For me, he is the emblem of heroism, of wisdom, of passion, of love of Allah.

He accepted Islam as ten year old child, when very few were willing to risk their lives. He grew up, literally, in the house of Allah’s beloved (Salallaho Alaihi Wasalam -SAW). He resembled Rasool Ullah (SAW) in mannerism and action. On the night of the migration from Makkah, he slept in the bed of the Prophet (SAW) with the risk that the enemies may kill him in place of the Prophet (SAW).

Our beloved (SAW) trusted Ali (RA) with his treasure, his youngest daughter Fatima (RA). He was the Prophet’s (SAW) kin.

While Rasool Ullah (SAW) breathed his last on the chest of our mother Ayesha (RA), Ali (RA) was the one to bathe Rasool Ullah (SAW) after his death.

Ali was a lion in the battlefield and most humble in private life. In worship, such was he that he told people to pull out an arrow lodged in his body during salaat (namaz) because when in the presence of his Rabb in prayer, he focussed on nothing else.

Ali (RA) is my hero, forever.

They are all my heroes: Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) and Uthman bin ‘Affan (RA) and Ali (RA). Each a sparkling gem warding away darkness and showing rays of light. Each with their own beautiful unique personalities. Each chosen by God for special work. Each guiding us in their own way.

Yet, with the mention of Ali (RA) the heart softens with the realization of how beloved he was to the Prophet (SAW) of Allah. He is the father of Hasan (RA) and Hussain (RA), and the love of Fatima’s (RA) life.

These glimpses from ahadith and seerah remind me even more why Ali (RA) is who he is to me:

 Abu Turaab

So many incidents are recorded about the beautiful way the Prophet (saw) used to solve disagreements between Ali and Fatima.

One such incident resulted in Ali getting the title Abu Turaab – “The man covered with dirt” – this title was one of the dearest to Ali. For once the Prophet went to visit his daughter Fatima & he did not find Ali home. He asked about him, so Fatima told her father that she had some argument with her husband so he left home angry in the afternoon without taking his usual nap. The Prophet told someone to go & look for Ali. He came back saying that he is in the mosque. The Prophet went to him to find him lying on the floor with his dress falling off his flank which was covered with dirt. The Prophet woke him up clearing the dirt off his body & addressing him with a smile: “Wake up you who is covered with dirt”.

The Prophet’s Kin

When the verse 3:61 was revealed to the Prophet (SAW): “Now that you know the facts, say to them ‘Come, let us summon our sons and your sons, our women and your women and ourselves and yourselves and pray Allah and beseech Him to accurse those who intentionally assert falsehood’ ; he summoned Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain and said: “O God, & these are my kin”.

How can a believer not love Ali (RA)

Zirr reported: ‘Ali observed: By Him Who split up the seed and created something living, the Apostle (may peace and blessings be upon him) gave me a promise that ‘No one but a believer would love me, and none but a hypocrite would nurse grudge against me.’
Reference: Book 001, Number 0141: (Sahih Muslim) 

The strength of Ali – in fighting the enemy and fighting anger

I love the incident where Ali (RA) was fighting with a man on a battlefield. Ali was about to thrust his sword into his heart when all of a sudden the he raised his head and spat at him. Ali immediately dropped his sword, took a deep breath, and walked away. This man was stunned. He ran after Ali and asked him why he was letting him go. “Because I’m very angry at you,” said Ali. “Then why don’t you kill me?” hel asked. “I don’t understand.”

Ali (RA) explained, “When you spat on my face, I got very angry. My ego was provoked, yearning for revenge. If I kill you now, I’ll be following my ego. And that would be a huge mistake.”

So Ali set the man free. The man was so touched that he became Ali’s friend and follower, and in time he converted to Islam of his own free will.

He whom Allah and His Messenger (SAW) love

Narrated Salama: ‘Ali happened to stay behind the Prophet (SAW) and (did not join him) during the battle of Khaibar for he was having eye trouble. Then he said, “How could I remain behind Allah’s Apostle?” So Ali set out following the Prophet . When it was the eve of the day in the morning of which Allah helped (the Muslims) to conquer it, Allah’s Apostle said, 

“I will give the flag (to a man), or tomorrow a man whom Allah and His Apostle love will take the flag,” or said, “A man who loves Allah and His Apostle; and Allah will grant victory under his leadership.”

 Suddenly came Ali whom we did not expect. The people said, “This is ‘Ali.” Allah’s Apostle gave him the flag and Allah granted victory under his leadership.’ Reference: Volume 5, Book 57, Number 52: (Sahih Bukhari)

He was to the Prophet (SAW) what Haroon (AS) was to Musa (AS)

Sa’d reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying to ‘Ali: Aren’t you satisfied with being unto me what Aaron was unto Moses?
Reference: Book 031, Number 5916: (Sahih Muslim)

For whosoever is Prophet (saw) Mawla, Ali is Mawla

Sayyidna Abu Sarihah (Radhi Allah) or Zayd ibn Arqam (Shu’bah is uncertain about it) said that Prophet (SAW) said: He for whom I am Mawla (friend, beloved, helper), Ali is Mawla
Reference: Sunan al Tirimdhi Hadith No. 3733 – Imam Abu Isa Tirimdhi (rah) said: This Hadith is “HASAN SAHIH”

About the author

Farahnaz Zahidi works as a Senior Sub-Editor at The Express Tribune, and has a focus on human rights, gender, peace-building and Islam.

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