The life of Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib: The Lion of God

 

©️Image credit; rightful owner 

The life of Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib: The Lion of God

Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib, revered as the "Lion of God," was born in 600 CE in Mecca, into the noble Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. From the age of five, he was raised by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Hazret   Ali embraced Islam at the tender age of eleven, becoming one of the first converts to the new religion.

At the age of 22, Hazret Ali married Hazret Fatimah, the beloved daughter of the  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).   Despite many notable suitors, including Hazret Abu Bakr and Hazret Umar, the Prophet chose Ali to be Fatimah's husband, recognizing his piety and valour. Hazret Ali distinguished himself as a scribe of the Holy Quran and a formidable warrior, participating in numerous battles that defined the early Muslim community. He fought bravely alongside the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all the battles of Islam except for the Battle of Tabuk.

Hazret Ali's life, however, was marked by trials and tribulations. Although many anticipated his leadership following the Prophet’s death, the Muslim community elected Hazret  Abu Bakr as the first caliph while Hazret Ali was engaged in the burial of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Islamic history. Hazret Ali refused to give his allegiance to Abu Bark for about six months.  Al-tabari reports that  Banu Hashim did not accept the Caliphate of  Hazret Abu Bakr for a long time.  Hazret Abu Bakr nominated Hazret  Umar as his successor, and  Hazret Umar subsequently suggested a group of six individuals from whom one would be elected as the third caliph of the Muslims. Ultimately, Hazet Ali became the fourth caliph in 656 CE. 

During his caliphate, Ali faced significant challenges. His leadership was marred by internal strife, as he was embroiled in the First Fitna (Islamic civil war). The battles of Jamal (656 CE)  and Siffin (657), fought against prominent companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), such as Hazret Talha, Hazret  Zubair, Hazret Muawiyah and Hazret Aisha, resulted in immense bloodshed, claiming the lives of about one lakh Muslims. 

Hazret Ali's struggle intensified with the emergence of the Khawarij, a faction of his supporters who later rebelled against him. He fought the battle of Naharwan against them in 658 CE.  Despite his efforts to rally the people of Kufa and Basra to his cause ( a war against Hazrat Muawiyah), many turned away, leaving him isolated. His disappointment was compounded when his own brother, Aqil ibn Abu Talib, defected to the side of Hazret Muawiyah, the rival leader who had declared himself caliph. History bears witness that even the bravest of men are deeply broken only when their family members or closest friends turn against them

Hazret Ali's martyrdom came in 661 CE when he was assassinated by Ibn Muljam, one of his former supporters, during his prayers in the mosque of Kufa. The location of his grave remains a mystery, with various beliefs regarding its exact site; some claimed he was buried in his home, others in the mosque and some said that he was buried  in the desert outside Kufa.

Throughout his life, Hazret Ali married nine wives at different times and had fourteen sons and seventeen daughters  including Hazret Hasan and Hazret Husayn, who would later play pivotal roles in Islamic history. His legacy as a warrior, scholar and leader endures, with millions regarding him as a paragon of justice, knowledge and unwavering faith in God. Hazret Ali ibn Abi Talib's life exemplifies the complexities and struggles of early Islam, earning him an enduring place as one of its most revered figures. To conclude, Sunni Muslims honour him as the fourth righteous caliph, while Shia Muslims revere him as their first Imam. 

—Sahil Sharifdin Bhat, a student of Islam, history, philosophy and English literature