Ali (SA) was the cousin of Mohammad Rasulallah (SA). He was born on the 13th of Rajab in the Ka'aba in Mecca. When his mother came to the Ka'aba, she felt weighed down before the Holy structure and prayed humbly to Allah. No sooner had she raised her head from supplication, then the wall of the sacred House split by a solemn miracle. She entered the Ka'aba and the portion returned to its normal position. Some who witnessed the event flocked at the gate of the Sacred House which was lodged and tried to open it, but in vain. They then decided to give up, considering the miraculous nature of the event and the Divine will in action. The news of the this miraculous incident spread like wildfire in Mecca.
Maulana Ali (SA) was born within the Ka'aba with his eyes closed and his body in humble prostration before Almighty God. His mother stayed in the Ka'aba for three days and as the fourth day approached, she stepped out, carrying her gem in her arms. To her great surprise she found the Holy Prophet (SA) awaiting to receive the newly-born child in his anxious arms.
Maulana Ali (SA) was brought up under the care and affection of Rasulallah (SA). As Ali (SA) says, "The Holy Prophet (SA) brought me up in his own arms and fed me with his own morsel. I followed him wherever he went like a baby camel following its mother. Each day I learned a new aspect of his noble person and I would accept it an follow it as a command." -- Nahjul-Balagha
Ten years in the company of the Holy Prophet (SA) had kept him so close and inseparable that he was one with him in character, knowledge, self-sacrifice, forbearance, bravery, kindness, generosity, and eloquence. From his very infancy, prayed along with the Mohammad Rasulallah (SA). Maulana Ali (SA) always accompanied the Holy Prophet (SA) to help and protect him from his enemies.
Mohammad Rasulallah (SA) has said of Ali (SA): "O Ali (AS) you are my brother in this world and the hereafter." "I am the City of Knowledge and Ali (AS) is the gate." ("Ana madinat-ul-ilm wa Ali-yun baaboha") "For whom I was your leader, Ali (SA) is your leader also." ("Man kuntu Maula, fa-haza Ali-yun Maula")
Maulana Ali (SA) had the qualifications of a poet, a soldier, and a saint; his wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings; and every antagonist in the combats of the tongue or of the sword, was subdued by his eloquence and valor. From the first hour of his mission to the last rites of his funeral, Ali (SA), was never forsaken by a generous friend, whom he delighted to name his brother.
Under divine instruction, Rasulallah (SA) arranged the marriage of his beloved daughter Fatimah (SA) to Ali (SA), though others vainly tried for her hand. Among their children, Imam Hasan (SA), Imam Husain (SA), Maulatena Zainab (SA) and Maulatena Umme Kulsum (SA) have each left their mark on the history of the world.
While offering his prayers in the Masjid at Kufa (Iraq) on the 19th of Ramadan, Maulana Ali (SA) was struck by a poisonous sword of an enemy. He passed away 2 days later on the 21st of Ramadan and was buried in Najaf-ul-Ashraf. He was born in the house of God in Masjid-al-Haram and martyred in the house of God in Masjid-al-Kufa. The lion of God, the most brave-hearted and gentle Mumin that ever lived, Mushkil-Kusha, Ali (SA) began his glorious life with devotion to Allah and Rasulallah (SA) and ended it in the service of Islam.
"And do not speak of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead;Nay, they are alive but you do not perceive."[Al-Qur'an 11:154]
by: Mulla Zakir Shaikh Husseini Haveliwala
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