Imam Ali(A.S) with his stories

Rank: First Imam

Name: Imam Ali

Nicknames: Amirul Mo’mineen {Commander of the Faithful},

Abul Hassan {Father of Imam Hassan},

Al-Murtadha.

Father: Abu Talib

Mother: Fatema Bint-e-Asad

Date of Birth: 600 A.D.

Place of Birth: Inside the Ka’ba (House of God) in Mecca (Saudi Arabia)

Date of Death: 661 A.D.

Lived: 61 years

Place of Death: The Mosque of Kufa (Iraq)

Cause of Death: Hit on the Head with a Poisoned Sword while Prostrating / (Sajdah) in Prayer.

Burial: The City of Al-Najaf (Iraq)

Stories:

THE SACRIFICE

When the idol worshippers of Mecca found out that Prophet Mohammad was preaching against their idol Worship, they became Very angry. They Made a Plot to kill The Prophet.

Allah Informed Prophet Mohammad about the idol Worshipers plans and told him to Migrate with the Muslims to Medina. This Migration is Called (Hijrat.)

The Night that the Prophet Mohammad left for Medina, 40 men from different tribes had gathered around his house to kill him. The Prophet asked Imam Ali if he would sleep in his bed so that the idol worshippers outside would think that the Prophet was still there.

The Imam Smiled and was very happy and eager to do this, because he knew that the life of the Prophet would be saved by his action. In fact, The Imam used to say later that the best sleep he had ever had was on that night.

Allah said to the angels Jibrael and Mikaeel that one of them had a longer time to live than the other – He asked the angels whether either one of them would agree for the other to have the longer life. They both replied that they each would like to live longer so that they could worship Allah more.

Allah then informed them, ”On the Earth tonight, one brother is willing to give up his life for the safety of his brother. Go down, and Protect him.”

Both Angels came down to the house of the Prophet and looked after Imam Ali all night Long.

At dawn time, the Killers rushed into the Prophets house and pulled off the blanket from the Blessed Imam. They Were amazed to see Imam Ali there and so they left in shock and anger. Allah liked this action of the Imam so much that he revealed this verse in the Holy Quran:

”And among men is he who sells his soul to seek the pleasure of Allah; and Allah Loves (such) Serveants” (Surah 2: Baqarah / Verse 207)

Moral from this action of the Imam Ali:

When you Do something purely (For the sake of Allah) and Islam, then Allah helps you for your selfless act and also blesses you for the things you desire.

Everyone Can Plan but only what Allah plans will Happen (Will Succeed)

The Imam loved The Prophet Mohammad so much (For the sake of Allah and his Authority with him) that he would put his own life in danger to protect him.

IMAM ALI (A.S.) AND THE CANDLE

A candle burnt by his side, as he sat down meticulously recording all the revenue and the expenses of the treasury.

Just then Talha and Zubair appeared.

They aspired to some positions of authority in Imam Ali’s (A.S.) rule and had come to strike a deal. If Imam Ali’s (A.S.) gave them a place of distinction, they would in turn pledge their full support. Imam Ali’s (A.S.) knew of this.

Just as they sat down, Imam Ali’s (A.S.) puts out the candle and lit another one.

Talha and Zubair exchanged a glance of surprise and then one of them said:

“O Ali, we have come on some important business. But why did you extinguish the first candle?”

Imam Ali’s (A.S.) replied: “That was a candle bought of Treasury funds. As long as I worked for the Treasury, I used it. Now you have come for some personal work, so I use the candle bought of my personal fund.”

Talha and Zubair left him without saying another word.

THE FIVE LOAVES

Two travelers sat together on the way to their destination to have a meal. One had five loaves of bread. The other had three. A third traveler was passing by and at the request of the two joined in the meal.

The travelers cut each of the loaf of bread in three equal parts. Each of the travelers ate eight broken pieces of the loaf.

At the time of leaving the third traveler took out eight dirhams and gave to the first two men who had offered him the meal, and went away. On receiving the money the two travelers started quarrelling as to who should have how much of the money.

The five-loaf-man demanded five dirhams. The three-loaf-man insisted on dividing the money in two equal parts.

The dispute was brought to Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (the Caliph of the time in Arabia) to be decided.

Imam Ali (A.S.) requested the three-loaf-man to accept three dirhams. The man refused and said that he would take only four dirhams. At this Imam Ali (A.S.) returned, “You can have only one dirham. You had eight loaves between yourselves. Each loaf was broken in three parts. Therefore, you had 24 equal parts. Your three loaves made nine parts out of which you have eaten eight portions, leaving just one to the third traveler. Your friend had five loaves which divided into three made fifteen pieces. He ate eight pieces and gave seven pieces to the guest. As such the guest shared one part from your loaves and seven from those of your friend. So you should get one dirham and your friend should receive seven dirhams.

IN THE COMPANY OF THE CALIPH

When Imam Ali (A.S.) was coming to Kufa, he entered the city of Anbar populated by Iranians. The Iranian farmers were very happy to see their beloved caliph passing through their town. They came to his visit. When it was time for Imam Ali (A.S.) to leave, they started running in front of his horse. Imam Ali (A.S.) inquired about this behavior.

