Ali ibn Abi Talib: Biography Presentation

Intro

• Ali in Abi Talib is the Fourth Caliph of Islam (656-661).
• Played an important role in Islamic history and religion.
• Second in importance behind Prophet Muhammad.
• Influenced cultural, social, and theological norms.

Early Years

• Born in 601.
• Cousin to the Prophet Muhammad.
• Second convert to Islam after Muhammad’s wife.
• Entrusted by the Prophet to write down Qur’an.
• Served as a missionary and a general leading the Muslim community.

Caliphate

• After Muhammad’s death was in contention to lead.
• Overlooked three times until finally chosen as the Fourth Caliph.
• Faced significant opposition who believed he was not rightfully selected.
• After arbitration and military engagements, the Muslim community was split.
• Ali ruled the caliph which became Shiite Muslims while Muawiyah led a group that would become Sunni Muslims.

Battles

• Battle of the Camel (656):
  • Victorious against Umayyads and Aisha.
  • Name comes from the camel that the rebel leader Aisha rode into battle.
• Battle of Siffin (657):
  • Beginning of the Muslim Civil war against Muawiyah (First Fitnah).
  • As Ali was winning, the enemy put Qu’ran verses on spears and stalled the fighting.
• Arbitration and Split:
  • Arbitration decided Ali and Muawiyah have to give up claims to leadership which neither accepted.

Policies

• Government restructuring.
• Banished those abusing power.
• Developed a form of Islamic religious governance.
• Equal distribution of money amongst people.
• Islamic military and economic guilds.

Islamic Philosophy

• Science of Kalām – scholastic theology.
• Nahj al-Balagh – argument for unity of God.
• Nature of reality and metaphysical connection to God.
• Islamic faith concepts such as justice, endurance, conviction, and jihad.
• Considered patron of the poor.

Death and Legacy

• Assassinated in 661 while praying in a mosque.
• True Islamic governance and social activism.
• Father of Sufism.
• First Imam of Shiites.
• Respected by Sunnis.