By Afshan Zahra
The commemoration of Youm e Ali on 21st Ramadan brings to light the kindness, compassion, gallantry, valor, generosity, magnificence and deep knowledge of the fourth Caliph of Islam: a perfect example of the upbringing and training given by the Prophet (saw).
Born ten years before the commencement of the Prophetic Mission, the valiant and gallant young man Ali (RA) was the fourth son of Hazrat Abu Talib and Fatima Binte Asad.
During his childhood only, he was placed under the direct guardianship and custody of the Holy Prophet (SAW).One of the first to accept Islam, Ali (RA) was the youngest companion of the Prophet(SAW) to have never worshiped other than one God. The Prophet (SAW) married Hazrat Fatimah (RA), his youngest and most beloved daughter to Ali (RA).
Ali (RA) was honored the privilege of sleeping in Prophet’s bed on the night of Hijrah when the infidels had taken siege of the Prophet’s house while he (saw) had set out for Medina.
None other than Ali(RA) retain the prestige of being the Prophet’s brother as the Prophet(SAW) declared Ali as his brother himself while creating bonds of brotherhood in Madina.
The courage of Ali (RA) was proverbial. In all the wars in which he participated during the lifetime of the Prophet (SAW) and even afterwards added to the glory and victory of Islam.
Attributed as Fatah e Khyber (The Conqueror of Khyber) and Asadullah (Lion of Allah), Ali (RA) set the highest records of his bravery in the Battle of Khaybar when in the attack against the fort he reached the ring of the door and with sudden motion tore off the door and cast it away with one hand.
While leading Fajr prayers in the mosque of Kufa on 19th Ramazan 40 AH, Ali (RA) was wounded with a poisoned sword by a Khawarij Abdul Rehman Ibn e Muljim. After passing two days in severe pain and misery, Ali (RA) finally, left this mortal abode as a martyr on the night of 21st Ramazan.
Hazrat Ali (RA) is buried in Najaf on the outskirts of Kufa.