“This is one way that we extend respect to our leaders and respectful individuals. This is our custom that has been practiced for years.”

“This behavior puts you in discomfort in this world, and brings about humiliation in the next world. Always stay away from practices that humiliate you. After all what benefit is there in such a practice to the recipients?”

THE GUESTS

A father and a son were once guests of Imam Ali (A.S.). As they arrived, Imam (A.S.) received them warmly and arranged for their comfortable accommodation. In a room where they were seated, Imam (A.S.) sat opposite to them, engaging them in a friendly conversation. And then it was time for the meal. After food had been served and eaten, Qambar, Imam’s servant, brought a basin and a pitcher full of water for washing the guest’s hands. Imam (A.S.) took the pitcher himself and asked the father to extend his hands so that he would pour the water.

“How is it possible that my Imam serves me? It should be other way,” the guest said.

Imam Ali (A.S.) said: “Here is your brother in faith, eager to serve his brother and to earn the pleasure of Allah. Why do you prevent him?”

But the guest hesitated. Finally Imam (A.S.) said: “As your Imam, I request that you allow me the honor of this service.”

And when the guest complied, Imam (A.S.) said: “Let your hands be washed thoroughly. Do not hasten, thinking that I should be relieved of this duty early.”

When it was the son’s turn, Imam (A.S.) instructed his own son Muhammad Ibn Hanafiyyah, to hold the pitcher and wash the guest’s hands. Looking at his son, Imam (A.S.) said:

I washed your father’s hands. My son washed your hands. If your father had not been my guest today, I would have washed your hands myself. But Allah loves to see that when a father and a son are present in a place, the father enjoys a privilege and a priority.

WHOLE NUMBER AND NOT A FRACTION

One Day a Jewish person came to Imam Ali (A.S.), thinking that since Ali thinks he is too smart, I’ll ask him such a tough question that he won’t be able to answer it and I’ll have the chance to embarrass him in front of all the Arabs.

He asked “Ali, tell me a number, that if we divide it by any number from 1-10 the answer will always come in the form of a whole number and not as a fraction.”

Ali Looked back at him and said, “Take the number of days in a year and multiply it with the number of days in a week and you will have your answer.”

The person got astonished but as he was a Mushrik he still didn’t believe Imam Ali (A.S.). He calculated the answer Imam Ali (A.S.) gave him.

To his amazement he came across the following results:

The number of Days in a Year = 360 (in Arab)

The Number of Days in a Week = 7

The product of the two numbers = 2520

Now…

2520 ÷ 1 = 2520
2520 ÷ 2 = 1260
2520 ÷ 3 = 840
2520 ÷ 4 = 630
2520 ÷ 5 = 504
2520 ÷ 6 = 420
2520 ÷ 7 = 360
2520 ÷ 8 = 315
2520 ÷ 9 = 280
2520 ÷ 10= 252

17 CAMELS

A person was about to die, and before dying he wrote his Will which went as follows:

“I have 17 Camels, and I have three sons. Divide my Camels in such a way that my eldest son gets half of them, the second one gets 1/3rd of the total and my youngest son gets 1/9th of the total number of Camels.”

After his death when the relatives read his will they got extremely perplexed and said to each other that how can we divide 17 camels like this.

So after a long hard thought they decided that there was only one man in Arabia who could help them: “Ali Ibne Abi Taalib.”

So they all came to the door of Imam Ali (A.S.) and put forward their problem.

Imam Ali (A.S.) said, “Ok, I will divide the camels as per the man’s will.”

Imam Ali (A.S.) said, “I will lend one of my camels to the total which makes it 18 (17+1=18), now lets divide as per his will.”

The eldest son gets 1/2 of 18 = 9
The second one gets 1/3 of 18 = 6
The youngest gets 1/9 of 18 = 2
Now the total number of camels = 17 (9+6+2=17)

Then Imam Ali (A.S.) said, “Now I will take my Camel back.”

EARS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

One day another Jewish person came to Imam Ali (A.S.). He was planning to ask Imam Ali (A.S.) such a question, which would take Imam Ali (A.S.) a long time to answer and because of that his Maghrib Prayers would be delayed.

He asked, “Ali you say you know everything in the world, then tell me which animals lay eggs and which animals give birth to their young ones.”

Imam Ali (A.S.) looked back at him smiled and said, “The animals who have their ‘EARS’ outside their body give birth to their young ones and the animals who have their ‘EARS’ inside their body lay eggs.”

THE JUDGMENT OF IMAM ALI (A.S.)

A case was brought before Hazrat Omar, the second Caliph. Two babies, a girl and a boy, were born on a single dark night to two wives of the same man. The father of the babies had passed away and both wives claimed to be the mother of the son.

Hazrat Omar asked, “Where is Abul Hasan, vanquisher of difficulties?”

Imam Ali (A.S.) was called for and the case detailed to him. He called for two small vessels to be brought and had them weighed and then instructed that equal amount of milk from each mother be drawn into a vessel.

When they were weighed it again, was found that one was heavier than the other. Imam Ali (A.S.) declared that the mother with the heavier milk was the mother of the boy and the lighter milk was that of the girl’s mother.

