Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib
Born	13 Rajab, 21 BH (c. 600 CE) Mecca, Hejaz, Arabia
Died	21 Ramadan 40 AH (c. 661 CE) Kufa, Rashidun Caliphate
Resting place	Imam Ali Mosque, Najaf, Iraq
Known for	Fourth Rashidun Caliph, First Imam of Shia Islam
Spouse(s)	Fatimah bint Muhammad
Children	Hasan ibn Ali, Husayn ibn Ali, Zaynab, Umm Kulthum

Ali ibn Abi Talib (Arabic: علي بن أبي طالب) was a cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and is revered as the fourth Rashidun Caliph in Sunni Islam and the first Imam in Shia Islam. He was born in Mecca, in the Hejaz region of Arabia, and was raised in the household of Muhammad.

Early Life

Ali was born to Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad. He was the first male to accept Islam at the age of ten, and he grew up under the care of Muhammad. Ali's early conversion and close relationship with Muhammad made him a key figure in the early Islamic community.

Role in the Life of Muhammad

Ali played a significant role during the Hijra, the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. He was entrusted with returning the possessions of the Meccans that had been left with Muhammad and later joined the Muslim community in Medina.

Ali participated in many battles, including the Battle of Badr, Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Khaybar. His bravery and skill in battle were well noted, and he was often referred to as "Asadullah" (The Lion of God).

Caliphate

After the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, Ali was chosen as the fourth caliph. His caliphate was marked by civil strife and conflict, including the First Fitna, a civil war within the Islamic community.

Battle of the Camel

One of the first challenges Ali faced was the Battle of the Camel, where he fought against forces led by Aisha, the widow of Muhammad, and two prominent companions, Talha and Zubair. The battle ended in Ali's favor, but it deepened the divisions within the Muslim community.

Battle of Siffin

Another significant conflict was the Battle of Siffin against Muawiyah I, the governor of Syria, who refused to acknowledge Ali's caliphate. The battle ended in arbitration, which weakened Ali's position.

Assassination

Ali was assassinated in 661 CE by a Kharijite named Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam while praying in the mosque of Kufa. His death marked the end of the Rashidun Caliphate and the beginning of the Umayyad dynasty.

Legacy

Ali is revered for his piety, knowledge, and justice. His sermons, letters, and sayings are compiled in the book Nahj al-Balagha. In Shia Islam, Ali is considered the rightful successor to Muhammad and the first Imam.

See Also

• Fatimah
• Hasan ibn Ali
• Husayn ibn Ali
• Nahj al-Balagha

External Links

• Ali ibn Abi Talib on Britannica