The First Imam: Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Birth and Martyrdom

The first Imam of the Shi’ah, Imam Ali (a.s.), was born on thirteenth of Rajab, thirty years after ‘amul Fil in Mecca, inside the Ka’bah.

His father was Abu Talib and his mother was Fatimah Binti ‘Asad. His nicknames were Abu Turab, Abul Hasan, Abus Sibtayn, and Abur Riyhanatayn. His titles were Amiral Mu’minin, Sayyidul Muslimin, Imamul Muttaqin, and Sayyidul ‘Awsiya’.[^1]

He was hit by Ibn Muljam Muradi when performing the Morning Prayer on nineteenth of Ramadan and was martyred on Ramadan twenty first. His holy body was buried outside Kufah (now called Najaf).

Imam ‘Ali in Prophet Muhammad’s Age

A precise detailed review of Imam Ali’s (a.s.) life requires authoring tens of volumes of books. The present book, however, can only point out the major events of his lifetime briefly.

Imam Ali (a.s.) left his father’s house at age six to live with Prophet Muhammad (S), with suggestion of the Prophet (S), who accepted the guardianship of Ali (a.s.). This way, Ali (a.s.) learnt much from Prophet Muhammad (S)’s conduct and followed his teachings. He accompanied Prophet Muhammad (S) in his ‘i’tikaf (seclusion for worship) in Hara’ cave, observing the signs of revelation and prophethood.[^2]

Ali (a.s.) was the first man to accept Islam and pray with the Prophet (S). He was nearly ten years old then.[^3]

In difficulties of early prophet hood of Muhammad (S), Ali (a.s.) was always at his service and the best helper for him. In economic, social, and political embargo of the infidels against the Muslims in Shi’bi Abu Talib (Abu Talib valley), Ali (a.s.) was present.

When the infidels threatened Prophet Muhammad (S)’s life and he was going to immigrate to Medina, Imam Ali (a.s.) slept in his bed to save his life on Laylatul Mabit (the night of staying). Then he got a mission from the Messenger of Allah (S) to finish the Prophet (S)’s incomplete works and immigrate to Medina along with some ladies from the Prophet (S)’s Household.[^4]

The Messenger of Allah (S) signed a brotherhood contract with Ali (a.s.) in medina.[^5]

In the second year after Hijra, Ali (a.s.) was honored to become Prophet Muhammad (S)’s son-in-law, marrying Hadrat Fatimah (s.a.), the best lady of the world.[^6]

At that time, Imam Ali (a.s.) was a powerful brave young man ready for war and Jihad. He participated in all the wars, battled bravely, and killed the enemies of Islam. He had a major role in victory of the Muslims, being far ahead of other battlers.[^7]

During his prophetic mission, the Prophet of Islam (S) gave two important duties to Imam Ali (a.s.); first, writing and colleting the Quranic verses (ayat) and chapters (surahs), and second, learning and maintaining religious sciences, teachings, commandments, and rules revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S).

Ali (a.s.) accomplished these two responsibilities very well by Allah’s support and under direct supervision of Prophet Muhammad (S).