Hazrat Omar asked how he comes to this conclusion. Imam Ali (A.S.) replied that Allah has proscribed that, “For a male is the share of two females.”

“The foremost judge amongst you is Ali.” Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)

THE STRANGER

Tired and exhausted with the water-skin on her back, she was gasping and going towards her house where innocent children, their eyes fixed at the door, were eagerly waiting for the arrival of their mother. On her way, an unknown man approached her. He took the water-skin from her and placed it on his back. The door opened and the children saw their mother entering the house with a stranger. He placed the water-skin on the ground and said:

“Well, it seems you don’t have anyone to fetch water for you; how come you are so forlorn?”

“My husband was a soldier; Ali sent him to the frontier where he was killed. Now I am alone with these small children.”

The stranger said no more. Bowing down his head he went away. But the thought of the helpless window and orphans remained in his mind. He could hardly sleep in the night. Early in the morning he picked up a basket; put some meat, flour and dates in it; went straight to her house and knocked at the door.

“Who are you?”

“I am the man who brought your water yesterday. Now I have brought some food for the children.”

“May God bless you and judge between us and Ali”

She opened the door. Entering the house he said:

“I wish to do some good acts. Either let me knead the flour and bake the bread or allow me to look after the children.”

“Very well, but I can do the job of kneading and cooking better than you. You take care of the children till I finish cooking”.

She went to knead the flour. Immediately he grilled some meat, which he had brought and fed the children saying to each child while putting morsel in his mouth:

“My son, forgive Ali if he has failed in his duty towards you”

The flour got ready; she called: “Gentlemen! put fire in the oven”. He went and put fire in the oven. When flames rose up, he brought his face near the fire and said, “Taste the heat of fire. It is the punishment for those who fail in their duty towards orphans and widows.”

By chance, a woman from the neighboring house came in. Recognizing the stranger, she cried: “Woe, don’t you recognize the man who is helping you? He is Ameer-ul-Momineen (commander of the faithful) Ali Ibn Abi-Talib.”

The widow came forward and shamefacedly cried: “Curse and shame to me. I beg your pardon.”

“No, I beg your pardon for I failed in my duty towards you.”

COMPLAINT AGAINST HUSBAND

Imam Ali (A.S.) during the days of his Khilafat used to personally listen to the grievances and complaints of the people. Once, the days were hot and people did not venture out of their houses after mid-day. Imam Ali (A.S.) sat everyday outside his house under the shade of a wall so that if someone had any complaints, could lodge the same to him directly. Sometimes he walked in lanes and streets observing the general condition of the people.

One day he returned to his residence tired and sweating, and found a woman waiting. Seeing him, she came near and said:

“I am in trouble. My husband oppresses me. He has turned me out from the house and has threatened to beat me. If I go to him he will beat me. I request you to do justice between us”.

“O Servant of Allah, it is too hot now. Wait till it cools down in the afternoon. Then I shall come with you and redress your grievances”.

“If I stay out too long, I am afraid it may increase his anger”.

For a moment he bowed his head and then raised it up saying to himself, “No, By God, justice to the oppressed should not be delayed. The right of the oppressed should certainly be taken from the oppressor; and every fear should be taken out from her heart so that she may stand boldly before the oppressor and demand her right”.

“Tell me where is your house?”

“It is in such and such place”.

“Let us go.”

He accompanied her to her house, stood at the door and called loudly, “O Master of the house! Peace be upon thee”.

A young man came out. He was her husband. He did not recognize Imam Ali (A.S.). He found that an old man of about sixty years had accompanied her and assumed that she had brought him for support and mediation; but he kept silent.

“This lady has a complaint against you. She says that you have oppressed her and have ousted her from the house. Besides you have threatened to beat her. I have come here to tell you to fear Allah and be kind to your wife”.

“In what way does it concern you if I have not treated my wife well. Yes, I had threatened to beat her, but now, since she has brought you to obey plead for her, I shall throw her into fire and burn her alive”.

Imam Ali (A.S.) was disturbed by the impudence of the man. Drawing out his sword he said, “I am only advising you to do good and admonishing you from bad deeds; but you are replying me in such manner clearly saying to burn this woman in fire. Do you think there is no authority in this world?”

His loud voice drew the attention of the passers by, and a huge crowd gathered. Whoever came bowed down with reverence before the old man and saluted him by saying “Peace be on you O Commander of the Fiathfuls”.

When the rude young man realized as to whom he was talking with, he trembled and supplicated, “O Ameerul Momineen! Forgive me. I confess my faults and promise that henceforth I shall obey my wife”.

Imam Ali (A.S.) turned to the woman and told her to go in the house and cautioned her not to behave in such a manner that her husband had to be angry again.

AQUEEL AS A GUEST OF IMAM ALI (A.S.)

Aqueel arrived as a guest at the Government House in the days of the Caliphate of his brother, Imam Ali (A.S.). Imam Ali (A.S.) made a sign to his elder son Hassan al-Mujtaba (A.S.) to offer a garment to his uncle. Imam Hassan (A.S.) presented to him a robe and a cloak. The night came; the weather was warm. They were sitting on roof-top having amiable talks. It was time for dinner. Aqueel considered himself to be the guest of the Absolute ruler of the Muslim world and expected an extraordinarily colorful and rich dinner. But to his surprise it was the most ordinary and simple one. He said: “Is this all the food?”

