Imām ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib (‘a)
The first Imām of Islam is Imām ʿAlī (‘a), the son of Abū Ṭālib and Fāṭimah bint Asad (‘a). According to historical reports, as the time of his birth approached, his mother experienced labour pains and supplicated to Allah for ease. In response, the wall of the Kaʿbah miraculously opened, allowing her to enter, and it then closed behind her. Imām ʿAlī (‘a) was born within the sacred sanctuary, making him the only person known to have been born inside the Kaʿbah.
Early Life and Faith
From childhood, Imām ʿAlī (‘a) was raised in the presence of the Prophet Muḥammad (ṣ), developing closely under his guidance. His character, knowledge, patience, bravery, compassion, and eloquence closely mirrored those of the Prophet (ṣ). Even as a young child, he would prostrate alongside the Prophet (ṣ) in worship. Upon the formal declaration of Prophethood, Imām ʿAlī (‘a) became the first male to embrace Islam.
The Prophet (ṣ) said of him:
“ʿAlī was the first to believe in me, and he will be the first to greet me on the Day of Judgement. He is the greatest testifier of truth and the leader of the believers.”
Prophetic Traditions on His Status
The Holy Prophet (ṣ) made numerous statements regarding the status of Imām ʿAlī (‘a), including:
“This (ʿAlī) is my brother, my successor among you; so listen to him and obey him.”
(Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī 2:127)“I am the city of knowledge and ʿAlī is its gate. Whoever seeks knowledge must come through the gate.”
(Tārīkh Baghdād 2:377)“Obedience to ʿAlī is obedience to me.”
(al-Ḥākim al-Nayshābūrī, al-Mustadrak 3:124)
There are numerous other verses and narrations affirming his unique spiritual and intellectual status.
His Knowledge
The Prophet (ṣ) declared:
“ʿAlī is the most learned of my community and the most capable of giving legal decisions after me.”
Throughout his life, Imām ʿAlī (‘a) demonstrated profound expertise across all disciplines of knowledge. After the Prophet’s passing, even the Caliphs sought his counsel on complex matters.
Imām ʿAlī (‘a) once said:
“Ask me before you lose me. I possess the knowledge of the ancients and those to come. I could judge the people of the Tawrah by their scripture, the people of the Injīl by theirs, and the people of the Qurān by the Qurān. By Allah, none knows the Qurān and its interpretation better than I do.”
His Bravery
Imām ʿAlī (‘a) was known for his valour on the battlefield and his leadership in warfare. He played pivotal roles in major battles such as Badr, Uḥud, Khandaq, Khaybar, and Ḥunayn, consistently leading the Muslims to victory. His courage extended beyond war; he upheld the truth fearlessly and stood firm in the face of injustice, regardless of opposition.
His Eloquence
Imām ʿAlī (‘a) had mastery over the Arabic language. He compiled the Qurān after the Prophet (ṣ) and contributed to the formal structure of Arabic grammar. His sermons and sayings, compiled in Nahj al-Balāghah, are regarded as exemplary works of eloquence and depth.
His Simplicity and Humility
Despite his high status, Imām ʿAlī (‘a) lived a life of simplicity. He dressed modestly and ate what the poor could afford—not due to poverty, but out of compassion and solidarity with the less fortunate. He carried out household chores, including sweeping, fetching water, washing his clothes, and mending his sandals.
His Worship
Imām ʿAlī’s devotion in prayer was extraordinary. Observers noted his intense humility and presence in worship. His connection with Allah was so profound that he is referred to as the “saint of saints.”
His Status Among Believers
The Prophet (ṣ) informed him:
“Only the true believer will love you, and only the hypocrite will hate you.”
Thus, love for Imām ʿAlī (‘a) is considered a sign of sincere faith.
Marriage to Sayyidah Fāṭimah al-Zahrā’ (‘a)
Despite receiving numerous proposals from wealthy and noble families, the Prophet (ṣ) declined all offers for his daughter’s hand until he received divine instruction to marry her to Imām ʿAlī (‘a). Their marriage is regarded as a sacred union, blessed by Allah.
Daʿwat Dhū al-ʿAshīrah
When commanded to invite his close family to Islam, the Prophet (ṣ) hosted a gathering and asked who would assist him in his mission. Only the young ʿAlī (‘a) responded. The Prophet (ṣ) then declared:
“O ʿAlī, you are my brother, my trustee, my helper, my inheritor, and my successor after me.”
The First Sacrifice
During the Prophet’s migration to Madinah, he instructed Imām ʿAlī (‘a) to sleep in his bed as he departed secretly, knowing that Quraysh had plotted to assassinate him. Imām ʿAlī (‘a) willingly accepted the risk. In honour of this act, Allah revealed:
“And among men is he who sells himself seeking Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is most kind to His servants.” (Qurān 2:207)
The Victory at Khaybar
In the Battle of Khaybar, after several failed attempts by others to capture a strong Jewish fortress, the Prophet (ṣ) declared:
“Tomorrow I shall give the standard to a man whom Allah and His Messenger love. He will not retreat until Allah grants victory through him.”
Imām ʿAlī (‘a), though suffering from an eye ailment, was chosen and miraculously healed. He then led the Muslims to a decisive victory.
Ghadīr Khumm
On returning from his final pilgrimage, the Prophet (ṣ) received a command from Allah to publicly announce the succession of Imām ʿAlī (‘a). At Ghadīr Khumm, he proclaimed:
“For whomever I am the Master (mawlā), this ʿAlī is also his Master.”
This declaration affirmed Imām ʿAlī’s (‘a) divinely appointed leadership, though many did not uphold it due to jealousy and political ambition.
Martyrdom
Following his appointment as Caliph, Imām ʿAlī (‘a) was forced to engage in battles such as Jamal, Ṣiffīn, and Nahrawān against internal opposition, including the Khawārij. On the 19th of Ramaḍān, while praying in the mosque of Kūfa, he was struck on the head by Ibn Muljam.
Before his passing on the 21st of Ramaḍān, he appointed his son Imām Ḥasan (‘a) as his successor. He was buried in secret by his sons to protect his grave from desecration by enemies. The exact location remained concealed until Imām al-Ṣādiq (‘a) revealed that his resting place was in Najaf.