Ali His Legacy Muslim and Non-Muslim Point of View

1. AliHis Legacy Muslim and Non-Muslim Point of View A.S. Hashim, MD From Wikipedia.com

2. Sources of Reference • ibn Jarir al-Tabari, • Ibn Qutaybah, • Nasr, Seyyed Hossein. "Ali". • Madelung, • Encyclopaedia of the Holy Prophet and Companions • Tabatabaei, • Lapidus, • The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon • Al-Shaykh Al-Mufid • Dakake • Nahj Al-Balagha, Sermon 3 • Holt, P.M.; Lambton, Ann K.S.; Lewis, Bernard. Cambridge History of Islam. • Watt, William Montgomery. Muhammad at Mecca. Oxford University Press.

3. In this Slide Show • Knowledge • According to Henry Corbin • Nahjul Balaaghah • Works • Muslim Points of View about Ali • Sunni Views • Shi'a Views • Sufi Views • Non-Muslim Point of View of Ali • Historiography of Ali’s life • Wilferd Madelung • The Reports and Monographs

4. Knowledge • Ali is revered not only as a warrior and leader, • but as a writer and religious authority. • Range of disciplines: • from theology and exegesis to calligraphy and numerology, • from law and mysticism to Arabic grammar and Rhetoric • regarded as having been first adumbrated by Ali. • Shi'a and Sufis believe that Muhammad told about Ali "I'm the city of knowledge and Ali is its gateway..." أنا مدينة العِلْم  وعليٌّ بابها،  فمنْ أراد المدينه  فاليدخل مِنَ الباب • Muslims regard Ali as the major authority on Islam. Ali himself gives this testimony:

5. Knowledge Continued • Ali has said: • Not a single verse of the Quran was revealed to the Messenger of God which he did not proceed to dictate to me and make me recite. • I would write it with my own hand, and he would instruct me as to: • its Tafseer تفسير (the literal explanation) and the Ta'wil تأويل (the spiritual exegesis), • the nasikh ناسخ (the abrogating verse) and the mansukh منسوخ (the abrogated verse), • the muhkam محكم and the mutashabih متشابه (the fixed and the ambiguous), • the particular الخاص and the general العام ...

6. Tawhid • According to Seyyed Hossein Nasr, • Ali is credited with having established Islamic theology • and his quotations contain the first rational proofs among Muslims of the Tawhid (Oneness of God). • Nahjul Balaaghah contains 11 references about Tawhid, • Ibn Abi al-Hadid has quoted • As for theosophy and dealing with matters of divinity, it was not an Arab art. • Nothing of the sort had been circulated among their distinguished figures or those of lower ranks. • This art was the exclusive preserve of Greece whose sages were its only expounders. • The first one among Arabs to deal with it was Ali.

7. In Sermon 168,Ali: about Allah

8. In later Islamic Philosophy • In later Islamic philosophy: • (especially in the teachings of Mulla Sadra and his followers, like Allameh Tabatabaei), • Ali's sayings and sermons were increasingly regarded as central sources of metaphysical knowledge, or divine philosophy. • Members of Sadra's school regard Ali as the supreme metaphysician of Islam.

9. According to Henry Corbin: • According to Henry Corbin, • the Nahjul Balaaghah may be regarded as one of the most important sources of doctrines professed by Shi'a thinkers especially after 1500AD. • Its influence can be sensed in the logical co-ordination of terms, • the deduction of correct conclusions, • and the creation of certain technical terms in Arabic • which entered the literary and philosophical language independently of the translation into Arabic of Greek texts.

10. Nahjul Balaaghah • Nahjul Balaaghah, a highly valued book, consists of: • 254 sermons, • 48 letters, and • 212 sayings of Imam Ali • Nahjul Balaaghah is unique to Imam Ali • None of the Sahaaba was ever able to produce anything like it: • neither in substance • nor in literary eloquence. • No wonder Ali was referred to as: • Sayyid al-Bulaghaa‘ سيد البلغاء (Prince of Literary Expression) and • Sayyid al-Fu'qahaa, سيد الفقهاء (Prince of the Jurisprudents)

11. Scholar of Arabic Literature • Ali was also a great scholar of Arabic literature • and pioneered in the field of Arabic grammar and rhetoric. • Numerous short sayings of Ali have become part of general Islamic culture • and are quoted as aphorisms and proverbs in daily life. • They have also become the basis of literary works or • have been integrated into poetic verse in many languages. • Already in the 8th century AD, literary authorities such as Abdul-Hamid al-Amiri pointed to: • the unparalleled eloquence of Ali's sermons and sayings, • as did al-Jahidh الجاحظ in the following century.