Imam Ali (A.S.): “Isn’t it a God’s gift? I heartily thank Almighty God that he has bestowed me with this gift”.

Aqueel: “Then I should better tell you my needs at once, and be on my way soon. I am in debt. Please order to pay off my debt as soon as possible; and also help your poor brother as much as you can, so that I return to my place relieved of my burdens.”

“How much is your debt?”

“One hundred thousand Dirham.”

“Oh! One hundred thousand Dirham! So large? I am sorry, brother. I don’t have so much money to give you, but wait till the time comes for the disbursement of stipends. I shall withdraw my personal share and give from it to you, thus fulfilling my duty of cooperation and brotherhood towards you. If my family and children were not in need of their own expenses, I would have given you my entire share.”

“What! Should I wait till the payment of stipends? You have the state-treasury in your hand and still you are asking me to wait till the time of disbursement and then only you will give me from your personal share! You can withdraw any amount you want from the State Treasury. So, why are you making me wait till then? Besides, what is your total share from it? Even if you give me the your entire share, how far will it relieve me of my trouble?”

“I am surprised to hear your proposal. What concern it does it, is of you or me whether there is money in the Treasury or not? We are just like any other Muslims. True, you are my brother and I must help you as much as possible, but from my personal money, not from the public treasury.”

The argument continued and Aqueel pleaded with Imam Ali (A.S.) in various ways. He continued to insist that Imam Ali (A.S.) should give him from state treasury. The place where they were sitting overlooked the market of Kufa, and they could see the cash-boxes of the shop-keepers. Imam Ali (A.S.) said, “If you still insist and are not ready to listen to me, then I have got another proposal for you. If you follow it you can repay all your loan and still have plenty of money left.”

“What is that?”

“Down over there are cash-boxes. As soon as the market is closed and nobody is there, go down and break open the boxes. And take whatever you want.”

“Whose boxes are they?”

“They belong to the people of this market. They keep their cash in them.”

“Strange! You are telling me to steal the money of poor people who have earned it with their hard labor and have gone home leaving it there trusting in God?”

“Then why are you urging me to open the boxes of the state-treasury for you? Whom does it belong to? This also belongs to the same people who are asleep in their houses carefree and in comforts. All right, I have another suggestion. Follow it if you like.”

“What’s that?”

“If you are ready then pick up your sword and so will do I. The old city of Hirah is not far from here. There are leading merchants and wealthy people there. We make a surprise attack on one of them during night and bring out enormous wealth with us.”

“Brother, I haven’t come here for theft and robbery that you are suggesting these things to me. I am only asking you to instruct the officials of the treasury to give me the money which is in your power, so that I may repay my debt.”

“Suppose that we steal the property of an individual, isn’t it better that stealing from the property of millions of Muslims? How is it that taking the property of an individual with sword is robbery, and usurping the property of the general public is not? You are under the impression that robbery only means attacking some individual and taking his property by force. The worst type of robbery is the same thing which you are proposing to me to do now.”

THE RETIREMENT

The old man, a Christian by religion, had worked all his life; but had not been able to save anything for his old age. Lately he had also become blind. Old age, poverty and blindness had joined hands and he had no other way except begging. He used to stand at the corner of a lane for begging. People had compassion for him and gave him some alms from which he ate every day, and so he continued his sad life.

One day Imam Ali (a.s.), the Leader of the Faithful passed through the lane and saw the beggar in that condition. Imam Ali (a.s.), out of his concern for others, enquired about the old man. He wanted to know the factors which led him to that condition. “Has he no son to support him? Or, is there no other way for him to live a respectable life in his old age?”

The people who knew the old man came forward and informed Imam Ali (a.s.) that he was a Christian and had worked hard so long as he had his eyes, and when young and strong. Now that he had lost his youth as well as his eyes, he was unable to do any work; also he had no savings, so it was natural for him to beg. Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Strange! Till he had strength, you extracted work from him and now you have left him on his own?”

His story shows that he had worked when he had the strength. Therefore, it is the duty of the Government and the society to support him till he is alive. “Go, and give him a life-pension from the State-treasury.”

THE PROHIBITION OF WATER

Moawiya was ruling over Syria as its governor for nearly sixteen years; and was secretly planning to grab the Caliphate taking advantage of every possible opportunity. The best excuse for him to revolt against the Central authority and declare his own caliphate was the Othman’s murder. He had not done any thing concerning the appeals of Othman for help, during his lifetime. In fact, he was waiting far him to be murdered, so that he could make it an excuse for his scheme. Othman got murdered and Moawiya immediately sought to exploit the situation for his own purpose.

On the other hand, people after the murder of Othman rallied behind Ali (who because of various reasons, was reluctant to take the responsibility of Caliphate) and declared their allegiance to him. Observing that the responsibility was now formally turned to him, he accepted it and his Caliphate was proclaimed in Medina, the capital and centre of Muslim world in those days. All provinces of Islamic government submitted to his obedience – with the exception of Syria, which was under Moawiya. He refused allegiance to Ali, accusing him of sheltering the murders of Othman. He recruited a large number of Syrian soldiers and made preparation for the declaration of independence of his provinces.

