On this solemn day, the heart of the Muslim world reverberates with profound respect, remembering the life and martyrdom of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُ — the Lion of Allah عزّوجلّ, the fourth Caliph of Islam, the noble cousin, the devoted son-in-law, and the beloved companion of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم. His Shahadat (martyrdom) is not just a date on the Islamic calendar; it marks the tragic end of a man whose life continues to inspire millions.
A Divine Birth and an Unparalleled Upbringing
The story of Hazrat Ali’s life begins in a way that only a few can lay claim to — in the sacred sanctuary of the Kaaba. Born on the 13th of Rajab, inside the very house that was built for the worship of Allah, Hazrat Ali’s birth was a sign of divine favor. His mother, Fatimah bint Asad, brought him into this world in a time when Mecca was a beacon of both peace and turmoil. His father, Abu Talib, the guardian of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم, was a man of great honor and integrity.
From his earliest days, Ali was groomed for greatness. He was raised in the home of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم, and it was under his tutelage that Ali learned the meanings of strength, justice, and unwavering faith. By the age of 10, Ali had embraced Islam, becoming one of the first to respond to the Prophet’s call. His loyalty was steadfast, his courage unmatched. The Holy Prophet, who knew the depths of Ali’s character, lovingly referred to him as Abu Turaab, a name which Ali cherished, symbolizing his humility and devotion.
A Hero in the Battles of Faith
The pages of history are filled with tales of Hazrat Ali’s valiant efforts in battles that defined the early years of Islam. He fought in the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Khandaq, where his sword, Zulfiqar, became legendary. In these battles, he not only demonstrated exceptional bravery but also a deep commitment to justice. Zulfiqar, the sword of Islam, was no mere weapon; it was an extension of Ali’s own spirit — fierce yet just.
Yet, Ali’s role in the growth of Islam went far beyond the battlefield. His wisdom, integrity, and leadership earned him a place among the ten companions who were given the glad tidings of Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم had promised that Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Zubayr, Abdur Rahman Bin ‘Awf, Sa’d Bin Abi Waqqas, Said Bin Zayd, and Abu Ubaydah Bin al-Jarrah (رضوان الله تعالى علیهم اجمعين) would be granted eternal paradise — a testimony to the righteousness and service of these men to Islam.
A Face Like the Moon, A Heart Full of Faith
The physical appearance of Hazrat Ali was striking. With broad shoulders, large eyes, and a face that resembled the full moon in its brilliance, he was a man who inspired awe. But it was his heart — his heart full of devotion to Allah and His Messenger — that truly set him apart. He loved the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم with a love that surpassed all worldly attachments. It is narrated that Hazrat Ali once declared: “By Allah, the Prophet is more beloved to us than our wealth, children, parents, and even cold water when we’re thirsty.”
This love was not just expressed in words, but in actions. He was the Prophet’s most trusted confidant, his closest ally, and his dearest friend. Ali’s life was one of unwavering support for the Prophet, who, in turn, trusted him implicitly. Ali’s entire life is a story of sacrifice, love, and devotion — devotion not only to the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم but also to the very cause of Islam.
A Family Built on Faith
Hazrat Ali’s family was one of the most revered in Islamic history. His marriage to Sayyidah Fatimah رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْهَا, the daughter of the Prophet, was a union blessed with great significance. Together, they had two sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, and two daughters, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum, all of whom would go on to play pivotal roles in the future of Islam. Hazrat Ali’s deep love for his family was evident even in the simplest of moments, as one account from his life shows: When the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم visited his home and saw his grandchildren, Hasan and Hussain, playing with a few leftover dates, he was deeply moved. His concern for the children was palpable, and it was in such tender moments that the true character of Hazrat Ali as both a father and a leader shone through.
