Quotes Motivation Ali Bin Abi Thalib

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last prophet of Islam. He ruled as the fourth caliph from 656 to 661. Born to Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad, Ali is the only person to be born in the sacred sanctuary of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. Ali was the first male who accepted Islam, and, according to some authors, the first Muslim. Ali protected Muhammad (peace be upon him) from an early age and took part in almost all the battles fought by the nascent Muslim community. After migrating to Medina, he married Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) daughter Fatimah. He was appointed caliph by Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) companions in 656, after Caliph Uthman ibn Affan was assassinated. Ali’s reign saw civil wars and in 661, he was attacked and assassinated by a Kharijite while praying in the Great Mosque of Kufa, being martyred two days later. Ali was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, as well as many other battles where he wielded a bifurcated sword known as Zulfiqar. He had the special role of protecting Muhammad (peace be upon him) when most of the Muslim army fled from the battle of Uhud and it was said: “There is no brave youth except Ali and there is no sword which renders service except Zulfiqar.” He was commander of the Muslim army in the Battle of the Trench where he defeated the legendary Arab warrior, Amr ibn Abd al-Wud. Muhammad (peace be upon him) made Ali commander at this battle, claiming that: “I will hand the standard to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger. He will come back with conquest.” Following this battle, Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave Ali the name Asadullâh (أَسَـدُ الله‎), which means ‘Lion of God’. May his quotes inspire you to be a courageous person and an individual of action.