After settling the issue of the battle of Camel (JAMAL), Ali turned his attention to Moawiya. He wrote several letters to him, but in vain. Both sides moved their armies towards each another. Abul Aawar Salmi was leading Moawiya’s advanced battalion and Malik Ashtar was in command of the advanced battalion of Ali. They met at the bank of the Euphrates. Ali’s directive to Malik was not to be the first to attack. But Abul Aawar made a severe attack to intimidate the soldiers of Ali. Mailk then pushed the Syrians far behind. Salmi now thought of another tactics. He reached the Ghat, i.e. the slope on bank of the Euphrates, which was the only spot convenient to fetch water. He deployed his spearmen and archers to guard the spot and prevent Malik and his company from coming near it. Soon after, Moawiya himself arrived with a large army. Happy at the strategy of his commander he further increased the number of the soldiers guarding the approach to river. Soldiers of Ali were put in distress owing to the shortage of water. Moawiya with pleasure said: “This is our first Victory.” Only one man, Amr bin Al-Aas, the shrewd minister of Moawiya did not think it a good policy. On the other side, Ali himself had arrived and was informed of the situation. He sent a letter with Saasa’a to Moawiya notifying:

“We have come here, but as far as possible we do not like to wage a war of fratricide between the Muslims. We earnestly hope to settle our differences through negotiations and discussions. But we observe that you and your followers have started using weapons of destruction before trying anything else. Besides, you have denied water on my companions. Instruct them to desist from this act, so that we can start negotiations. Of course, if you do not like anything but war, we are not afraid of it.”

Moawiya consulted his advisor. The general opinion was to take advantage of the golden opportunity and ignore the letter. Only Amr bin Al-Aas against this view. He said, “You are mistaken.” The fact is that Ali and his men do not want to start the war themselves, and it is because of this that they are silent at present and have tried to dissuade you from your scheme through this letter. Do not think they will retreat if you ignore their letter and continue denying them the water. Because then they will take out arms and will not stop till they have driven you away from Euphrates with disgrace.” But the majority of advisors were of the opinion that the denial of water would weaken the enemy compelling them to retreat. Moawiya personally was in favor of this idea. Discussion came to end; Saasa’a asked for the reply; Moawiya, using the delaying tactics, said that he would send the reply afterwards. Meanwhile, he ordered his soldiers guarding water to be extra alert and to prevent coming and going of the soldiers of Ali.

Ali was distressed at this development, because it brought to an end every hope of any amicable settlement through talks and negotiations, and showed that the opposite side was devoid of every goodwill. Now, the only way out was to use force. He stood before his soldiers and delivered a short but forceful address, the contents of which were as follows:

“These people have started oppression, and opened the door of conflict and welcomed you with hostility. They are hungry for war and are demanding war and bloodshed from you. They have denied you water. Now you have to choose between the two paths. There is no third course. Either accept the humiliation and oppression or remain thirsty as you are, or satisfy your thirsty swords with their dirty bloods so that you may quench your thirst with the sweet water. Death is to live a defeated and disgraceful life; and Life is to be victorious even at the cost of death. Verily, Moawiya has gathered around him some ignorant and misguided mob; and is taking advantage of their ignorance, so that they are making their necks targets of the arrows of death.”

This address moved the soldiers of Ali and stirred their blood. They made a severe attack and pushed the enemy far back and took the possession of (Shariah) Ghat.

Amir bin Al-Aas (whose forecast was now a fact) said to Moawiya: “Now, if Ali and his army pay you with your own coin what will you do? Can you take possession of the “Shariah” (Ghat) from them for the second time?” Moawiya said, “In your opinion, how will Ali deal with us now?”

“I believe, Ali will not behave as you had done. He will not deny us water. He has not come here for such deeds.”

The soldiers of Ali after removing the soldiers of Moawiya from Ghat, asked his permission to prevent the enemy from taking water. Ali said, “Don’t deny them water. These are the methods of ignorant. I do not set my hands to such acts. I am going to start negotiation with them on the basis of the Holy Book of God. If they accept my proposals, well and good; and if they refuse, I shall fight with them, but gentlemanly not by denying them water. I will never do such thing and will not oppress them by shortage of water.”

Not long afterwards soldiers of Moawiya used to come to the Ghat side by side with the soldiers of Ali, and nobody prevented them.

WHAT DID HAPPEN TO YOUR SONS?

After the martyrdom of Ali and absolute domination of Moawiya over the Caliphate, willy-nilly contacts were taking place between him and the sincere followers of Ali. He tried hard to make them confess that they did not gain anything by their friendship with Ali. Obviously they had lost everything on the altar of that friendship. He longed to hear from their mouth at least some expression of regret and remorse, but this wish never materialized. The followers of Ali, after his martyrdom, had become more and more aware of his virtues and greatness. Whatever their sacrifices during his lifetime, now they were doing more for his love, for his principles and for keeping his mission alive. They were having all kinds of hardship very courageously. And, as a result, the endeavors of Moawiya sometimes produced opposite results.

