Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib was Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. He was the fourth Rashidun Caliph and the first Imam in Shia Islam. Hazrat Ali was born around 599 CE inside the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He served as a trusted ward, early supporter, fearless military commander, and son-in-law to Prophet Muhammad.
When is Hazrat Ali’s Birthday in 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Hazrat Ali Birthday (13 Rajab 1447 AH) | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Hazrat Ali Birthday (13 Rajab 1448 AH) | Wednesday, December 23, 2026 |
This happens because the Islamic Hijri calendar has about 354 or 355 days, which makes it shorter than the Gregorian calendar. In India, the holiday status may vary by state and institution.
Hazrat Ali’s Family and Early Life
The father of Hazrat Ali was Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib. The mother of Hazrat Ali was Fatimah bint Asad. He belonged to the Quraysh tribe and the Banu Hashim clan. Later, Prophet Muhammad started taking care of Hazrat Ali when he was five or six years old because of the severe drought and poverty in Mecca. It became difficult for Ali’s father, Abu Talib, to take care of him. Hazrat Ali married the Prophet Muhammad's daughter, 'Fatimah.' Hazrat Ali had nine wives over his lifetime. According to Shaykh al-Mufid's Kitab al-Irshad, He had 27 children from multiple wives.
Hazrat Ali was approximately 10 to 13 years old when he accepted Islam. He is recognized as the first young person to accept Islam, and by many accounts, the first male. Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib is important in Islamic history because he was first the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. Second, he was the fourth of the "Rightly Guided" Caliphs. Third, he was the foundational first Imam in Shia Islam. He was also given several titles reflecting his bravery, wisdom, and spiritual status in Islam. Hazrat Ali is known as Asadullah, Al-Murtaza, and Maula Ali.
Hazrat Ali During Prophet Muhammad’s Migration to Medina
When Prophet Muhammad migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, Hazrat Ali remained in Mecca. He risked his life by sleeping in Prophet Muhammad’s bed during an assassination plot. He stayed in Mecca to return people’s belongings and later went to Medina. Later, Prophet Muhammad gave several responsibilities to Hazrat Ali, such as administrative, religious, and protective responsibilities during his lifetime. He was initially recognized as the leader in Mecca. According to Shia belief, the Prophet had not clearly stated who should be chosen as his successor.
Battles Fought by Hazrat Ali
Hazrat Ali was a brave military commander who fought many battles. The battles he fought alongside Prophet Muhammad included the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of the Trench/Khandaq, the Battle of Khaybar, the Battle of Hunayn, and the Conquest of Mecca. The battles during his Caliphate are the Battle of the Camel/Jamal, the Battle of Siffin, and the Battle of Nahrawan. Zulfiqar was the name of Hazrat Ali’s sword.
Nahj al-Balagha: The Teachings of Hazrat Ali
Nahj al-Balagha is a collection of sermons, letters, and short sayings of Ali ibn Abi Talib. It was compiled by Sharif al-Radi. It contains around 200 sermons, 80 letters, and 500 short sayings of Hazrat Ali.
Why did Hazrat Ali not become the first caliph?
After the Prophet’s death, his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, helped with the preparations for his burial. Meanwhile, at Saqifa Banu Sa'ida, Abu Bakr was chosen as the first Caliph. Hazrat Ali was not present there. Before his death, the Prophet had not clearly stated who should be chosen as his successor. Therefore, the Muslims present there consulted among themselves and chose Abu Bakr as the Prophet’s successor because he was a close companion of the Prophet and had accompanied him during the Hijrah.
When and How Did Hazrat Ali Become Caliph?
Hazrat Ali became the fourth Caliph in 656 CE, shortly after the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan. The rebels had taken control of Medina, and many of the prominent people and companions present there urged Ali to accept the Caliphate. Ali was initially reluctant but eventually accepted.
However, there were later major differences between Shias and Sunnis over this. Shia Muslims regard Hazrat Ali as the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam. Sunni Muslims recognize him as the fourth of the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
How and Where Did Hazrat Ali Die?
Hazrat Ali died in January 661 CE. He was struck with a poison-coated sword by a Kharijite named Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam while leading the morning Fajr prayer. Hazrat Ali was attacked at the Great Mosque of Kufa in Kufa, present-day Iraq. Hazrat Ali survived for about two days after the attack. Hazrat Ali was about 62 or 63 years old when he died. He is traditionally believed to have been buried in Najaf, present-day Iraq.
Muslims love and respect Hazrat Ali. He is the symbol of courage, justice, and belief. He is also considered one of Islam's greatest scholars. Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib is remembered for his great knowledge, justice, and self-sacrificing way of life.