A Glance at the Life of the Commander of Faithful

The birth of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) took place under unique circumstances inside the Holy Kaaba at Makkah on the 13 th of Rajab (30th Amul Feel / Year of the Elephant) about 600 AD i.e. 23 years before Hijra of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).

The age of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) at the birth of Imam Ali (as) was almost 30 years. It is considered unique because no prophet or saint has ever been born in a Holy sanctuary. Fatima bint Asad, the expectant mother of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) was praying outside the Holy Kaaba when she suddenly felt the labor pains and prayed to Allah (SWT) saying “O Allah! I believe in You and in the messengers and the scriptures You have sent. I believe in what has been said by my grandfather, Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) who built the ancient house (Holy Kaaba). So, for the sake of the builder of this House, and for the sake of the child in my womb, I implore You to make my labor easy.” Just then the wall of the Holy sanctuary opened miraculously. As she stepped in, the wall closed behind her. Shortly after that she gave birth to her baby.

The striking contrast behind Fatima bint Asad, the mother of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) and the period of pregnancy and delivery and that of Maryam bint Imran, the mother of Prophet Isa/Jesus (as) are indeed very interesting. Yes, this one example shows us the greatness of Fatima bint Asad, her child and their lofty rank in the sight of Allah (SWT)!

The Noble Qur’an relates that when Maryam bint Imran was facing the pains of labour, she first decided to retreat to the house of worship. She was however ‘forced’ out of there and was told that the House of God is not a place to deliver a child! Therefore, she turned towards the east and secluded herself in the desert to give birth. However, when we research the Ahadith, we see that when Fatima bint Asad was about to deliver and had gone to the Holy Kaaba to perform the Tawaf (circumambulate) and complain to Allah (SWT) about her pains and make supplication for ease, the Holy Kaaba actually split open, welcoming her inside! For a period of three days, she remained in this holy sanctuary, only coming out after the birth of her son, Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as)!

To understand the significance and importance of the place of birth of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as), it is essential to know a little of the history of the Holy Kaaba.

The first House of God was rebuilt and renovated at the command of Allah (SWT) by the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) assisted by his worthy successor, his son Ishmael (Ismail), under the supervision and guidance of the angel Gabriel (Jibril).

The verses of the Noble Qur’an say:

And remember Abraham and Ishmael raised the foundations of the House (With this prayer): “Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. “Our Lord! Make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. (2:127-128)

And when We made the House a pilgrimage for men and a (place of) security, and: Appoint for yourselves a place of prayer on the standing-place of Abraham. And We enjoined Abraham and Ishmael saying: Purify My House for those who visit (it) and those who abide (in it) for devotion and those who bow down (and) those who prostrate themselves. (2:125)

These verses clearly depict the purpose of the Holy Kaaba, namely that it was to be a place of worship, that it was pure and sacred.

And it was to this sacred place, the Holy Kaaba, that Providence led Fatima bint Asad, the mother of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as). She felt weighed down by intense pain when Imam Ali was due to be born. She knelt to pray, and when she raised her head from her Prostration, the wall of the Holy Kaaba split as if by a miracle, to admit her within, and the portion of the wall returned to its normal position. The Holy Kaaba was sealed with Fatima bint Asad inside. Had it not been the Will of God, such a thing could never have happened. This crack is still there to this day on the wall of the Holy Kaaba.

Some people, including Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) uncle witnessed this miracle, who had been near the Holy Kaaba and started telling other people. The news spread like wildfire all over Makkah. The keys of the Holy Kaaba were brought to unlock the door, but all efforts ended in failure.

On the fourth day of this happening, with awe, the wonderstruck crowds surrounding the Holy Kaaba witnessed the lock of the door falling of its own accord, and to their surprise, Fatima bint Asad emerged radiant from the sacred premises, cheerfully holding her newborn babe with his eyes close in her arms.

Yet another surprise awaited them that Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was waiting to receive her and her newly born child, because Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) had been away when all this happened. When Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) came back from his trip, went to the Holy Kaaba and the first face the little Imam Ali (as) saw in this world was the smiling face of the Holy Prophet of Islam whom he greeted thus:

“Assalamo alaika ya Rasoolallah” (Peace be upon thee O Prophet of Allah). Thus it is an undisputed fact that Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) was born a Muslim and his first words testified to the Prophethood of Muhammad (saw). Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) lovingly took him into his arms. Imam Ali’s first bath after his birth was given by Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), with a prediction that this child would give him his last bath. This prophecy was fulfilled on the death of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Then Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) recited the Adhan and Eqamah in the ears of the baby.

Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) accepted no other food than the moisture of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) tongue, which he sucked for several days after his birth. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) fondled him in his lap in his infancy, and chewed his food and fed Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) on it. Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) often made Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) sleep by his side, and Imam Ali (as) enjoyed the warmth of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) body and inhaled the holy fragrance of his breath.

Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) has been described as having been found like a priceless pearl in the shell of the Holy Kaaba, or a sword in the sheath of Allah’s House, or as a lamp found in Allah’s Abode shedding Light all around.

The sanctified birth of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as), as that of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was foretold in the Scriptures, when God said to Abraham, who asked for a blessing on Ishmael; “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold I have blessed him and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly, twelve princes shall be beget, and I will make him a great nation.” (Genesis 17:20)

The felicitous Prophecy in Genesis 17:20 about the advent of a Prophet is said to point to the appearance of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and to Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) as the first of the twelve princes who are none other than the Twelve Imams.

Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb’s (as) birth in the Holy Kaaba is unique, for this is the only known occasion on which a child was born within the precincts of the Holy place ever since its foundation thousands of years ago.

When the lovers of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (as) go for Hajj, they always remember his birth in the Holy Kaaba and whilst making the Tawaf (the Ritual Circling of the Holy Kaaba), they feel proud and happy that Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb’s (as) name is linked with the House of God, and at every circuit they look towards the wall which had split in two to allow Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb’s (as) mother to enter the Sacred Premises. This particular place is known as ‘MUSTAJAR’, and here a special ritual is highly recommended.

The entire body with the cheek and the stomach are to be brought into full contact with the wall and in this position; the worshipper with palms open should seek forgiveness and ask Allah (SWT) for his righteous desires and for the removal of difficulties. The following supplication should be recited: “Ya Allah! This House is your House and this person is your slave and this place (Mustajar) is that place from where forgiveness of sins and safety from the fire of Hell are obtained.”

Name: Ali
Title: Asadullah (Lion of God); Haydar (Brave-hearted), Abu Turab (Father of Dust), Amir al-Mu’minin (Commander of the Faithful)
Kunya: Abu al-Hassan; Abu al-Hassanain
Father: Abu Talib (Peace be upon him)
Mother: Fatimah bint Asad
Born: 13th Rajab, 23 BH/595 CE inside the Holy Kabah in Makkah, Hejaz region of the Arabian Peninsula
Died: 21st Ramadan, 40 AH/661 CE, after being struck on the head with a sword by the Kharijite, Ibn Muljam
Age at Martyrdom: 63
Period of Imamate: 29 years
Buried: Najaf, Iraq

“…and I am leaving with you two weighty things. As long as you hold onto them both, you will never go astray,” said Muhammad, the Messenger of God.

Someone from the crowd then called out, “…O Messenger of God, what are the two weighty things?”

Prophet Muhammad then stated, “The Book of God (the Qur’an) – a connection between God and you – so hold onto it; and the other is my family (Ahl al-Bayt)… Indeed, (God,) the All-Attentive, the All-Aware, has told me that these two will not separate until they reach me at the pond (in heaven)…”

The Messenger of God then took the hand of ‘Ali, raised it for everyone to see, and declared three times, “…So for whomever I am the Leader, ‘Ali is the Leader.”

Prophet Muhammad continued to pray, “O God…love those who love him, detest those who detest him…and turn the Truth with him, whichever way he turns.”[1]

These were the words of Prophet Muhammad on the day of Ghadir. Following the announcement, people proceeded to congratulate their Divinely-appointed leader. Imam ‘Ali was the disciple who emanated wisdom, faith, and valor from every corner of his being. In the sphere of intellectual thought, Imam ‘Ali was an eye of piercing insight. As Commander of the Faithful, he was closest in resemblance to Prophet Muhammad. In the path of justice, Imam ‘Ali’s bravery was legendary. This was the personality of the Commander of the Faithful.

Unique Qualities

Imam ‘Ali was raised by the Prophet himself and was truly the Prophet’s shadow for most of his life. Even when the Prophet went out to the desert or nearby mountains, the young Imam was his companion. Imam ‘Ali recalled some of these moments later on in his life, when he said, “…Every year he (the Prophet) used to go in seclusion to the Cave of Hira’, where I saw him but no one else did.”[2]

After the Prophet received revelation in the Cave of Hira’, the first man to outwardly accept the Prophet’s message was Imam ‘Ali. Indeed, Imam ‘Ali was among the very few who never believed in or bowed down to false idols – neither before nor after the advent of Islam. Prophet Muhammad once said to his companions, “The first among you to meet me at the pond (in heaven) is the first among you to embrace Islam – that is ‘Ali…”[3]

Upon the Muslim migration (hijrah) to Madinah, the Prophet paired each one of the Muslim migrants (muhajirin) with a Muslim brother from the people of Madinah (anṣar). Once everyone had been paired, Imam ‘Ali came up to the Prophet with teary eyes saying, “You have not paired me with a brother…”

Prophet Muhammad then replied, “You are my brother, in this world and the Hereafter.”[4]

Glimpses of the Legend

The virtues of Imam ‘Ali are too numerous to be encompassed by this short page. But mentioning some of the eternal images in Imam ‘Ali’s life may provide a glimpse into the life of a true legend.

The Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) was a notable scene for displaying Imam ‘Ali’s valor. The hero of the enemies – Amro – had been taunting the Muslims, calling out for a challenger. Many Muslims were terrified of the infamous Amro. But not Imam ‘Ali. Each time the vicious Amro would call out for a challenger, Imam ‘Ali would ask the Prophet for permission to fight. Upon the third request, Prophet Muhammad told Imam ‘Ali, “He is Amro…”

To which Imam ‘Ali replied, “And I am ‘Ali.”

Prophet Muhammad then granted Imam ‘Ali permission to fight. After some words with Amro, it became clear that a fight was inevitable. The two fought until Imam ‘Ali was struck and injured on the head. However, Imam ‘Ali was able to strike back and gain victory.

The Muslims were relieved that the invaders had just lost their wicked icon. Prophet Muhammad commented on the incident by saying,

“The challenge that ‘Ali met Amro with on the Day of the Trench (Khandaq) is greater than the deeds of my entire nation until the Day of Judgment.”[5]

While Imam ‘Ali was a courageous defender of truth on the battlefield, he was also a profoundly wise and patient leader. Imam ‘Ali carefully picked his battles without ever sacrificing his principles. After Prophet Muhammad passed away, many of the prominent companions disobeyed God’s directives to follow Imam ‘Ali as their leader. Instead, different political leaders were chosen by some of the companions. In order to safeguard the Muslim nation from civil strife and self-destruction, Imam ‘Ali opted not to bear arms against the illegitimate rulers. Imam ‘Ali continued to advise these rulers, insofar as the greater benefit of serving the truth was concerned.[6]

Unfortunately, even when the majority of Muslims pledged allegiance to Imam ‘Ali years later, dissident groups forced Imam ‘Ali into battle, and internal conspiracies prevented him from executing all of his reformatory plans. Eventually, an assassin struck Imam ‘Ali with a poison-laden sword, while he was in prayer at the Mosque of Kufah. In the coming nights, many of the poor stopped receiving the charity they had awaited so anxiously. They realized that the mysterious angel who came to give them sadaqah at night had been none other than Imam ‘Ali.[7], [8]

The Path of Eloquence

Some of Imam ‘Ali’s words of wisdom have been preserved and gathered in a collection known as the Path of Eloquence (Nahj al-Balaghah). Here is a taste of some of Imam ‘Ali’s words describing God, in the Sermon of Skeletons (Khutbah al-Ashbah):

“…He is Powerful, such that when imagination shoots its arrows to comprehend the extremity of His power, and mind, making itself free of the dangers of evil thoughts, tries to find Him in the depth of His realm, and hearts long to grasp the realities of His attributes and openings of intelligence penetrate beyond description in order to secure knowledge about His Being, crossing the dark pitfalls of the unknown and concentrating towards Him, He would turn them back. They would return defeated, admitting that the reality of His knowledge cannot be comprehended by such random efforts, nor can an iota of the sublimity of His Honor enter the understanding of thinkers…”[9]

Another excerpt of Imam ‘Ali’s words teaches us a lifelong lesson on how to deal with others, especially if we find ourselves in a position of authority. In a letter to Malik al-Ashtar, the Governor of Egypt –– Imam ‘Ali wrote the following:

“…Remember, Malik, that amongst your subjects there are two kinds of people: those who have the same religion as you have – they are brothers to you, and those who have religions other than yours – they are human beings like you. Men of either category suffer from the same weaknesses and disabilities that human beings are inclined to, they commit sins, indulge in vices either intentionally or foolishly and unintentionally, without realizing the enormity of their deeds. Let your mercy and compassion come to their rescue and help in the same way and to the same extent that you expect God to show mercy and forgiveness to you…”[10]

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References

[1] Pg. 34-35 of al-A’immah al-Ithnay Ashar by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[2] Pg. 18-21 of al-A’immah al-Ithnay Ashar by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[3] Pg. 35 of Seerat al-A’immah by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[4] Pg. 42 of Seerat al-A’immah by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[5] Pg. 52-54 of Seerat al- A’immah by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[6] Pg. 61-62 of Seerat al- A’immah by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[7] Pg. 82 of Seerat al- A’immah by Sh. Jafar Subhani

[8] Ch. 66 of A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims by S. Ali Razwy

[9] “Letter to Malik al-Ashtar,” Nahj al-Balaghah

[10] “Khutbat al-Ashbah,” Nahj al-Balaghah