12. Ali's Quotations • Even staffs in the Diwan of Benu Umayya recited Ali's sermons to improve their eloquence. • Of course, Peak of Eloquence (Nahjul Balaaghah) is an extract of Ali's quotations from a literal viewpoint as its compiler mentioned in the preface. • While there are many other quotations, prayers (Du'aas), sermons and letters in other literal, historic and religious books. • In addition, some hidden or occult sciences such as • Jafr, Islamic numerology, the science of the symbolic significance of the letters of the Arabic alphabet, • are said to have been established by Ali through his having studied the texts of al-Jafr and al-Jamia الجامعه.

13. In Sermon 1,Ali: about Tawhid

14. Works • Nahjul Balaaghah (Way of Eloquence) contains: • Eloquent sermons, letters and quotations attributed to Ali • It was compiled by al-Sharif al-Radhi (d. 1015AD). • Despite ongoing questions about the authenticity of the text, • Recent scholarship suggests that most of the material in it can in fact be attributed to Ali. • This book has a prominent position in Arabic literature. • It is also considered an important intellectual, political and religious work in Islam.

15. Also: Nahjul Balaaghah نهج البلاغه • Also Nahj al-sa'adah fi mustadrak Nahj al-balaghah by Muhammad Baqir al-Mahmudi represents all of Ali's extant speeches, sermons, decrees, epistles, prayers, and sayings have been collected. • It includes the Nahjul Balaaghah and other discourses • which were not incorporated by al Sharif al-Radhi or were not available to him. • Apparently, except for some of the aphorisms, the original sources of all the contents of the Nahjul Balaaghah have been determined. • There are several Comments on the Peak of Eloquence by Sunnis and Shi'as such as Comments of Ibn Abi al-Hadid and comments of Muhammad Abduh.

16. Honorific titles • Ali's descendants by Fatimah are known as: • Sharifs شريف , or Sayyids سيد . • These are honorific titles in Arabic, • Sharif شريف means 'noble' and • Sayed or sayyid سيد means 'lord' or 'sir'. • As Muhammad's only descendants, Sharifs and/or Sayyids are respected: • by both Sunni and Shi'a, • though the Shi'as place much more emphasis and value on the distinction.

17. Muslim Points of View about Ali • Muslim View • Sunni View • Shi'a View • Sufi View

18. Muslim Views about Ali • Except for Muhammad, • there is no one in Islamic history about whom as much has been written in Islamic languages as Ali. • Ali is revered and honored by all Muslims. • Having been one of the first Muslims and foremost Ulamaa (Islamic scholars), • Ali was extremely knowledgeable in matters of religious belief and Islamic jurisprudence, • as well as in the history of the Muslim community. • Ali was renowned for his unparalleled bravery and courage. • Muslims honor Muhammad, Ali, and other pious Muslims and add pious interjections after their names

19. Sunni Views about Ali • Contemporary Sunni Muslims generally regard Ali with respect as • one of the Ahlul Bayt and • the last of the Rashidoon Khalifas • and view him as one of the most influential • and respected figures in Islam. • Also, he is one of the Al-Asharah Al-Mubashsharah, • which is The Promised Ten to be in heaven.

20. Shi'a Views about Ali • The Shi'a regard Ali as the most important figure after Muhammad. • According to them, Muhammad suggested on various occasions during his lifetime that Ali should be the leader of Muslims after his demise. • This is supported by numerous Hadith, including Hadith of the pond of Khum, • Hadith of the two weighty matters, • Hadith of the pen and paper, • Hadith of the invitation of the close families, • and Hadith of the Twelve Successors. • In particular, the Hadith of the Cloak is often quoted to illustrate Muhammad's feeling towards Ali and his family: See next slide

21. Sahih Muslim,Book 031, Number 5955 • One morning Muhammad went out wearing a striped cloak of black camel's hair when along came Hasan b. Ali. • He wrapped him under it, then came Husain and he wrapped him under it along with the other one (Hasan). • Then came Fatima and he took her under it, then came Ali and he also took him under it and then said: إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا God only desires to keep away the uncleanness from you, O People of the House! and to purify you a (thorough) purifying.

22. Ali as Viewed by the Shi’a • According to this view, • Ali (as the successor of Muhammad) not only ruled over the community in justice, • but also interpreted the Shari’ah Law and its esoteric meaning. • Hence Ali was regarded as being free from error and sin (infallible), • and appointed by God by Divine decree (Nass نص ) through Muhammad. • Ali is known as the "perfect man" (al-insan al-kamil الانسان الكامل ) according to Shi'a viewpoint.

