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Ali Bin Abi Talib (RA) - The Last Rashidun Caliph

Ali bin Abi Talib (RA) was a companion, cousin, and son-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was the fourth Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate and became the ruler after the martyrdom of the third Caliph Usman (RA). He was a brave warrior and able leader, but his five years of the caliphate were ruined due to the First Fitna (first civil war) of the Islamic State.

Early Life

Ali (RA) was born in 601 AD in Makkah in the Bani Hashim clan of Quraysh. His father was Abu Talib (uncle of Muhammad (PBUH)), and his mother’s name was Fatimah bint Asad. At a younger age, Ali was adopted by Muhammad (PBUH) due to the weak economic conditions of Abu Talib. He was one of the earliest converts to Islam, even before his teenage.

Migration to Madinah & Later Life

On the night when Muhammad (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) migrated to Madinah, Ali (RA) slept on the bed of the Prophet (PBUH) and endangered his life. He later reached Madinah after returning the belongings of different persons who kept them to Muhammad (PBUH).

Ali (RA) took part in all the major battles except the Battle of Tabouk. He showed his skill and bravery in all these battles. In the Battle of Badr, he killed a senior Quraysh warrior, Waleed bin Utbah, in a duel and more than 20 other enemies later. During the Battle of Uhud, he was among the few who guarded the Prophet (PBUH) at a difficult time. During the Battle of Trench, a Qureyshi warrior Amr bin Wad crossed the trench and challenged the Muslims to fight against him. Ali did so and killed him. Ali (RA) also commanded the Muslim Army against Jews in the Battle of Khayber. He killed the leader of the enemy Marhab, and the battle ended with victory for Muslims. Ali was given the title of Asadullah (Lion of Allah) by Muhammad (PBUH) after that battle.

Role During First 3 Caliphates

According to some sources, there were few differences between Ali (RA) and other prominent Muslims regarding the leader of the Islamic Caliphate. But the issue was not too serious, and Ali (RA) remained the adviser to the first two Caliphs, Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA). Ali also married his daughter Umm-e-Kulsum bint Ali to Umar (RA).

During the critical situation in Usman’s era, Ali tried to resolve the issue peacefully and declined the offer of the caliphate by the rebels. 

Problems During Caliphate

After the martyrdom of Usman (RA), Ali (RA) accepted the caliphate in 35 AH (656 AD) due to a risky situation in Madinah. Now the situation became more critical for Ali as the rebels, including the killers of Usman, took an oath of allegiance to Ali. On the other hand, the prominent people of Madinah and relatives of Usman wanted him to punish the culprits immediately. This situation paved the way for the First Fitna (First Civil War).

The first battle erupted near Basra (Iraq) between Ali (RA) and the people of Madinah under the leadership of Ayesha (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The battle is known as the Battle of Camel, as it was mainly fought around the camel of Ayesha (RA). Ali (RA) remained victorious in the battle, and he promised Ayesha (RA) that he would punish the killers of Usman (RA) after the establishment of law and order. Two prominent Sahaba, Zubayr (RA) and Talhah (RA), also died during the battle while fighting alongside Ayaesha (RA). After the battle, Ali moved his capital to Kufa (Iraq), his stronghold.  

In 37 AH (657 AD), the second battle for the demand of punishment of the killers of Usman was fought in Siffin (Syria) between Ali (RA) and Muawiya (RA), the governor of the Levant. Ali dismissed him, but Muawiya refused to obey his orders. It was a far deadlier battle than the Battle of Camel, as around 70,000 people from both sides lost their lives during this battle. Despite huge losses, it remained indecisive, and the later arbitration could not resolve the issue.

The emergence of Kharijites (an anarchist group) in Ali’s army was the main reason for the indecisive result of the Battle of Siffin. The last battle of First Fitna was fought between Ali (RA) and the Kharijites, known as the Battle of Nahrawan. Kharijites fought bravely but lost due to their small numbers. This battle provided a chance for Muawiya, whose commander Amr bin al-As (RA) captured Egypt. Now Muawiya (RA) became the ruler of the western part of the Islamic Caliphate: the Levant and Egypt.  

Martyrdom

On 19th Ramadan 40 AH (661 AD), Ali (RA) was stabbed by a Kharijite Abdul Rahman ibn Muljam during the morning prayers in the Great Mosque of Kufa. Ali died two days later, on the 21st of Ramadan. His burial place is in Najaf (Iraq).

Importance

Ali (RA) is famous as a great soldier of Islam and a just ruler. He came into power at a crucial time after the martyrdom of Usman (RA). He tried hard to settle the issues but could not stop the civil war and bloodshed due to his limitations. The five years of his caliphate are known for the deadly civil war known as the First Fitna. During his reign, the caliphate split into two parts as Muawiya (RA) became the ruler of the Levant and Egypt. He was the first person who replaced the capital of the Caliphate from Madinah to Kufa. 
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