Adi son of Hatim, the paramount chief of the Tai Tribe, was one of the devoted, sincere and knowledgeable followers of Ali. He had many sons. He, his sons and his tribe were always ready to sacrifice there all for Ali. His three sans named Tarfa, Turaif and Tarif were martyred in the war of Seffin under the banner of Ali. The time went on; Ali was martyred; Moawiya usurped the Caliphate; and once Adi came face to face with Moawiya.

To revive his sad memories and to make him confess how much harm had come to him in the friendship of Ali, Moawiya said:

“What happened to your three sons, Tarfa, Turaif and Tarif?”

“They were martyred in the battle of Seffin under the banner of Ali.”

“Ali did not do justice to you.”

“Why?”

“Because he threw your sons in the mouth of death and preserved his own sons in safety.”

“I did not do justice to Ali.”

“Why?”

“Because he was killed and I am still alive. I ought to have sacrificed myself for him in his lifetime.”

Moawiya saw that he was not getting what he had aimed at. On the other side, he also wanted to hear about the character and life of Ali from those who had been nearer to Ali and had lived with him day in and day out. Therefore, he asked Adi to narrate to him the character of Ali as he had seen it. Adi asked to be excused; but Moawiya insisted and then Adi said.

“By God, Ali was the most far-sighted and strong man. He talked with righteousness and decided the cases with clarity. He was an ocean of knowledge and wisdom. He hated the worldly pomp and show, and liked the solitude of night. He wept more (in love of Allah) and thought more (about Allah). In solitude, he scrutinized his own self and pitied about the past. He preferred short clothes and simple life. Amongst us he was like one of us. If we requested him for anything he granted our request. When we visited him he made us sit near him without keeping any distance. Inspite of all this humbleness, his presence was so awe-inspiring that we did not dare utter any words before him. He was so majestic that we could not look at him. When he smiled his teeth appeared like a string of pearls. He respected honest and pious people and was kind to indigent. Neither a strong man had any fear of injustice from him, nor a weak person ever lost hope of his justice. By God, one night I saw him standing in his place of worship when the dark night had engulfed everything; tears were rolling down on his face and beard; he was restless like a snake-bitten person and was weeping like a bereaved man.”

“It seems as if even now I am hearing his voice as he was addressing the world: ‘O World, thou is coming towards me and want to lure me? Go deceive someone else. Thy time is not come. I have divorced thee thrice after when there is no return. Thy pleasure is valueless and thy importance insignificant. Alas! The provision is too little, the journey too long and there is no companion.”

Hearing these worlds of Adi, Moawiya started crying, and then wiping off the tears, he said:

“May God bless Abul Hassan (Ali). He was as you have said. Now tell me how do you feel without him?”

“I feel like a mother whose dear one is beheaded in her lap.”

“Wouldn’t you ever forget him?”

“Would the world allow me to forget him?”

ARE YOU ASLEEP OR AWAKE ?

Habbah Arni and Nawf Bakali were lying in the courtyard of Darul-Amarah (fort) of Kufah. After the midnight, they saw that the Leader of the Faithful, Imam Ali (A.S.), was coming from the fort towards the coutyard. But his condition was bad; he was having extraordinary fear and was unable to keep the equilibrium of his body. Keeping his hands on the wall and having his body in bent position, he was walking slowly with the support of the wall. And he was reciting the last verses(Ayat) of Surah Ale-Imran as follows:

“Indeed in the creation of the heaven and the earth and alteration of the night and the day, there are signs for men of acumen. Those who extol Allah, standing, sitting and (lying) on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): ‘Our Lord! You have not created this in vain! Glory is Yours; protect us against the torment of the Fire. Our Lord! indeed whomsoever You enter the Fire, You have surely disgraced him, and there shall be no helpers for the worngdoers. Our Lord! surely we have heard a caller calling to faith (saying): ‘Believe in your Lord’, so we did believe; Our Lord! forgive us, therefore, our sins and cover our evil deeds and recieve us with the righteous. Our Lord! grant us what You have promised us through Your messengers and do not disgrace us on the Resurrection Day; surely You do not break the promise .”(3: 190-194)

As soon as he finished these verses, his condition became bad; he then repeated these verses again and again and his condition became bad to worse and he became almost unconscious.

Both Habbah and Nawf were witnessing this amazing scene, while lying on their beds. Habbah, while quite startled, was looking this astonishing scene.

But Nawf was unable to control his tears and he was continuously weeping. By this time, Imam Ali (A.S.) reached the bed of Habbah and said: “Are you awake or asleep?”

Habbah replied: “I am awake, O Leader of the Pious! If a person like you has such a condition of awe and fear of Allah, then what would heppen to poor people like us.”

The Leader of the Pious looked down and wept. He then said: “O Habbah! all of us will be presented before Allah one day. And no deed of ours is hidden from Him. He is very near to you and to me. Nothing can act as an obstruction between us and Allah.”

Then he said to Nawf: “Are you asleep?” (Nawf replied:) “No, O Leader of the Pious! I am awake. It is for some time that I am shedding tears.”