23. Ziyarah زياره • Shi'a usually go to Shrine of Ali in Najaf for Ziyarah زياره (visitation), • They pray there and read “Ziyarah Aminul-Allah زيارة أمين الله” • or other Ziyarah names. • Under the Safawi Empire, • Ali’s grave became the focus of much devoted attention, • exemplified in the visitation made by Shah Ismail to Najaf and Karbala. • The Shrine is visited especially more on religious occasions, such as during Ramadhan and Ashuraa.

24. Imam Ali’s Shrine: Multitudes of visitors every year. Inside it reflects reverence that uniquely affects the heart. Burial Place in Najaf

25. Sufi Views about Ali • Almost all Sufi orders trace their lineage to Muhammad through Ali, • an exception being Naqshbandi, who go through Abu Bakr. • Even in this order, there is Ja'far al-Saadiq, the great great grandson of Ali. • Sufis, whether Sunni or Shi'a, • believe that Ali inherited from Muhammad the saintly power Wilaayah الولايه, • Wilaayah makes the spiritual journey to God possible. • Imam Ali represents the essence of the teachings of the School of Islamic Sufism. • Sufis recite Manqabat Ali منقبات in the praise of Ali (Maula Ali), after Hamd and Naat in their Qawwali.

26. Non-Muslim Point of View of Ali • Thomas Carlyle • Dr. Henry Stubbe • Charles Mills • Washington Irving • Edward Gibbon • William Muir • Khalil Gibran • Wilferd Madelung

27. Ali: Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) • Scottish historian, critic, and sociological writer: • “As for this young Ali, one cannot but like him. • A noble-minded creature, as he shows himself, now and always afterwards; • full of affection, of fiery daring. • Something chivalrous in him; brave as a lion; • yet with a grace, a truth and affection worthy of Christian knighthood.” • [On Heroes, Hero-Worship, And the Heroic In History, 1841, Lecture 2: The Hero as Prophet. Mahomet: Islam. May 8, 1840)]

28. Ali: Dr. Henry Stubbe (1632-1676) • About Ali: • “He had a contempt of the world, its glory and pomp, • he feared God much, gave many alms, • was just in all his actions, humble and affable; • of an exceeding quick wit and of an ingenuity that was not common, • he was exceedingly learned, not in those sciences that terminate in speculations but those which extend to practice.” • [An Account of the Rise and Progress of Mohammedanism, 1705, p. 83]

29. Ali: Charles Mills (1788 - 1826) • “As the chief of the family of Hashem and as the cousin and son-in-law of him whom the Arabians respected …, • it is apparently wonderful that Ali was not raised to the Caliphate immediately on the death of Mohammad. • To the advantages of his birth and marriage was added the friendship of the Prophet. • The son of Abu Talib was one of the first converts to Islamism and Mohammad’s favorite appellation of his was the Aaron of a second Moses. • His talents as an orator, and his intrepidity as a warrior, were grateful to a nation in whose judgment and courage was virtue and eloquence was wisdom.” • [An history of Mohammedanism, London, 1818, p. 89]

30. Ali: Washington Irving (1783-1859) • "He was of the noblest branch of the noble race of Koreish. • He possessed the three qualities most prized by Arabs: courage, eloquence, and munificence. • His intrepid spirit had gained him from the Prophet the appellation of The Lion of God, • Specimens of his eloquence remain in some verses and sayings preserved among the Arabs; • And his munificence was manifested in sharing among others, every Friday, what remained in the treasury. • Of his magnanimity, we have given repeated instances; his noble scorn of everything false and mean, and the absence in his conduct of everything like selfish intrigue." • [Lives of the Successors of Mahomet, London, 1850, p. 165]

31. Ali: Edward Gibbon (1737-1794) • The British historian Edward Gibbon stated: • "The zeal and virtue of Ali were never outstripped by any recent proselyte. • He united the qualifications of a poet, a soldier, and a saint; • his wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings; • and every antagonist, in the combats of the tongue or of the sword, was subdued by his eloquence and valor. • From the first hour of his mission to the last rites of his funeral, the apostle was never forsaken by a generous friend, whom he delighted to name: • his brother أخي, • his vicegerent وخليفتي فيكم , • and the faithful Aaron of a second Moses ووصيِّ .".

