Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) is among the most honored companions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His life was inseparable from the early history of Islam, marked by courage, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty. As a cousin, son-in-law, and close companion of the Prophet (SAW), Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) stood firm in trials, fought bravely in battles, and served Islam with deep sincerity and devotion.
The unique birth of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was born in Makkah around 600 CE, into the noble Banu Hashim clan. His father, Abu Talib, was a respected leader, and his mother, Fatima bint Asad, was beloved by the Prophet (SAW). Per historical reports, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was born in the Ka’bah – a very rare occurrence in history! Undoubtedly, his noble lineage and upbringing prepared him for a life of service to Islam.
The first youth to embrace Islam…
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was raised in the Prophet’s (SAW) household from the time when he was only a baby. At around ten years old, he witnessed the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Lady Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) in prayer and asked about their worship. The Prophet (SAW) explained the message of Islam, and Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), though moved, responded that he needed to consult his father, Abu Talib, before making a decision. The Prophet (SAW) advised him to keep the matter private for the time being. After a night of reflection, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) returned to declare his belief, becoming the first child to accept Islam – not out of imitation, but through deliberate thought and spiritual conviction. This is incredible because a child of such young age comprehending the gravity of such a decision and of revelation itself is unthinkable.
His early devotion is praised in hadith, including the Prophet’s (SAW) statement: “Ali prayed with me seven years before anyone else prayed” (Musnad Ahmad). His faith was forged in adversity, and he remained steadfast throughout his life and he was beside the Prophet (SAW) in both hardship and triumph. He was a trusted companion in every stage of the Prophet’s (SAW) mission, from the early days in Makkah to the final moments of revelation. His loyalty and closeness to the Prophet (SAW) were unmatched, and his presence was central to many pivotal events in Islamic history.
The record of his virtues is vast…
Ali ibn Abi Talib’s (RA) virtues are well-documented in hadith collections. His bravery, knowledge, and piety were praised by scholars such as Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who said, “No companion of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been narrated with as many virtues as Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).” His legacy is not just a list of merits; it reflects a life of service, sacrifice, and moral excellence.
The night of the Hijrah
When the Quraysh leaders plotted to assassinate the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), they chose young men from each tribe to strike together, hoping to avoid blame falling on any one clan. That night, the Prophet (SAW) entrusted Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) with two tasks: to sleep in his bed as a decoy and to return the trusts left with him to their rightful owners.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) accepted the mission without hesitation, knowing the danger. Wrapped in the Prophet’s (SAW) cloak, he lay in the bed, risking his life for the safety of the Messenger (SAW). The Quraysh were deceived, and the Prophet (SAW) safely departed for Madinah. As requested, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) later fulfilled the trust of returning every item that had been left for safekeeping with the Prophet (SAW) – even to those who opposed Islam. His actions consistently reflected deep loyalty and commitment to justice.
The soldier that caused the enemies to flee the battlefield with fear
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was known for his bravery, but his courage was always rooted in faith and service to Islam – not personal glory. In every battle, he fought to defend the truth and protect the Prophet (SAW).
In Islam’s first major battle, the Muslims were vastly outnumbered. It was narrated from Abu Salih al-Hanafi that the Prophet (SAW) said to Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Abu Bakr (RA) on the day of Badr, “The Angel Jibreel (AS) is with one of you and the Angel Mika`eel (AS) is with the other, and the Angel Israfeel (AS), a mighty angel, is present at the fight” – or he said, “is present in the ranks.” (Musnad Ahmad) Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) fought valiantly, defeating several key Quraysh warriors, including Walid ibn ‘Utbah. His strength and resolve helped secure a decisive victory for the believers.
When the tide turned against the Muslims due to a tactical error, many fled. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) remained by the Prophet’s (SAW) side, shielding him from attackers and repelling enemy advances. His loyalty never wavered, even in the face of overwhelming danger.
Battle of Khandaq
During the siege of Madinah, the Quraysh champion ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd crossed the trench and challenged the Muslims. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) stepped forward alone. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The whole of faith has gone forth to face the whole of disbelief” (Musnad Ahmad). Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) defeated him, breaking the enemy’s morale and helping turn the tide of battle.
Battle of Khaybar
At Khaybar, the Prophet (SAW) declared, “Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him.” (Sahih Muslim) That man was Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), despite suffering from an eye ailment. After the Prophet (SAW) healed him, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) led the charge, famously removing the fortress gate and using it in battle. His leadership brought victory to the Muslims.
When the time came for Lady Fatima (RA), the beloved daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), to marry, many companions sought her hand. The Prophet (SAW) declined their proposals until Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), with humility, approached him. The Prophet (SAW) accepted and said, “I have married you to the most beloved of my family to me.” (Musnad Ahmad)
Their marriage was simple, built on faith and mutual support. Though they lived with modest means, their home was rich in devotion. From this union came Hassan (RA) and Hussain (RA), about whom the Prophet (SAW) said, “Hassan and Hussain are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.” (al-Tirmidhi)
Their household was honored in The Quran: “Allah only intends to keep ˹the causes of˺ evil away from you and purify you completely, O’ members of the ˹Prophet’s˺ family!” (The Clear Quran® 33:33)
The Prophet’s (SAW) love for Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) held Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) in high esteem, not only as a relative but as a trusted companion. During the expedition to Tabuk, when Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) stayed behind, the Prophet (SAW) reassured him: “You are to me as Harun was to Musa, except there is no prophet after me.” (Sahih Muslim) The Prophet (SAW) also praised Ali ibn Abi Talib’s (RA) knowledge, saying: “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.” (al-Hakim)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) himself said, “By Him Who split up the seed and created something living, the Prophet (SAW) gave me a promise that no one but a believer would love me, and none but a hypocrite would nurse grudge against me.” (Sahih Muslim) His closeness to the Prophet (SAW) was rooted in faith, sincerity, and service to Islam.
The Leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
After the martyrdom of Uthman ibn Affan (RA), the Ummah faced deep turmoil. Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was chosen as caliph due to his integrity and closeness to the Prophet (SAW). Though he had not sought leadership, he accepted it as a responsibility before Allah (SWT).
His caliphate was marked by trials, including the Battle of Jamal, the conflict at Siffin, and the rise of the Khawarij. Despite these challenges, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) remained committed to justice and refused to compromise on principle.
He lived simply, wore patched clothes, and shared the hardships of the people. He once said, “Shall I be content that they call me ‘Commander of the Faithful’ and not share with them in the hardships of life?” (al-Tabaqat)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) showed that leadership in Islam is a trust, not a privilege.
The enduring light of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA) was a man of immense character – brave in battle, wise in judgment, and devoted in worship. Raised by the Prophet (SAW), he stood by him through every trial and remained steadfast after his passing.
His legacy is one of sincerity and sacrifice. He lived for Allah (SWT), upheld justice, and never let hardship shake his principles. For believers, his life is a model of courage without pride, humility without weakness, and faith without compromise.
Loving the family and companions of the Prophet (SAW) is a core part of our faith, and our love for Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) is rooted in the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) himself. It is something we must embrace wholeheartedly, along with love for all his righteous companions.
O Allah! Be pleased with Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), with the noble family of the Prophet (SAW).
O Allah! Grant us hearts firm upon truth like theirs, courage in Your cause, wisdom in judgment, and detachment from worldly distractions.
O Allah! Make us among those who follow his example and love the family of Your Prophet (SAW), unite us with them in Your mercy, and let us face them without embarrassment on the Day of Judgment. Ameen!
