Observed on the twenty-first day of Ramadan, the Martyrdom of Imam Ali commemorates the demise of Ali ibn Abi Talib, also known as Hazrat Ali, who was the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law. This year’s event occurs on April 12. Did you realise he is one of the most influential figures in Islam? Yes, Shia Muslims consider him to be the first Imam, and he was also the first male to embrace Islam, making him the first Muslim. Who was Imam Ali, what was his existence like, and what transpired? Let’s study the history and significance of Imam Ali’s martyrdom.
The background of Martyrdom of Imam Ali
According to historians, Ali ibn Abi Talib was born on September 15, 601, making him 1400 years old. The parents of Ali were Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad. Many believe he was the first male to convert to Islam at 10 years old. Ali was a wise and competent leader who ruled between 656 and 661. Hazrat Ali maintained the highest standards of governance even during difficult periods when he was captivated by military engagements. Ali fought alongside Muhammad in decisive conflicts that were instrumental in establishing and forging the early Muslim community. Ali fought in the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Trench, the Battle of the Camel, the Battle of Siffin, and the Battle of Nahrawan, according to Islamic history.
Later, Ali moved to Medina, where he married Fatima al-Zahra, the Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, and thus became Muhammad’s son-in-law. In the year 661, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam, an Egyptian Kharijite, struck him in the cranium with a poisoned sword. It occurred on the 19th of Ramadan in the Great Mosque of Kufa, modern-day Iraq, while he was praying.
Ali left behind an abundance of writings, such as speeches and proverbs. The transmission of Hazrat Ali’s teachings from one generation to the next serves as a testament to his sage words. Today, millions of pilgrims visit Hazrat Ali’s final resting place in Najaf, southern Iraq, in remembrance of his birth and martyrdom and to pay homage to his legacy.
List of Important Days and Dates in 2023
5 ICONIC FACTS ABOUT IMAM ALI
Imam Ali was honoured to have been born within the Holy Kaaba.
He was both the Holy Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.
He destroyed the idols in the Kaaba because Islam considers idolatry to be the gravest and most unforgivable transgression. Idolatry is considered a form of polytheism or shirk.
Hazrat Ali only served as Caliph for five years.
Muhammad gave him the sword Zulfiqar, which bore the name Zulfiqar.
MARTYRDOM OF IMAM ALI DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2022 | April 23 | Saturday |
2023 | April 12 | Wednesday |
2024 | April 1 | Monday |
2025 | March 21 | Friday |
2026 | March 11 | Wednesday |