The history of makind has witnessed many leaders over the ages. Several of these leaders achieved headship through might or legacy and some were selected as leaders because of the certain exceptional qualities that they possessed.
Among the latter group, there have also emerged some leaders whose contribution and works to humankind cannot be bordered to any special place or time and their way of lives, works and the sayings of such heroes persist to instigate and motivate people, generation after generation.
Amir al-Muminin, Imam Ali (AS) is a great distinctive leader who stands out among all other leaders. Besides believers, several non-Muslims admired his personality and inimitable qualities and made efforts to highlight certain aspects of the persona of this endless leader of ages and have written thousands of books and research papers about him.
Ali (A.S.) from birth to the dawn of Islam
Born on 13th Rajab 30 years after Amal-Fil, Imam Ali (A.S.) was the son of Abu Talib ibn-e Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad ibn-e Hashim. His life started in the Holy Kaba and ended in the Mosque of Kufa (Iraq).
From the early days of his life, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) brought up on his lap. Quraysh and Mecca were struck by deprivation on those days. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) met his other paternal uncle Abbas who was a rich gentleman and made a plan to help Abu Talib (S.A.) by taking up the responsibility of some of his children.
Abbas welcomed the suggestion and they met Abu Talib (S.A.) and informed him of their intention. Abu Talib (S.A.) said: “Leave Aqil for me…” Muhammad (PBUH) chose Ali (A.S.), and Abbas took Ja’far. Later on, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is known to have said: “I chose the one Allah had chosen for me.”
Several writers and historians are of the view that by accepting Imam Ali’s (A.S.) supervision, the Prophet (PBUH) meant to recompense for the favors he had received from Abu Talib and Fatima (Ali”s parents), who looked after him like their own children during his infancy.
Although, from what the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had said and from Ali’s (A.S.) behavior – it is pretty clear that it was Allah”s Will that Ali (A.S.) should grow with the Prophet (PBUH) and under his custody.
Ali’s (A.S.) personality was being built by Muhammad (PBUH) when the latter declared his prophethood. According to most historians, Ali (A.S.) was the first among the men to embrace Islam. Ali (A.S.) was the only follower of Muhammad (SAW) who had never bowed before or worshipped idols.
He had no other model but to seek Allah and His prophet’s (PBUH) pleasure, and his genuineness, sacrifice steadfastness and valor in sustaining `Tawhid” were some of his exceptional qualities no one can ever deny.
From the birth of Islam to the prophet’s (PBUH) demise
The birth of Islam in Arab, which was incapacitated with lack of knowledge and false notions, not only modified the course of history in that land but also persuaded other people and nations of the world. Savage customs that were believed as worths in those times – common rivalries, burying infant girls alive, etc., were rendered as scandalous and brutal by the new faith of Islam.
This change in the individual and social faiths was the fruit of the years of effort and endeavor by the Prophet (PBUH) and his close friends among which Ali (A.S.) played the greatest part. His involvement in the spread of Islam was excellent and he was the utmost gift of Islam and its Prophet (PBUH) to humankind.
Inspirational Quotes of Ali (RA)
“O, People! Try to be honest for God is the helper of honest people. Avoid telling lies since it will ruin your faith. Know that honest people are on the verge of nobility and honor, while liars are on the verge of collapse and destruction.”
Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) said, “If someone hurts you then don’t be upset, as it’s the law of nature that the trees with the sweetest fruits are beaten the most. The biggest shame is to mock at something that you have in yourself.”
“Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything. Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all, it is only in the darkest nights that the stars shine more brilliantly.”
“Be obscure and do not attempt to be famous, do not elevate yourself in order to be remembered. Learn and conceal, find safety in silence, you will please the righteous people and you will outrage the wicked. Don’t develop a friendship with the enemy of your friend; otherwise, your friend will turn into an enemy.”
“Aim to live in this world without allowing the world to live inside you because when a boat sits on the water it sails perfectly, but when water enters inside the boat, it sinks.” Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA).
Shahadat Day of Imam Ali (AS) 21st Ramazan
History would ever remember the two days, Rajab 13, the birthday of Hazrat Ali (AS) in Khana-i-Kaaba, and Ramazan 21, the day Hazrat Ali (AS) was martyred.
The crime of assassinating Hazrat Ali (AS) remains one of the cruelest, brutal and hideous, because it was not committed against one man, but against the whole rational Islamic leadership.
By assassinating Imam Ali (AS), they actually aimed at assassinating the message, the history, the culture and the nation of Muslims. The Islamic nation lost its guide of progress, and at the most wondrous opportunity in its life after the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
On 19 Ramazan AH 40, which would correspond to 26 January 661, while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa, Ali was attacked by the Kharijite Abd-al-Rahman ibn Muljam. He died two days later on 29 January 661 (21 Ramadan AH 40).
Need to follow Hazrat Ali’s teachings
In fact, there was no other personality that could be evaluated with Hazrat Ali (AS) in knowledge, bravery and wisdom.
It is the need of the hour to follow the teachings and Seerat of Hazrat Ali (AS) for a better societal system in order to limit favoritism and prejudice in the society.
The religious scholars of the various schools of thought should play their due role to make sure an atmosphere that is peaceful and free of prejudice by following Hazrat Ali’s (AS) teachings.
We should follow and study the teaching of Hazrat Ali (RA) in a meaningful manner and try to discover what the great preacher and savant of Islam, taught us to follow for our salvation here and after.
