Birth Anniversary of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as)
 
World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL) congratulates the Imam of our Time, Imam Mahdi (atfs) and all believers on the birth of Ali ibn Abi Talib (as), the first infallible Imam and successor of the Prophet Muhammad (sawa).

Who was Imam Ali (as)? Whilst numerous lengthy books have been written about him over the centuries, nothing could do justice to his great personality. However, to give you a brief glimpse into his character:

·         He was the only person to have ever been born inside the Kaaba.
·         He was the first male, even as a 10 year old child, to believe in the Prophetic message;
·         He was the only one, aged 13, who showed loyalty at the Feast of the Relatives (Dawat Dhul Ashirah) where the Prophet (sawa) was ordered by Allah to               proclaim the message;
·         He was the youth who protected the Prophet (sawa) from the attacks by the pagans which often left him (sawa) injured and bleeding;
·         He was the only one who the Prophet  called out to help him during the wars (Nade Ali mazaharal ajaib call at Jang-e Khyber);
·         He was the Prophet’s standard bearer in wars;
·         He was the one who risked life and limb and slept in the Prophet’s bed on the night of migration (Laylatul Hijrah);
·         He was the one labelled ‘the Prophet’s own self’ (Anfusana) in the Quran 3:61, representing the Prophet (sawa) in dialogue with the Christians (Mubahila);
·         He was the only one considered worthy of marrying the Prophet’s daughter Fatima (sa);
·         He was the one the Prophet (sawa) designated his successor on Allah’s command revelation (5:67, Ghadeer-e Khum);
·         He was the one in whose lap the Prophet (sawa) rested his head when his soul departed;
·         He was the father of orphans through his love and care for them;
·         He is the one famous for digging numerous wells throughout Arabia and cultivating fields, to feed the thirsty and hungry;
·         He was the first one killed in a terrorist attack inside a mosque, while praying.
 
Some of his well- known sayings and advice are:

1)     Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.
2)     If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to  subdue him.
3)     When some blessings come to you, do not drive them away through thanklessness.
4)    He who is deserted by friends and relatives will often find help and sympathy from strangers.
5)    Every person who is tempted to go astray does not deserve punishment.
6)    The best form of devotion to the service of Allah is not to make a show of it.
7)    Do not feel ashamed if the amount of charity is small because to refuse the needy is an act of     greater shame.
8)    Fear Allah in matters concerning orphans. Attend to their nutrition and do not forget their interests  in the middle of yours. 
9)    Consider cultivation more than getting tribute, because good farms give you tribute.

Further information on Imam Ali (as) can be found in our statement from last year, in the link below:
http://wabil.com/browse_article.php?aid=42
 
Indeed, Imam Ali (as) was born in a house of God, killed in a house of God, and everything in between was a life for God!

Heartiest felicitations to the entire universe.
 
Sayed Mohammad Al-Musawi
World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL)
London, UK
 

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