Miracle in Kaaba

Unprecedented courage, unchallenged wisdom and knowledge, and unequal perseverance in the face of adversity were just some of the many remarkable traits associated with the rich legacy of Hazrat Ali (a.s), whose birth will be remembered across the world on the 13th day of Rajab ul Murajab – a day in the Islamic calendar that will be celebrated in Pakistan today (Thursday, January 25).

The occasion will draw scores of Muslims to visit the holy ‘Kaaba’ in Makkah – the centerpiece of Islam where Hazrat Ali (a.s) was born. To this day, the location of the birth of Hazrat Ali (a.s) has not been shared by anyone else, either before or after the miraculous arrival of the first cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

As historical records vividly illustrate, Bibi Fatima binte Asad, the mother of Hazrat Ali (a.s) was observing the ‘tawaaf’ (circumambulation) of the ‘Kaaba’ – considered by Muslims as ‘Baitullah’ or the House of Allah in Makkah – when a wall of the holy site suddenly split.

She stepped inside the ‘Kaaba’ and gave birth to the youngest of her sons. Celebrations remembering Hazrat Ali (a.s), the son of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s), today mark a timely opportunity to reflect on the life of the fourth caliph of Islam.

From his pulpit after the passing away of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) first in the city of Madina and subsequently from the center of the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (a.s) in Kufa, southern Iraq, his claim of ‘salooni, salooni, kabla ant’afkadoonee’ (Ask me, Ask me before I am not amongst you) remained unchallenged throughout his life.

Many of the repeatedly quoted sermons, letters and speeches of Hazrat Ali (a.s) are well preserved in ‘Nahjul Balagha’, an original text in Arabic that was subsequently translated in different languages. Many vital matters – ranging from issues in daily life to statecraft – are well preserved in this text which offers a rich tribute to the wisdom of Hazrat Ali (a.s). The contents of ‘Nahjul Balagha’ are uniquely powerful and remain a source of guidance till this day.

One widely quoted example offering a comprehensive set of guidelines for governance was a letter written by Hazrat Ali (a.s) to Hazrat Maalik al Ashtar upon the latter’s appointment as the governor of Egypt – then a province of the Islamic empire. Historians have repeatedly celebrated the contents of the letter offering the most comprehensive guidelines for administration of an ideal Islamic state, enshrined first in the constitution of Madina originally revealed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

In a pointed reference to the risks to society from a growing divide between the rich and the poor, Hazrat Ali (a.s) wrote: “The devastation of the land only comes about through the destitution of its inhabitants, and the destitution of its inhabitants only comes about when the desire to amass wealth controls the souls of the governors, when they have doubts about what endures, and when they profit little from exemplary teachings”.

The legacy of Hazrat Ali (a.s), dating back more than thirteen centuries ago, has influenced a large number of scholars – Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In recent decades, the late Kofi Annan, former secretary general of the United Nations, publicly cited the letter written by Hazrat Ali (a.s) to Hazrat Maalik al Ashtar as an ideal guideline for administration of a model state.

In a powerful tribute, George Jordac, the late Lebanese Christian scholar writing in ‘The Voice of Human Justice: A biography of Imam Ali AS’ published first as ‘Sautul Adalatil Insaniyah’ wrote, “[Hazrat] Ali son of [Hazrat] Abu Talib was a perfect specimen of Islamic teachings in the world of islam and the best image of human qualities and perfection. His conduct was replete with all the qualities which are considered to be the essence of human perfection, and the most prominent aspect of his disposition was this, that he never allowed his personal differences, egotism or enmity to interfere with Islamic and collective matters, nor did he permit his personal interests and feelings to disregard honesty and integrity”.

Jordac went on to conclude; “[Hazrat] Ali did not waver in any circumstances and nothing could make him deviate from his path. He did not give up his efforts for the enforcement of Islam and did not crave for wealth or position as a reward for these efforts. His only reward was the success of the faith”.

Historical records have also preserved the many successes in battles attributed to Hazrat Ali A.S. earning him impressive titles such as ‘Fateh e Khyber’ (the conqueror of the Jewish fort of Khyber), ‘Asadullah’ (the lion of Allah) and ‘Haider’ (the one with the brave heart).

In a widely documented act of courage, the choice by Hazrat Ali (a.s) to occupy the bed of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) when the Prophet (pbuh) secretly embarked on his historic journey from Makkah to Madina, remains an important milestone in the history of Islam. Consequently, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) got a headstart in his journey before his departure became known to his enemies.

The scores of battlefield victories attributed to Hazrat Ali (a.s) came in tandem with a carefully laid down set of guidelines. Yousuf N Lalljee in his popular title ‘Ali the Magnificent’ wrote; “So carefully were [Hazrat] Ali’s orders against plundering observed, that whatever was found on the field, or in the insurgent camp, was gathered together in the great mosque, and every man was allowed to claim his own”.

Lalljee further wrote: “…on attaining manhood, [Hazrat] Ali stood by God’s apostle [Hazrat Muhammad (may peace be upon him)], risking all dangers for him, fighting all his battles and displaying such unflinching fidelity that his name became synonymous with loyalty and faithfulness”.

Such tributes appearing repeatedly in history for Hazrat Ali (a.s) underline the powerful impact that his towering character has left for all times to come.

The writer is an Islamabad-based journalist who writes on political and economic affairs. He can be reached at: farha bokhari@gmail.com