9.1 Ali Ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was also one of the members of the Prophet’s household. The Prophet took him into his care when he was only 5 years old and gave him an excellent upbringing. And from then onwards, he remained with the Prophet until he married the Prophet’s daughter Fatima after the migration to Madinah. In fact, he was so close to the Prophet that once the Prophet said to him, “You are of me, and I of you.” This closeness, however, entailed great responsibility along with constantly being tested with trying situations.

In the course of time, Ali became well-versed in Islamic knowledge, achieved profundity in religion and lived a life of deep realization and spirituality. The Caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar  and Uthman  used regularly to consult him in matters of importance. After Uthman’s death, Ali was chosen to be the fourth Caliph of Islam. Ali loved and obeyed Allah and His Messenger so much that he was given the title of al-Murtada, or the one with whom Allah is pleased.