various peop, number more than 480. These
were extempore orations, people have copied them from one another and
compiled them in the book forms' they have cited them and quoted passages
from them in their books. The famous companion and pupil of Ali (AS) Hasan
al Basri had made such arrangements that one of his own friends would
memorise the sermons delivered in the mosque of Kufa and relate the same
in the next Fridays prayer in Basra. This shows the deep interest people
of his own time had in these sermons and sayings.
Apparently out of these 480 sermons some were lost and Syed Razi could
lay hands on only 245 sermons. Besides them he has collected about 75
letters and 489 sayings. Almost everyone of the sermons, sayings and
letters collected in Nehjul Balagha is to be found books of authors who
died long before Syed Raza was even born.
Here we quote a few selected sayings of Ali (AS) from Nehjul Balagha,
The numbers given as they appear in the English translation by Syed Ali
Raza from Pakistan.
1. During civil disturbance be like an adolescent camel who has neither
a back strong enough for riding nor udders for milking."( 1, page 568)
2. He who adopts greed as a habit devalues himself, he who discloses
his hardship agrees to humiliation, and he who allows his tongue to
overpower his Nafs debases the Nafs.(2 page 569)
5. Knowledge is a venerable estate, good manners are new dresses and
thinking is a clear mirror. ( 5, page 569)
7. Charity is an effective cure, and actions of people in their present
life will be before their eyes in the next life.( 7, page 570)
10.Meet people in such a manner that if you die they should weep for
you and if you live they should long for you.( 10, page 571)
27." Keep walking in your sickness as long as you can."(27, page 576)-A
simple cure through exercise and ignoring the sickness as much as
possible)
31. Faith stands on four supports: on endurance, conviction, justice
and Jihad.(31 page 576)
40. The tongue of the wiseman is behind his heart and the heart of the
fool is behind his tongue.(40 page 579)
45. Even if I strike the nose of a believer with this sword for hating
me, he will not hate me, and even if I pile all the wealth of the world
before a hypocrite for loving me he will not love. This is because it is
pronounced by the tongue of the beloved Prophet. O'Ali, a believer will
never hate you and a hypocrite (Muslim) will never love you.( 45 page
580)
54. There is no wealth like wisdom, no destitution like ignorance, no
inheritance like refinement and no support like consultation.(54 page
584)
64. The people of the world are like travellers who are being carried
while asleep. 64, page 584)
67. Do not feel ashamed for giving little, because refusal is smaller
than that.( 67, page 584)
90. The perfect jurist of Islam is he who does not let people lose hope
from the mercy of Allah, does not make him despondent of Allah's kindness
and does not make him feel safe from Allah's punishment.( 90 page 589)
117. Two categories of persons will face ruin on account of me; he who
loves me with exaggeration and he who hates me intensely. (117 page
594)
146. Protect your belief by charity, guard your wealth by paying
Allah's share, and ward off the waves of calamity by praying.(146 page
600)
334. Beware of disobeying Allah in solitude, for the witness is also
the judge.(334. page 648)
The famous French historian and Orientalist Gabriel Enkiri writes in
his famous book Le chevealier de Islam',In the extremely superfine, grand
and noble character of Ali, there were two traits which, it is difficult
to believe that can be united in one man. Besides Ali, history cannot show
any other man who has displayed these two qualities at one and the same
time, and each one, in such a marked way that none can surpassed him.
1. He was the greatest marshal of his time (even of all time) and , 2.
He was the wisest man who could explain and expound religion, philosophy,
science, sociology and ethics, in a style which was not and which cannot
be improved; what is more, he was such a great speaker that his speeches
enchant you even fourteen centuries after his death".
Read the book called Nahjul Balagha and find out yourself.