32. Ali: William Muir View • Scottish Orientalist William Muir declared that: • Ali was: • "Endowed with a clear intellect, warm in affection, and confiding in friendship, • He was from the boyhood devoted heart and soul to the Prophet. • Simple, quiet, and un-ambitious, when in after days he obtained the rule of half of the Muslim world, • It was rather thrust upon him than sought." • [The Life of Mahomet, London, 1877, p. 250]

33. Ali: Philip Khuri Hitti (1886-1978) • Professor of Semitic Languages at Princeton University: • “Valiant in battle, wise in counsel, • Eloquent in speech, true to his friends, magnanimous to his foes, • He became both the paragon of Muslim nobility and chivalry (futuwah فتوه ) • And the Solomon of Arabic tradition, • around whose name poems, proverbs, sermons and anecdotes innumerable have clustered.” • [History of the Arabs, London, 1964, p. 183]

34. Ali: Khalil GibranView • The poet Khalil Gibran said of him: • "In my view, Ali was the first Arab to have contact with and converse with the universal soul. • He died a martyr of his greatness, • He died while prayer was between his two lips. • The Arabs did not realize his value until appeared among their Persian neighbors • some who knew the difference between gems and gravels."

35. Historiography of Ali’s life • The primary sources for scholarship on the life of Ali are • the Quran and the Hadith, as well as other texts of early Islamic history. • The extensive secondary sources include, in addition to works by Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, • writings by Christian Arabs, Hindus, and other non-Muslims from the Middle East and Asia • and a few works by modern Western scholars. • However, many of the early Islamic sources are • colored to some extent by a positive or negative bias towards Ali.

36. About the Earlier Western Scholars • There had been a common tendency among the earlier western scholars • against these narrations and reports gathered in later periods • due to their tendency towards later Sunni and Shi’a partisan positions; • such scholars regarding them as later fabrications. This leads them to regard certain reported events as inauthentic or irrelevant. • Leone Caetani considered the attribution of historical reports to Ibn Abbas and A'isha as mostly fictitious • while proffering accounts reported without Isnad اسنادby the early compilers of history like Ibn Ishaaq.

37. Wilferd Madelung • Professor of Arabic at Oxford University • Wilferd Madelung has rejected the stance of: • indiscriminately dismissing everything not included in "early sources" • and in this approach tendentious alone is no evidence for late origin. • According to him, Caetani's approach is inconsistent. • Madelung and some later historians do not reject the narrations which have been complied in later periods • and try to judge them in the context of history • and on the basis of their compatibility with the events and figures.

38. Until the Rise of the Abbasi Khilaafah • Until the rise of the Abbasi Khilaafah, • few books were written and most of the reports had been oral. • The most notable work previous to this period is: • The Book of Sulaym ibn Qays, who lived before the Abbasi Khilaafah, • Sulaym ibn Qays, was a companion of Ali. • When paper was introduced to Muslim society, • numerous monographs were written between 750 and 950 AD. • According to Robinson, at least twenty-one separate monographs have been composed on the Battle of Siffin.

39. The Reports and Monographs • Abi Mikhnaf is one of the most renowned writers of this period • who tried to gather all of the reports. • 9th and 10th century AD historians collected, selected and arranged the available narrations. • However, most of these monographs do not exist anymore • except for a few which have been used in later works such as History of the Prophets and Kings by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d.932AD).

40. Shi'a of Iraq Actively Participate • Shi'a of Iraq actively participated in writing monographs but most of those works have been lost. • On the other hand, in the 8th and 9th century AD: • Ali's descendants such as Muhammad al-Baaqir and Ja'far al-Saadiq • narrated his quotations and reports which have been gathered in Shi'a Hadith books. • The later Shi'a works written after the 10th century AD are about biographies of The Fourteen Infallibles and Twelve Imams. • The earliest surviving work and one of the most important works in this field is Kitab al-Irshad الارشادby Sheikh Mufid مفيد (d. 1022AD). • The author has dedicated the first part of his book to a detailed account of Ali. • There are also some books known as Manāqib which describe Ali's character from a religious viewpoint. • Such works also constitute a kind of historiography.

41. In Sermon 110,Ali: About the Quran

42. In Conclusion • Ali: His Knowledge, Works, and Views: • Knowledge • Nahjul Balaaghah • Works • Sunni Views • Shi'a Views • Sufi Views • Non-Muslim Point of View of Ali • Historiography of Ali’s life

43. Finally we quote the Quran:

44. THANK YOU Be in God’s Care Dr. A.S. Hashim