What is the beauty of companionship? Imam Ali (peace be upon him) traveled with a non-Muslim man. The man asked Imam Ali (peace be upon him), “O servant of God, where are you going?” The Imam replied, “I am going
An elderly Christian man, who had spent his life working hard, had no savings or financial support in his old age. Adding to his struggles, he had become blind. Old age and blindness combined, leaving him with no option but
The life of Imam Ali (PBUH) is filled with immense examples of high virtue and deep educaational lessons for the human life. While it impossible to truly comprehend his character, it is possible to learn from and understand certain corners
Ali (PBUH) was born in the Ka’ba, the place where Muslims turn to for their daily prayers. He is the first follower of Islam, and the first [1] to pray behind the last Prophet (PBUH). He thus knows the importance
Shia is typically a person who believe in the leadership (Imamah) of the true twelve Imams after the Great Prophet (PBUH&HP) and loves and follows Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (PBUH) and his children. The first Shia Imam, Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) was the front runner in battlefields, symbol of piety,
The principle of oath keeping is considered one of the highest virtues in Islam. The teachings of the Holy Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) regard oath keeping as a fundamental requirement of faith [1]; where neglecting one’s oath has been considered alongside
Once, during the reign of Ali (PBUH) in Kufah, his armor was lost. After a while it was found at the possession of a Christian man. Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH), who was the ruler of the society, took the Christian to the judge and
We are each faced with the concept of “choices” in life, where we must choose among two or more options. Being faced with the options to choose a partner, spouse, or friend is an unstoppable phenomenon for all. The important factor however
“I was perplexed and bewildered; my patience was over; it was as if my soul was exiting my body; I left immediately, and did not realize how I got to Daar al-Hukumah (governor’s seat). Can I see him one more
During the Battle of Jamal [1], a companion of Imam Ali (PBUH) was in deep doubt. He would observe both sides. On one side he would see Imam Ali (PBUH) and great figures of Islam who were gathered round him striking away with their
When we review history, we can see how kings and governors and those in power reacted to those in disagreement with them. They not only prevented others to express their opposing views, but also suppressed as many as they could
The martyrdom of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH) is far from our understanding unless we know more about the Imam. And it is such that we cannot even comprehend what it means to lose such a magnanimous person. Indeed speaking of Amir al-Mu’minin is
The alchemists believed that there is a material called elixir which can transform one material into another. They looked for it for centuries, but could never find it. The Persian poets affirmed that the true elixir is love, and love is what can
Amir al-Mu’minin, Ali (PBUH), says, “As I was sitting on the ground, I fell asleep and saw Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) in my dream. I told him that I have seen so much bitterness and animosity from his followers. The Prophet said, ‘Curse them.” [1] And
Ali (PBUH) is the first Imam of Shiites and the first successor of the final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). According to the historians, he was a man who possessed all the Islamic and humane virtues, a man who, despite his tremendous courage and
“I advise you to fear God, and not to desire the world even if the world comes to you. Do not regret anything that you do not obtain from it. Speak the truth and work for the reward of the
Islam pays great attention to keeping promises. The Holy Quran and the Infallibles regard one’s loyalty to promises to be a crucial aspect of faith. Similarly breaking promises is considered as an act of disbelief. This principle is not limited to
When Amir al-Mu’minin Ali (peace be upon him) assumed the leadership of the Islamic government, he was confronted with numerous problems, one of which was the class divisions that had developed within society. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad
Orphans are given special attention by the Almighty, more so than other beneficiaries, and the Quran speaks about them in various expressions. God says to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “They ask you about orphans. Say, ‘Improvement for
The life of Amir al-Mu’menin (PBUH) is so appealing that it brings about feelings of either utmost infatuation or utmost envy in both friend and foe. The Prophet of Allah (PBUH&HP) has said regarding Ali, “Two groups, regarding you, will be annihilated: extremist friends
