Men of Excellence : Hazrat Ali (ra)
Rightly-Guided Caliphs – Hazrat Ali(ra)
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet(sa) granted the flag of Islam to Hazrat Ali(ra) after the martyrdom of Hazrat Mus‘ab bin Umair(ra). During this battle, the flagbearer of the disbelievers came forward and attacked Hazrat Ali(ra), against whom Hazrat Ali(ra) fought and defeated. As another party of the Quraish approached, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed Hazrat Ali(ra) to fight against them. At this time, the angel Gabriel came to the Holy Prophet(sa) and said that Hazrat Ali(ra) was worthy of compassion. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that he was of Ali, and Ali was of him.
Love of Hazrat Ali(ra) for the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) narrated an incident which evidently displayed the great love which Hazrat Ali(ra) had for the Holy Prophet(sa); a love which had continued to develop and increase since his childhood. His Holiness(aba) related that during the Battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet(sa) was injured by the Quraish. It is narrated that Hazrat Fatimah(ra) was cleaning the wounds of the Holy Prophet(sa) whilst Hazrat Ali(ra) poured water from his shield. It is narrated that on that day, Hazrat Ali (ra) endured sixteen wounds.
Hazrat Ali(ra) is Granted the Sword of the Holy Prophet(sa)
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Khandaq, when some of the Quraish were able to cross the ditch, the Quraish approached and ‘Amr bin ‘Abd Wudd from the Quraish called out for battle. Hazrat Ali(ra) responded to this call and requested the Holy Prophet(sa) for permission to combat them. The Holy Prophet(sa) granted Hazrat Ali(ra) his sword and prayed for his victory, as a result of which Hazrat Ali(ra) overcame and defeated ‘Amr while the rest of the Quraish fled.
Scribe of the Holy Prophet(sa) During the Treaty of Hudaibiyah
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Ali(ra) was serving as the scribe of the Treaty. As the treaty was being written, Hazrat Ali(ra) wrote, ‘Muhammad, Messenger of Allah’ however the representative of the disbelievers objected to this as they did not accept him to be the messenger of Allah. Thus, as the Holy Prophet’s (sa) primary purpose in forming this treaty was the establishment of peace, he told Hazrat Ali(ra) to erase this. Hazrat Ali’s(ra) eyes filled with tears and he could not bring himself to do it. Thus, the Holy Prophet(sa) erased it himself.
His Holiness(aba) related that at the time of the Battle of Khaibar, the Holy Prophet(sa) announced that he would grant the flag of Islam to he who loved the Holy Prophet(sa), and the Holy Prophet(sa) loved him (according to another narration, he who loves Allah and Allah loves him) for victory will be achieved by his hands. At the time, Hazrat Ali(ra) was experiencing an ailment of the eyes. The Holy Prophet(sa) put some of his blessed saliva on his eyes, which relieved him of this pain, and thereafter granted Hazrat Ali(ra) the flag of Islam.
His Holiness(aba) said that during the battle, Hazrat Ali(ra) came face to face with a Jewish soldier and they battled. Since both were well experienced in warfare, it was an extensive battle, but eventually, Hazrat Ali(ra) overcame him and knelt upon him. Just as Hazrat Ali(ra) was about to strike the final blow, the man spat in Hazrat Ali’s(ra) face. Hazrat Ali(ra) immediately stepped back and spared the man. When asked why he did this, Hazrat Ali(ra) explained that up until that point, he had been fighting merely for the sake of Allah; but when the man spat in his face, he became angry and worried that now he would be killing him out of this personal anger. Thus he stepped away and spared him.
The Holy Prophet(sa)’s Trust in Hazrat Ali(ra)
His Holiness(aba) related that Hazrat Ali(ra) was part of the envoy sent by the Holy Prophet(sa) to retrieve a letter being sent to the Quraish detailing the plans of the Muslims before the Conquest of Makkah. Hazrat Ali(ra) and this envoy were successful in retrieving this letter before it reached the Quraish and returned it to the Holy Prophet(sa).
His Holiness(aba) said that during the Battle of Hunain, Hazrat Ali(ra) was granted the flag of the Muhajireen (migrants). During the battle, there came a point where only a few companions were left who remained alongside the Holy Prophet(sa), among whom was Hazrat Ali(ra).
His Holiness(aba) said that when the Holy Prophet(sa) set out for the Battle of Tabuk, he assigned Hazrat Ali(ra) as the Amir in his stead. Hazrat Ali(ra) asked the Holy Prophet(sa) if he would leave him behind amongst the women and children. The Holy Prophet(sa) replied by saying that Hazrat Ali(ra) should be happy, for he was to him, as Aaron(as) was to Moses(as).
His Holiness(aba) said that once, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Ali(ra) to Yemen as a judge. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that he submitted to the Holy Prophet(sa) that he was still young, and was not well-versed in judging matters. The Holy Prophet(sa) reassured him that God would grant him the ability and prayed for him. The Holy Prophet(sa) advised Hazrat Ali(ra) that whenever two opposing parties presented a matter before him in order to decide between them, he should never make a decision until he had heard the matter from both sides. Hazrat Ali(ra) said that after this and by following the advice of the Holy Prophet(sa), he never experienced any difficulty in being a judge.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali(ra) in the future.
Request for Prayers
In the end, His Holiness(aba) made an appeal for prayers. His Holiness(aba) said that in his last sermon, he had not been able to mention Algeria, where Ahmadis are facing very harsh circumstances and some have been imprisoned as well for their faith. His Holiness(aba) prayed that the government be granted wisdom so that they cease committing such grievances against Ahmadis. His Holiness(aba) also appealed for prayers for Pakistan where conditions continue to worsen. His Holiness(aba) prayed that if the clerics and government officials refuse to desist and do not take heed then may Allah make them swiftly suffer the consequences of their deeds.
Funeral Prayers
His Holiness(aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayer in absentia of the following deceased member of the Community:
Rashid Ahmad of Rabwah, Pakistan who passed away on October 28, 2020. He was the father of Tahir Nadeem who is serving in the Arabic Desk stationed in the UK. Rashid Ahmad Sahib’s grandfather had the honour of accepting the Promised Messiah(as) and pledging allegiance at his blessed hand. Rashid Ahmad Sahib was very righteous, kind and hospitable. He always took care of the poor and less fortunate. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. His Holiness(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station in paradise.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions