“By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful!”
(Fiztu wa Rabbil Ka’ba!)
Martyrdom of Imam Ali (a)
“By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful!”
(Fiztu wa Rabbil Ka’ba!)
By Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
The martyrdom of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) is one of the most tragic events in Islamic history. He was the embodiment of justice, wisdom, and devotion to Allah. His assassination not only deprived the Muslim Ummah of a just and pious leader but also marked a turning point in the course of Islamic governance. His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice continue to inspire Muslims worldwide.
The Political Turmoil and Hostilities
Following the Battle of Siffin (657 CE), where Imam Ali (AS) and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan clashed for the leadership of the Muslim Ummah, divisions deepened within the Islamic empire. Muawiya, the governor of Syria, persistently challenged Imam Ali’s caliphate through military aggression and political conspiracies. His incursions extended as far as Ain-at-Tamar and Anbar, posing a direct threat to the territories under Imam Ali’s rule.
Despite his efforts to mobilize the people of Kufa, Imam Ali (AS) faced reluctance from his followers. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he declared in the mosque of Kufa that he would personally lead an army against the Syrians, even if it meant sacrificing his life. This declaration stirred the people of Kufa into action, but fate had other plans.
The Conspiracy and the Kharijites
Among those who opposed Imam Ali (AS) were the Kharijites, a group that had once supported him but later turned against him after the arbitration at Siffin. Three Kharijites—Abdur Rahman ibn Muljam, Barak ibn Abdillah, and Amr ibn Bakr—plotted to assassinate Imam Ali (AS), Muawiya, and Amr ibn Aas simultaneously, believing this would restore peace to the Muslim world.
Abdur Rahman ibn Muljam was assigned to assassinate Imam Ali (AS) in Kufa. It is reported that he became infatuated with a woman named Qattama, who had lost her family in the Battle of Nahrawan and harbored deep hatred for Imam Ali (AS). She set a gruesome condition for marriage—the assassination of Imam Ali (AS). Motivated by his blind fanaticism and personal ambitions, Ibn Muljam soaked his sword in poison and meticulously planned his attack.
The Assassination
On the 19th of Ramadan, 40 AH, Imam Ali (AS) entered the Grand Mosque of Kufa for the Fajr (dawn) prayer. As he called the Adhan and began leading the congregation, Abdur Rahman ibn Muljam, hiding among the worshippers, seized the moment. As Imam Ali (AS) prostrated in sajda, Ibn Muljam struck his poisoned sword on his blessed forehead, splitting it open.
Blood gushed forth as Imam Ali (AS) uttered his final victorious words:
By the Lord of the Kaaba, I am successful!” *(Fiztu wa Rabbil Ka’ba!)*
The congregation was horrified, and chaos ensued. Imam Ali (AS) was carried home, where he spent his final hours in prayer, remembrance of Allah, and advising his sons and followers. Physicians attempted to treat his wound, but the poison had spread too deep. The fulfillment of divine will was near.
Imam Ali’s Final Will and Sayings
Despite his suffering, Imam Ali (AS) remained composed and delivered profound words of wisdom in his last moments:
1. Emphasis on Justice and Humanity:
“O people! Maintain justice in your dealings and be kind to the poor, the orphans, and the needy. Fear Allah in your treatment of His creation. Treat people with fairness, for Allah loves justice.”*
2. Love and Obedience to Allah:**
*”Be mindful of your prayers, for they are the pillar of religion. Do not let your worldly affairs make you forget your duties to Allah.”*
3. The Legacy of Brotherhood:
*”Amongst you, there are two types of people: those who share your faith and are your brothers, and those who do not, yet they are your fellow human beings. Be just and merciful to all.”* (Letter to Malik al-Ashtar)
Quranic References on Martyrdom and Justice
The Holy Quran highlights the exalted status of martyrs:
“And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive it not.”** *(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:154)*
Regarding justice, Allah commands:
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice. Excellent is that which Allah instructs you. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.”** *(Surah An-Nisa 4:58)
The Burial of Imam Ali (AS)
On the 21st of Ramadan, 40 AH, Imam Ali (AS) departed from this world, returning to his Creator. His sons, Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS), along with a few trusted companions, prepared his body for burial. To prevent desecration by his enemies, his grave was kept a secret and later identified as Najaf, which remains a revered site for Muslims worldwide.
The Prophet’s Sayings on Imam Ali (AS)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly emphasized Imam Ali’s (AS) unparalleled virtues:
“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” *(Tirmidhi, Hadith 3723)*
“Ali is with the truth, and the truth is with Ali.” *(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 22936)*
Whomever I am his Mawla, Ali is his Mawla.” *(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 121)*
The Legacy of Imam Ali (AS)
Imam Ali (AS) left behind an unparalleled legacy of justice, knowledge, and devotion. His governance reflected the Quranic principles of equity and compassion. His martyrdom was not the end but the beginning of a struggle for truth and righteousness that continued through his sons and followers.
Today, Najaf remains a beacon of knowledge and spirituality, where millions visit his shrine, seeking inspiration from the life of the man who was truly the **Lion of Allah** and the **Commander of the Faithful.*
Conclusion
The martyrdom of Imam Ali (AS) serves as a timeless lesson on standing firm in the face of oppression. His life was a manifestation of the Quran’s teachings and the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) guidance. The tragedy of his assassination should not merely be remembered as a historical event but as a call to uphold justice, truth, and compassion in our lives.
May Allah elevate his status and grant us the ability to follow in his footsteps. Ameen
www.rachughtai.com