Hazrat `Ali - Introduction
Introduction
Hundreds of books, in many different languages, have been written about Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him), the first Imam of the sixth cycle, the Cycle of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah send blessings and peace through him and his progeny), the Seal of Prophets.
Hazrat `Ali's history is inextricably woven with that of the mission of Islam. He was the cousin, son-in-law, deputy (khalifah), minister (wazir) and chief marshal of our holy Prophet Muhammad. He was designated legatee (wasi or asas), by the holy Prophet at the historic events of Da`wat-i `Ashirah and Gadir-i Khumm. He was therefore, the Asas or Foundation Imam, of an unbroken chain of Imams.
It is clear from the above that Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him) lived during a period of history, by turns turbulent, challenging and dangerous. This fact alone makes it difficult to write about Hazrat `Ali. However, there are other factors which compound the difficulty of writing about him. Hazrat `Ali's personality comprised such seemingly opposite characteristics, that many a writer and historian has failed to grasp his true reality. For example, Hazrat `Ali was the bravest and invincible soldier of Islam, yet he displayed the greatest compassion for his enemies, even in the thick of battle. Many examples are recorded of how he spared the lives of his enemies.
When Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him) emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, he found himself in greatly straightened circumstances, having left all his possessions behind. However, as Islam spread and the Muslims won battle after battle, their wealth also increased. Hazrat `Ali became the worldly Caliph of Islam and as such, the head of a wealthy state. Nevertheless, he continued to live the simple life of a darwish;1 he was completely unaffected in his person or his behaviour by the change in his material circumstances. One of his famous sayings is: "Kun fi'd-dunya wa la li'd-dunya, i.e., Be in the world but not for the sake of the world."
Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him), in addition to his supremacy on the battlefield, was the acknowledged master of the pen and the tongue. None could surpass him in combat, in writing or in oratory. Hazrat `Ali's comprehensive qualities in each of which he was at the peak of excellence makes it extremely difficult for historians to write a balanced history about him. Many have often resorted to miracles to provide an explanation for his supremacy in every conceivable field.
This paper is written with a number of important premises in mind.
Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him)'s life is portrayed with due regard to balance. The first section describes his unique relationship with the holy Prophet Muhammad, culminating in the momentous event of Gadir-i Khumm. He is next shown as the foremost soldier of Islam, about whom the angels recited 'La fata illa `Ali, la sayfa illa Dhulfaqar', and the exact meaning of this phrase is discussed. In later sections, Hazrat `Ali 's knowledge of the Qur'an, his contribution to Arabic calligraphy and grammar, his supremacy as an orator and writer, his unsurpassed skill as a Judge, his far-reaching social reforms, are all discussed in detail.
Secondly, wherever possible, the information is culled from primary sources. For example, much use has been made of Nahju'l-Balagah, which is a collection of Hazrat `Ali's own sermons, letters and maxims. However, since the two translations used were not always accurate, the quotations and excerpts used have been specially translated for this paper.
Secondary sources have been used selectively and as far as possible both Sunni and Shia sources have been quoted. Orientalist sources, however, have been sparingly used, for instance, only in the section on 'Hazrat `Ali and Tasawwuf', 'Gadir-i Khumm', 'Hazrat `Ali as a Calligrapher' and 'Hazrat `Ali's Titles'. In the last section, it is demonstrated how misleading some of the sources can be.
Finally, this paper has been written primarily for the voluntary teachers of religious education and parents who are the initial teachers. Its main objective is to form a solid foundation of information about Hazrat `Ali (May peace be through him), based on which, they can convey a balanced portrait of Hazrat `Ali to their students, a portrait which can inspire awe and admiration and at the same time a deep love for him and his progeny.
- 1'Darwish' is a Persian word, for which there is no exact equivalent in English. It can be translated to mean someone who is unaffected by worldly things. During the early years of Mawlana Sultan Muhammad Shah's Imamat, it used to be the highest title given to mu'mins.
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