Imam Ali (A.S.) said: “O Nawf! If today you shed tears in fear of Allah, tomorrow your eyes will glitter.

“O Nawf! No one has more respect than that person who cries in the fear of Allah and that he likes to do it only for His sake.

“O Nawf! The one who loves Allah and that whatever he loves, he does it just for the sake of Allah, does not prefer anything over love of Allah. And the one who dislikes anything, and does it for the sake of Allah, he would receive nothing except virtue for his disliking. Whenever you reach such a stage, you have attained the truths of faith to their perfection.”

After saying this, he preached and gave a peice of advice to Habbah and Nawf. His last sentence was: “I have told you that you should fear from Allah.” Then he passed by both of them and got busy with his own work. He started his prayers and while doing so, he said: “O Allah! I wish I knew that when I am neglectful towards You, do You ignore me or do You still care for me? I wish I knew that in these long neglectful dreams of mine and in my shortcomings in thanking you, what is my position before You?”

Habbah and Nawf, said: “By Allah! he(Ali(A.S.)) kept on walking and he had the same condition continuously till dawn.”

THE RIGHT OF COMPANIONSHIP

In those days, Kufa was the capital and center of the Islamic Government. All eyes of the vast and wide Muslim nation (with the exception of Syria) were fixed at this city waiting for orders to be issued and decisions to be taken.

One day outside the city two gentlemen, a Muslim and the other from people of the Book (Jew, Christian or Zoroastrian) met on the road. The Muslim was going to Kufa and the other gentlemen to another place nearby. Since a part of their journey was common, they decided to travel together.

On the way, they talked and talked on, various topics of mutual interest and ultimately arrived at the point where their paths separated. The non-Muslim was surprised to see that his Muslim companion did not take the path leading to Kufa but accompanied him on the other path, where he was going. He asked: “Well, did not you say you were going to Kufa?”

“Yes”

“Then why are you coming this way? The other one is the path to Kufa.”

“I know. I want to walk a few steps with you to see you off as our prophet has said, ‘whenever two persons travel together on the same path, they establish reciprocal rights upon each other’. Now you have got a right upon me and for the sake of that right I wish to walk a few steps with you, and then, of course, I shall return unto my own path.”

“Oh! Such an authority and power which is wielded among people in such a perfect way by your prophet, and the amazing speed with which his religion has spread in the world, must be, I am sure, because of his such noble character.”

The surprise and admiration of this gentleman reached its peak when he learnt afterwards that his Muslim friend was Ali bin Abi Talib (a.s.), the Caliph of that time. Soon after he embraced Islam and was counted among the most devout and self-sacrificing companion of Ali (a.s.).

SAVING WEALTH

Quamber, the servant of Hazrat Ali (A.S.) relates the following incident: “Once and only once Hazrat Ali (A.S.) got annoyed with me. It was the occasion when I showed him the money that I had hoarded. !t was from my share of income given to me like others from the Muslim treasury and the gift I had received from the members of his family. I had no immediate use of it and had collected the amount. It was not much, being barely 100 dirhams. When I showed him the amount he looked annoyed and what pained me more was that he looked sad.

“I enquired as to why he was so sad. He said, Quamber, if you had no use of this money, were there not people around you who were in need of it, some of them might have been starving and some ill and infirm, could you not have helped them. I never thought that you could be so heartless and cruel, and could love wealth for the sake of wealth. Quamber, I am afraid you are not trying to acquire much from Islam, try more seriously and sincerely. Take these coins out of my house.”

“I took them out and distributed them amongst the beggars in Koofa mosque.”

Is money is everything?

Some people say ‘money is everything’. It will be advisable for such people to consider the following facts:

“Money will buy a bed but not sleep, Books but not brains, Food but not appetite, Finery but not beauty, Medicine but not health; Luxuries but not culture, Amusements but not happiness, Passport to every where but not Heaven”.

LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) would always spend time with his children. Once he was sitting in his house with his two young children, Abbas, his son, and Zainab, his daughter.

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) said to Abbas, “Say Waahed (one)”. Harzat Ali (A.S.) then asked him to “say Isnain (Two)”. Abbas replied, “I feel ashamed to utter ‘two’ from the same tongue which just said ‘one’”.

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) hugged his son, pleased at such a charming expression. The reply from Abbas indicated how deeply devoted he was in his belief in Tawheed, that is, Oneness of Allah. A true believer never likes to even imagine any association with Allah.

Zainab then asked, “Dear, father, do you love me?” Hazrat Ali (A.S.) said, “Yes, of course, my children are like a part of my heart”. On hearing this, she said, “You also love Allah. How can two loves be in one heart of a true believer, the love of Allah and that of children?

Hazrat Ali (A.S.) smiled and replied, “Love Allah and for the sake of His love, you love His creatures; children and fellow beings too. I love you for the sake of Allah.”

DO THINGS FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH ONLY

In the battle of Khandaq, the Muslims dug a ditch around themselves for their defense, so that the enemy could not get across.

A man from the enemy side called Amr bin Abdawud who was known for his strength, courage and art of fighting managed to get across the ditch.

All the Muslims were terrified to fight him and only Imam Ali (AS) came forward to fight this man.