A Leader Like No Other
As the fourth Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Ali’s leadership was marked by an unwavering commitment to justice. He ruled not with a desire for power but with the intention of serving his people and maintaining the values of Islam. His wisdom was unmatched, and his judgments were always tempered with fairness and compassion. One of the most famous incidents of his caliphate involved the case of a Yemeni man and his slave. In the courtroom of Kufa, Ali’s sharp intellect and sense of justice were on full display. His meticulous investigation of the case proved the slave’s false claims and reaffirmed his commitment to justice for all, regardless of their social status.
The Martyrdom of a Lion
On the night of the 17th or 19th of Ramadan, in the year 40 AH, the world of Islam was shaken by the tragic loss of one of its greatest champions, Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنْهُ. While on his way to the Masjid for Fajr prayer, a treacherous blow struck him — a blow that would change the course of history. The assassin was none other than Ibn Muljam, a member of the Khawarij, a faction that had once supported Ali but had turned against him due to their extremism and misinterpretation of Islamic teachings. In their misguided zeal, the Khawarij sought to incite chaos within the Muslim community, and Hazrat Ali, the revered Caliph and Lion of Allah, became their target.
Ibn Muljam, armed with a poisoned sword, struck Hazrat Ali with a fatal blow to the head as he was preparing to lead the Fajr prayer. Despite the excruciating pain and blood pouring from the wound, Hazrat Ali did not falter in his faith. He remained resolute, embodying the very spirit of a true Muslim. There was no bitterness in his heart, no desire for vengeance. Instead, he uttered words of forgiveness and prayer for the betterment of the Muslim Ummah, asking Allah to guide his people toward peace and unity.
The strike, however, was fatal. Hazrat Ali survived for only two days, during which he continued to advise his family and the community, stressing the importance of justice, equality, and compassion. On the 21st of Ramadan, Hazrat Ali attained the status of Shahid (martyr), a tragic yet sacred end to the life of one of Islam’s most beloved figures.
His assassination at the hands of the Khawarij marked a turning point in Islamic history. The Khawarij, once part of the larger Muslim community, had become an extremist group that sought to undermine the unity of the Ummah through violence and division. They rejected any form of compromise, and their actions ultimately led to the loss of one of the greatest leaders the Islamic world had ever known. Their misguided actions not only took the life of Hazrat Ali but also deepened the rift within the Muslim community, leading to a period of turmoil and division that would echo through the centuries.
Also See: Aisha (R.A.): A Role Model for Muslim Women in Knowledge and Devotion
Hazrat Ali’s Legacy
Hazrat Ali’s martyrdom, though a monumental loss to Islam, was not the end of his influence. His legacy continues to inspire and guide millions of Muslims around the world. His courage in the face of adversity, his wisdom in matters of faith and justice, and his unwavering love for the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم stand as a beacon of light for all who follow his path.
In his lifetime, Hazrat Ali embodied the very essence of Islam: he was a symbol of justice, integrity, and compassion. His deep faith in Allah, his courage on the battlefield, and his profound understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ واٰلہ وسلم set him apart as a man of unparalleled devotion and moral strength. His leadership was marked not by power or self-interest, but by a commitment to serving the people and ensuring that the principles of Islam were upheld with fairness and righteousness.
As we remember Hazrat Ali’s martyrdom on this day, we are reminded not only of the sacrifices he made for the cause of Islam but also of the invaluable lessons he imparted through his life. His example continues to serve as a model for Muslims today — a model of justice, compassion, and steadfast faith. His Shahadat is a symbol of ultimate sacrifice in the path of truth and righteousness, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who strive to live according to the noble principles he embodied.
The Khawarij, in their extremism and misguided hatred, may have taken the life of Hazrat Ali, but they could not extinguish the light of his teachings. Today, as we reflect on his martyrdom, let us commit ourselves to the values he upheld: justice, truth, compassion, and unity. May we honor his legacy by living lives of integrity, striving for the betterment of the Ummah, and remaining steadfast in our faith, just as Hazrat Ali did, even in the face of immense trials and persecution.
