Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)
Amir al-Mu'minin, Asadullah, Al-Murtada
The first Imam, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (PBUH), and the only person ever born inside the Holy Kaaba.
- Born
- 13 Rajab, 30 Year of the Elephant (Inside the Kaaba)
- Died
- 21 Ramadan 40 AH
- Cause of death
- Struck by a poisoned sword by Ibn Muljam while praying in Kufa
Miraculous Birth
Imam Ali (a.s.) holds the unique and unparalleled distinction of being born inside the Holy Kaaba in Mecca on the 13th of Rajab. His mother, Fatima bint Asad, felt the pangs of labor near the Kaaba, and miraculously, the walls of the sacred house opened to grant her entry. He remained inside for three days. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the first person to hold the newborn Ali, and Ali’s eyes opened for the first time to look at the Prophet's face.
Lifestyle and Devotion
Raised entirely under the guidance of the Prophet, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the first male to embrace Islam. His life was the epitome of courage, justice, and absolute devotion. He famously slept in the Prophet’s bed during the night of Hijrah (migration) to protect him from assassins. Known as the "Gate to the City of Knowledge," Ali (a.s.) possessed unmatched wisdom and piety. His justice was so profound that he treated the lowest beggar and his own family members with the exact same standard of equity from the public treasury (Bait-ul-Mal).
Contributions to Islam
Imam Ali (a.s.) was the standard-bearer in almost all major battles of Islam, including Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, and Khaybar, where his legendary bravery saved the Muslims from defeat. Beyond the battlefield, his profound sermons, letters, and sayings were later compiled into the masterpiece known as Nahj al-Balagha (Peak of Eloquence). After the Prophet, he was the divinely appointed successor, finally assuming the political caliphate in 35 AH, ruling with unprecedented justice.
Associated Duas and Practices
Imam Ali (a.s.) is the source of some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking supplications in Islamic tradition. He taught Dua Kumayl to his companion Kumayl ibn Ziyad, a profound prayer of repentance recited every Thursday night. He also taught Dua Mashlool to a paralyzed youth, which miraculously cured him.
Martyrdom
On the 19th of Ramadan 40 AH, while Imam Ali (a.s.) was in a state of prostration (Sujood) during the morning prayer in the Great Mosque of Kufa, he was struck on the head by a poisoned sword wielded by the Kharijite Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam. Upon being struck, the Imam famously cried, "Fuzto bi Rabbil Kaaba!" (By the Lord of the Kaaba, I have succeeded!). He suffered for two days before succumbing to the poison on the 21st of Ramadan, leaving a legacy of justice that continues to inspire millions.