In the Prophet’s Household
Ali was approximately 9-10 when the first revelation came. He was already living with the Prophet. When the Prophet called his family to private worship — the earliest three years of secret da’wa — Ali responded immediately: “O Prophet of Allah, I will be with you.” He prayed with the Prophet and Khadijah before anyone else.
On the night of the Hijra (622 CE), when the Quraysh surrounded the Prophet’s home to assassinate him, Ali slept in the Prophet’s bed wearing the Prophet’s green cloak. The assassins did not attack, thinking the Prophet was there. Ali then remained in Mecca three more days to return all trust deposits the Prophet had held for the Quraysh — fulfilling every last financial obligation before following to Medina.
The Sword and the Pen
Military leadership: Ali participated in every major battle except Tabuk (left to guard Medina). He held the Islamic banner (liwa’) as the Prophet’s standard-bearer. At Khaybar, the Prophet said: “Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah and His Messenger love him” — and gave it to Ali. He killed Marhab, Khaybar’s champion.
Knowledge: The Prophet: “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate — whoever wants the city should enter through the gate.” (al-Hakim, al-Bayhaqi — chains debated but widely transmitted) Ali is credited with the first Arabic grammar (nahw) and with memorizing the entirety of the Quran.
The Caliphate and Its Trials (656-661 CE)
Ali became the fourth caliph after ‘Uthman’s assassination. His caliphate was marked by the First Civil War:
- Battle of the Camel (656 CE): ‘Aisha, Talha, and Zubayr disputed his caliphate; Ali’s forces prevailed; Ali treated the defeated with mercy
- Battle of Siffin (657 CE): Against Mu’awiya (governor of Syria); ended in arbitration that many considered a draw
- The Kharijites: A faction that rejected both Ali and Mu’awiya; Ali defeated them at Nahrawan (658 CE)
- Assassination: Ibn Muljam, a Kharijite, struck him with a poisoned sword during Fajr prayer in Kufa (661 CE); he died two days later
See also: Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Khilafa Rashida, Nass, Understanding Walayah, Fatima Al Zahra, Bohra History, Imam Husayn