There was a fierce fight until at last Imam Ali (AS) threw Amr down onto the ground and mounted his chest ready to kill him.

Just as Imam Ali (AS) was about to kill this enemy of Islam, he spit on the face of our Imam (AS).

Everybody was certain that because of this insult, Amr would meet his death even faster still, but to their amazement, Imam Ali (AS) moved from Amr’s chest and walked away.

Amr attacked Imam (AS) again and after a short while, Imam (AS) again overpowered Amr and killed him.

After the battle was over people asked Imam Ali (AS) the reason why he had spared Amr’s life when he had first overpowered him.

To which Imam (AS) replied that if he had killed him then it would have not been only for the sake of Allah but also for the satisfaction of his anger and so he let him free.

Then Imam (AS) controlled his anger and killed Amr purely for the sake of Allah.

Moral: Although your intention may be pure to begin with it can very easily change so always make sure you do things for the sake of Allah only.

WHAT THE ENEMY SAYS ABOUT IMAM ALI (A.S.)?

Abu Sa’id Mansur bin Husayn Abi (422 A.H.) writes thus in his book entitled Nathrud Durar: Ahnaf bin Qays says,

“One day I went to see Muawiya. He had laid a wonderful dinner carpet. He brought all sorts of hot, cold, sweet, and sour foods for me. I was wonderstruck. Later, as ordered by him, another dish of a different kind of food was brought in. I tried my best to find out what it was but did not succeed. I, therefore, enquired about it from Muawiya. He replied that it consisted of the intestines of a duck which had been filled with the marrow of the sheep and had then been fried in pistachio oil and finally sugar had been sprinkled on it.

I began to weep. He asked me: “Why are you weeping?” I replied, “I have been reminded of the life of Imam Ali (A.S.). I remember that one day I was with him. When the time for dinner and breaking the fast drew near he asked me to remain with him. A sealed leather case was brought to him. I asked him what it contained and he told me that there was barley flour in it”. I asked him, “Why have you sealed it? Are you afraid that others may take some of it or do you not wish that anyone else should eat it?” He replied, “Who else? As a matter of fact I am afraid that my sons Hasan and Hussain may not taint it with butter or olive oil.” I said, “O Commander of the Faithful! Is it prohibited?” He replied, “No. It is not prohibited. However, it is necessary for the true administrators and rulers to consider themselves to be the most deprived persons so that poverty and distress may not press and squeeze the indigent”.

When I had said this, Muawiya interrupted and said, “You have mentioned a man whose excellence cannot be denied by anyone”.

AMOUNT RECEIVED BY IMAM ALI IBN ABI TALIB (A.S.)

It has been recorded in “Arbaeen” “Fazael-e-Shazaan” and “Tuhfatul Izhaar” the following incident related by Ibrahim Bin Mehram, who said: One of my neighbors in Kufa was a man named Abu Ja’far, who was very good-natured. Anytime a Sayyed would approach and request something from him, he would give. If they could pay, he would take the price of the things and if not, he would ask his servant to write: “This amount has been received by Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.).”

He lived in such a manner till he found himself poor and destitute. He would sit in his house and open his book of accounts and if he found someone indebted to him, he would send someone to recover from that person. And when he would find the person to have died, he would draw a line over it.

During this period, once he was sitting near the door of his house examining that book, a Naasibi [enemy of Ahlay Bayt (A.S.)] taunted him by saying: “What did your biggest creditor Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) do for you?” Abu Ja’far felt grieved and went inside the house.

That night, he saw in his dream, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), Imam Hasan (A.S.) and Imam Hussain (A.S.). The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked them “Where is your father? “Amirul Mumineen Ali (A.S.) replied, “Here I am” and came from behind. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) asked: “What happened that you do not pay this man’s dues? Amirul Mumineen Ali (A.S.) replied. “O Messenger of Allah! This is his due which I’ve brought with me”. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Give it to him”. Hazrat Ali (A.S.) gave a pouch to Abu Ja’far. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Take it and do not deny anyone from his sons who ask you something that you possess. Return such that destitution will not touch you again”.

Abu Ja’far said: “I woke up such that the pouch was in my hand and I woke up my wife and asked her to light the lamps. I found 1000 Ashrafis in that pouch”. My wife said: “Fear Allah, should poverty force you to deceive some traders and usurp their money”. I said: “By Allah, the matter is such and such. When I opened my book of accounts I saw that the total amount that I had given on behalf of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) was 1000 Ashrafis, neither less nor more”.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE AWAY THE NICER THING

One day our 1st Imam, Imam Ali (AS) went to the market with his servant, Qambar. There he bought 2 shirts, one which was really nice and expensive and the other which was not as nice.

When Imam Ali (AS) returned home he gave the better shirt to Qambar and kept the other one for himself.

Qambar told Imam Ali (AS) that it would look better if he wore the nicer shirt as he was the leader of the Muslims while Qambar himself was only a servant.

Imam Ali (AS) answered that Qambar should wear the nicer shirt because he was younger and so it would suit him better; but more importantly Imam (AS) told him that he was a guide for the Muslims and so had to set a good example for them by leading a simple life.

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. Cancelling 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 Ahlul Bayt [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).