Bio of Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb (a)

Name: Ali ibn Abi Talib ibn Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim.
Mother: Fatimah bint Asad ibn Hashim.Siblings: Talib, Aqeel, Ja’far, Umm Hani, Jumana.
Most famous wives:

• Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon her).
• Khawla bint Ja’far ibn Qais al-Khath’amiyah.
• Umm al-Banin Fatimah bint Hizam ibn Khalid ibn Waram.
• Asma bint Umays al-Khath’amiyah, and others.

Sons:

• Hasan (peace be upon him), Husayn (peace be upon him), Abbas, Ja’far, Abdullah, Muhammad (Abu al-Qasim), and others.
  Daughters:
• Zaynab al-Kubra, Umm Kulthum (Zaynab al-Sughra), Ruqayyah, Umm al-Hasan, Ramlah, and others.

Birth:

• Born on the 13th of Rajab inside the Kaaba.
  Titles and Nicknames:
• Abu al-Hasan, Abu Turab, Amir al-Mu’minin, Al-Murtada, Haydar, and others.

Unique Characteristics:

• Born inside the Kaaba, a privilege no one else shares.
• The brother and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
• The standard-bearer of the Prophet.
• Delivered Surah Bara’ah on behalf of the Prophet.
• Represented the Prophet during the Mubahala.

Pledge of Allegiance:

• Given allegiance as Caliph on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 10 AH at Ghadir Khumm and assumed leadership in 35 AH.

Battles:

• The Battles of the Camel, Siffin, and Nahrawan.

Legacy:

• Authored Nahj al-Balagha.

Martyrdom:

• Struck on his head during prayer on the 19th of Ramadan, 40 AH, by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam. He passed away on the 21st of Ramadan.
  Tomb:
• Buried in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf.

Companions:

• Salman al-Farisi, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Malik al-Ashtar, Ammar ibn Yasir, and others.

Circumstances of Birth:

• Born under extraordinary circumstances. His mother, Fatimah bint Asad, approached the Kaaba, where the wall split, allowing her to enter and give birth to him. She emerged after three days holding her newborn.

Struggles and Sacrifices:

• Lived and breathed Islam, excelling in battle and sacrificing for the faith. For instance, he slept in the Prophet’s bed on the night of the Hijra to protect him.

Stance on the Caliphs:

• Adhered to the Prophet’s will, focusing on compiling the Quran and avoiding political conflicts. Served as a judicial and religious authority and upheld justice.

Caliphate:

• Became Caliph after the assassination of Uthman, implementing reforms in governance, culture, and education to restore justice and equality.

Martyrdom:

• Despite repeated calls for action, some followers hesitated in supporting him against enemies like Muawiyah. He was ultimately assassinated by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam during Fajr prayer.

Source:
Al-Sirah al-Mukhtasirah li-Nabi wa Ahl Baytihi al-Ma’sumin by Sheikh Ibrahim al-Sibai.