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

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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 the First Fitna (first civil war) between Muslims ruined his five years of the Caliphate.

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, Muhammad (PBUH) adopted Ali 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 and 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, Ali killed a senior Quraysh warrior, Waleed bin Utbah, in a duel. He also  assassinated nearly 20 other enemies later in the battle. 
  • During the Battle of Uhud, he was among the few who guarded the Prophet (PBUH) at a difficult time. 
  • A Qureyshi warrior, Amr bin Wad, crossed the trench and challenged the Muslims to fight against him during the Battle of Trench. Ali accepted his challenge 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 this battle.

Role During First Three Caliphates

According to some sources, there were few differences between Ali (RA) and other prominent Muslims regarding the leader of the Islamic Caliphate. However, 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).

Battle of Camel

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). It is known as the Battle of Camel due to its main action 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 establishing law and order. Two prominent companions, Zubayr (RA) and Talhah (RA), also died during the battle while fighting alongside Ayaesha (RA). After this victory, Ali moved his capital to his stronghold, Kufa (Iraq).

Battle of Siffin

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

Battle of Nahrawan

The emergence of Kharijites (an anarchist group) in Ali’s army was the main reason for the indecisive result of the Battle of Siffin. Ali fought the last battle of the First Fitna (the Battle of Nahrawan) against the Kharijites. Kharijites fought bravely but lost due to their limited numbers. This battle provided a chance for Muawiya, whose commander Amr bin al-As (RA) captured Egypt. After this victory, 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).

Conclusion

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 to replace the capital of the Caliphate, moving from Madinah to Kufa. 

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