20 HAZRAT ALI (RAD. A) (656-661A.D./35-49A.H.) Hazrat Ali (Rad.A) excelled in both sword and pen. A scholar and orator, Hazrat Ali (Rad.A) was the most accomplished man of the time. His sayings are proverbial in the profundity of thought and wisdom. He was known as the gate of knowledge Because of his learning, wisdom and intelligence, his advice was very much valued by Caliph Abu Bakr (Rad.A) and Uitiai (Rad.A) and he occupied the position of a prime counsellor in their Khilafat. Hazrat Ali (Rad.A) was a lion in bravery as well as in generosity and magnanimity. Simple, frank, sincere and large-hearted, Hazrat Ali (Rad.A) was an embodiment of all humane virtues. But his simplicity, frankness and large-heartedness proved his great drawbacks as a ruler because he easily believed his men, so his shrewd enemies easily deceived him.
Early Life Hazrat Ali (Rad. A.) was born. some thirtj \ears after the birth of the Holy Prophet. He belonged to the most respectable family of Qufaysh, the Banu Hashim (i.e. Hashmites). His father Abu Tahb was the real uncle of the Holy Prophet who brought him up after the death of the Holy Prophet’s grandfather. Hazrat Ali’s mother wa,s Fatimah bint Asad, who belonged to Banu Hashim. Hazrat Ali’s patronymic name was ”Abul Hasan”. The Holy Prophet gave him another name, ”Abu Turab” which was most liked by Hazrat Ali (Rad.A). The Holy Prophet took Hazrat Ali (Rad A) in his childhood from his father Abu Talib, and brought up him like his own.
