Birth and Early Life:

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib was born inside the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, on the 13th of Rajab, in the year 600 CE (approximately). This momentous event, occurring within the sacred walls of the Kaaba, symbolized the divine destiny and spiritual significance of Imam Ali's birth.From his early years, Imam Ali was deeply immersed in the teachings of Islam, nurtured under the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His upbringing instilled in him a profound love for God and a strong sense of devotion to the principles of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

Martyrdom:

Imam Ali's life came to a tragic end on the 21st of Ramadan, 661 CE. During the early morning prayers at the Great Mosque of Kufa, Imam Ali was struck with a fatal blow by the sword by Ibn Muljim, inflicting a grievous injury that would ultimately claim his life.For two days, Imam Ali endured excruciating pain, surrounded by his family and companions. On the 21st of Ramadan, as the Muslim community mourned the loss of their beloved leader, Imam Ali breathed his last breath, departing from this world as a martyr for the cause of Islam.

Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) about Imam Ali:

1. Hadith of Ghadir Khumm: "Whomever I am his master, Ali is his master." This Hadith, narrated by numerous companions of the Prophet Muhammad, including Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, underscores the divine appointment of Imam Ali as the successor and leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet's passing.
2. Hadith of the Cloak (Hadith al-Kisa): "Verily, Allah intends to remove impurity from you, O People of the Household, and purify you with a thorough purification." This Hadith, narrated by Umm Salama, highlights the spiritual purity and exalted status of Imam Ali, along with the Prophet's daughter Fatimah, and their sons Hasan and Husayn.
3. Hadith of the Two Weighty Things: "I am leaving among you two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my Progeny, my Ahlul Bayt." In this Hadith, the Prophet Muhammad emphasizes the importance of adhering to the teachings of the Quran and following the guidance of his family, including Imam Ali, as sources of divine knowledge and guidance.

According to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Imam Ali held a pivotal position in Shia Islam, affirmed through various Hadiths:

• "Whomever I am his master, Ali is his master." - Hadith of Ghadir Khumm
• "I am leaving among you two weighty things: the Book of Allah and my Progeny, my Ahlul Bayt." - Hadith of the Two Weighty Things

Imam Ali's rule era was marked by his unwavering commitment to justice, honesty, and compassion:

• Justice and Fairness: He prioritized the establishment of a just and equitable society, ensuring that all individuals were treated with fairness and dignity.
• Honesty and Integrity: Imam Ali led with transparency and integrity, setting a standard for governance free from corruption or nepotism.
• Compassion and Care for Orphans: He emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable, particularly orphans, by establishing charitable endowments to support their needs.

Support to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

Imam Ali was one of the earliest converts to Islam and remained steadfast in his faith despite facing intense persecution from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. He played a crucial role in the migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina, risking his life by sleeping in the Prophet's bed to deceive the Quraysh assassins who were plotting to kill Muhammad. Known for his bravery and valor, Imam Ali participated in several key battles alongside the Prophet, including the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Khandaq (Trench). He was trusted by the Prophet Muhammad with important tasks, such as writing treaties and representing him in diplomatic affairs.

Post-Prophetic Era:

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali played a central role in preserving the teachings of Islam and maintaining the unity of the Muslim community. He served as the fourth caliph (successor) to the Prophet, ruling the Islamic state with justice, wisdom, and compassion. Imam Ali's leadership was marked by his commitment to upholding Islamic principles, resolving disputes according to the Quran and Sunnah, and promoting social justice and equality. Despite facing challenges from political rivals, Imam Ali continued to prioritize the welfare of the Muslim community and worked tirelessly to establish a just and equitable society based on Islamic values.

Contributions of His Progeny:

Imam Ali's descendants, known as the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the Household), played a crucial role in transmitting and preserving Islamic knowledge and traditions. His sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn, continued the legacy of their father by upholding the principles of justice and resistance against oppression. Imam Husayn's stand against tyranny and injustice culminated in the tragic event of Karbala, where he and his companions were martyred while defending Islam's values. The sacrifices of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn, along with their family members, served as a source of inspiration for Muslims and contributed to the development of Islamic spirituality and ethics.

Imam Ali as the Successor after the Prophet

Holder of the Position after the Prophet According to Ghadir:

According to the Hadith of Ghadir Khumm, during the Prophet Muhammad's farewell pilgrimage, at a place called Ghadir Khumm, he declared: "Whomever I am his master, Ali is his master." This declaration, made in front of a large gathering of Muslims, is interpreted by Shia Muslims as an explicit designation of Imam Ali as the successor (caliph) to the Prophet Muhammad. The term "master" (mawla) in this context is understood to encompass various meanings, including spiritual leadership and authority over the Muslim community.

Challenge to Imam Ali's Position:

Despite the clear declaration at Ghadir Khumm, the succession of Imam Ali faced challenges and opposition from certain factions within the Muslim community. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, a group of Muslims gathered at Saqifah to select his successor, bypassing Imam Ali's rightful claim to leadership. This decision led to the appointment of Abu Bakr as the first caliph, followed by Umar and Uthman, thus establishing the Rashidun Caliphate.

While Imam Ali initially accepted the authority of the first three caliphs to avoid division among Muslims, his supporters, known as the Shia, maintained his right to leadership based on the Prophet's explicit designation at Ghadir Khumm. Imam Ali's eventual ascension to the caliphate, following the death of Uthman, marked the beginning of his reign as the fourth caliph.

Father of the Orphan: Imam Ali

Imam Ali's Compassion towards Orphans:

Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is often referred to as the "Father of the Orphan" due to his profound compassion and care for orphaned children. Throughout his life, Imam Ali demonstrated a deep sense of empathy and responsibility towards the vulnerable members of society, particularly orphans who had lost parental support and guidance.

Imam Ali's Actions towards Orphans:

Imam Ali's compassion towards orphans was exemplified through various actions and teachings:

• He emphasized the importance of caring for orphans in Islamic teachings, urging Muslims to provide them with love, protection, and support.
• Imam Ali himself actively participated in the upbringing and welfare of orphaned children, providing them with shelter, education, and financial assistance.
• He established institutions and initiatives to support orphaned individuals, ensuring they received proper care and nurturing within the Muslim community.
• Imam Ali prioritized the rights of orphans in matters of inheritance and guardianship, advocating for their fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources.

Legacy of Compassion:

The title "Father of the Orphan" encapsulates Imam Ali's legacy of compassion, empathy, and social justice. His exemplary actions towards orphans serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of caring for the vulnerable members of society and upholding their rights and dignity. Imam Ali's teachings and deeds continue to inspire Muslims worldwide to emulate his spirit of kindness, generosity, and benevolence towards those in need, particularly orphaned children who are deserving of love, care, and support.

Imam Ali's famous quotes continue to resonate with believers:

"People are slaves to this world, and as long as they live favorable lives, they worship whatever is in the world."

"A man's worth is judged by his deeds, not his words."

"The best house among the Muslims is that in which an orphan is well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is that in which an orphan is badly treated."