by: Akhter Abas
On the 21st of Ramadan, 40 AH, a dark chapter was written in the history of the Islamic world when the embodiment of piety, faith, morality, courage, knowledge, and justice—Imam Al-Aalameen, Ameer-ul-Momineen, the fateh- Khyber, Maula-e-Qambar, Yadullah, the Sheer-i-Khuda, the Saqi-Kausar, and the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)—Imam Ali Al-Murtaza (AS) was struck by the sword of a wicked extremist, Ibn Muljam. This tragic incident occurred while Imam Ali (AS) was prostrating in the Fajr prayer at Masjid Kufa on the 19th of Ramadan, Ibn Muljam struck him with a poisoned sword. Imam Ali (AS) remained severely wounded for three days and finally attained martyrdom on the 21st of Ramadan.
That day was one of the darkest, most painful, and sorrowful days for the Muslim world, as the helper of the poor, needy, destitute, and afflicted departed from this mortal world to the eternal abode. It was the day when humanity lost a great leader, a just Imam, a rightful Caliph, a guardian of orphans, a compassionate ruler, and the most perfect human being.
Numerous Quranic verses were revealed in honor of Imam Ali (AS), highlighting his faith, piety, and superiority. According to Islamic traditions, over 300 verses in the Quran were revealed in his praise, testifying to his virtues and unwavering faith.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also frequently spoke of Imam Ali’s (AS) virtues in several hadiths, including: Looking at Ali’s face is an act of worship.”
-“Mentioning Ali is an act of worship.” Ali holds the same position to me as Haroon did to Musa, except that there is no prophet after me.”
The sermons, letters, and sayings of Imam Ali (AS) are preserved in *Nahjul Balagha*, which stands as a timeless treasure of wisdom, justice, morality, and Islamic governance. Imam Ali (AS) consistently advocated for social equality, the rights of the oppressed, and ethical leadership. His governance was marked by justice and fairness, regardless of the challenges and hardships he faced.
The oppression against Imam Ali (AS) became even more evident when he was subjected to immense suffering as a consequence of his unwavering commitment to justice. He refused to allow the influential figures of his time to alter the teachings of Islam for their personal gains. His refusal to govern according to the self-serving interests of the elite fueled hatred and enmity against him. The so-called Muslims of that time conspired to weaken him by constantly engaging him in battles and subjecting him to relentless suffering. Yet, Imam Ali (AS) endured all these afflictions with patience and perseverance. He sacrificed his life for the cause of truth, leaving behind an eternal legacy of resistance against oppression.
The martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS) is not merely a historical tragedy but an everlasting symbol of sacrifice, righteousness, and moral grandeur. His principles of justice, mercy, and unwavering devotion to God will continue to illuminate the path of generations to come.
If only the world had understood the footsteps of Imam Ali (AS), today’s Muslims would have been free from the countless afflictions they face. The oppression and tyranny that Muslims are subjected to today is a direct consequence of their distancing from the teachings of Imam Ali (AS). The so-called Muslims remain unaware of the cunning schemes of Zionist forces, who exploit their divisions to safeguard their own interests. Until Muslims adopt the teachings of Imam Ali (AS) as their guiding principle, they cannot even conceive of any true revolution
The author can be mailed at abasakhter14@gmail.com
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