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) related that during the final illness of the Holy Prophet^(sa), he would go to the mosque with the help of two companions, one of whom was Hazrat Ali^(ra).

His Holiness^(aba) said that after the demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa), Hazrat Ali^(ra) was among the companions who bathed the blessed body of the Holy Prophet^(sa), and was also among the same companions who lowered him into the grave.

Pledging Allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra)

Then His Holiness^(aba) presented some narrations regarding Hazrat Ali’s^(ra) acceptance of Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) as the first successor after the Holy Prophet^(sa). His Holiness^(aba) presented a narration, that after the Muslims had pledged allegiance to him, Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) looked around and did not see Hazrat Ali^(ra). He inquired about Hazrat Ali^(ra) and sent for him, upon which he arrived and pledged allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra).

His Holiness^(aba) presented another narration which states that Hazrat Ali^(ra) pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) either the first, or second day after the demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa), and always remained loyal to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra).

His Holiness^(aba) presented a quotation in which the Promised Messiah^(as) stated that Hazrat Ali^(ra) was so eager to pledge allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), that he left his home without even having fully tied his turban.

His Holiness^(aba) presented some narrations which state that Hazrat Ali^(ra) also reaffirmed his pledge of allegiance six months later after the demise of Hazrat Fatimah^(ra).

His Holiness^(aba) presented another quotation of the Promised Messiah^(as), in which he addressed those who believe that Hazrat Ali^(ra) was of the opinion that he should have been the first successor as opposed to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra). However the Promised Messiah^(as) wrote that this could not have been the case, because not only did Hazrat Ali^(ra) pledge allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), but he remained completely steadfast and loyal alongside Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra). He never joined those who tried to stir up disorder against Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra), rather he opposed them. The Promised Messiah^(as) also stated that Hazrat Ali^(ra) had many alliances throughout Arabia; had he truly been of this opinion and believed that he should have been the first successor, then he surely could have migrated, and gathered his allies and started a war. But he never did such a thing, rather he remained entirely loyal. He always offered his prayers behind Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) and never abandoned doing so, nor did he ever utter anything close to a complaint of any sort.

Thus, His Holiness^(aba) said that Hazrat Ali^(ra) never opposed any of the three Caliphs before him; and to say that he did not pledge allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) would be a disservice to his honour.

Various Services of Hazrat Ali^(ra) After Demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa)

His Holiness^(aba) then made mention of the various services rendered by Hazrat Ali^(ra) during the eras of the first three Caliphs before him.

His Holiness^(aba) said that after the demise of the Holy Prophet^(sa), there were some who went astray and some who joined a false claimant to prophethood named Musailimah. This posed a threat to the safety of Madinah, as plots were being made to attack. Thus, Hazrat Abu Bakr^(ra) devised a plan to station the army at various entry points to Madinah, and Hazrat Ali^(ra) was among those appointed to oversee this.

His Holiness^(aba) said that during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar^(ra), at times when he himself would go out on expeditions, he would appoint Hazrat Ali^(ra) as the leader of Madinah in his stead.

His Holiness^(aba) said that during the Caliphate of Hazrat Uthman^(ra), there were various disorders which arose. During this time, Hazrat Ali^(ra) dutifully remained alongside Hazrat Uthman^(ra) and would provide sincere and wise counsel in various matters. Once, Hazrat Uthman’s^(ra) home was besieged by some dissidents, who would not even let Hazrat Uthman^(ra) eat as they stopped any food from reaching him. This greatly troubled Hazrat Ali^(ra) who went to plead with them, saying that even the disbelievers would let their prisoners eat. Hazrat Ali^(ra) made every effort to plead with them.

His Holiness^(aba) said that when he learned of plots for the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman^(ra), he sent his two sons Hasan and Husain to stand guard at the door of Hazrat Uthman^(ra). Eventually, when the dissidents broke through and martyred Hazrat Uthman^(ra), Hazrat Ali^(ra) was extremely troubled and grieved.

His Holiness^(aba) said that once, Hazrat Ali^(ra) said to Hazrat Uthman^(ra), that he feared plots were being made to assassinate him. Thus he requested Hazrat Uthman^(ra)’s permission to fight against these people, however Hazrat Uthman^(ra) replied saying that not a drop of blood should be spilled for his sake.

Commencement of Caliphate of Hazrat Ali^(ra) 

His Holiness^(aba) said that after Hazrat Uthman^(ra) was martyred, Muslims flocked towards Hazrat Ali^(ra), saying that Hazrat Ali^(ra) was the next Caliph. Hazrat Ali^(ra) responded by saying that the next Caliph would be he who the companions who participated in the Battle of Badr would choose as the next Caliph. Everyone insisted that the next Caliph should be Hazrat Ali^(ra). Hazrat Ali^(ra) inquired about Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) and Hazrat Zubair^(ra), upon which Hazrat Sa‘d^(ra) stepped forward and became the first to pledge allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Ali^(ra). Afterwards, Hazrat Ali^(ra) went to the mosque, where everyone pledged allegiance to him.

His Holiness^(aba) presented some quotations of Hazrat Musleh Mau‘ud^(ra) in which he stated that for Hazrat Ali^(ra) to take up the mantle of the Caliphate at that time was a great sacrifice due to the difficult circumstances which had arisen, however it was crucial that he did so, in order to keep the institution of the Caliphate firmly established.

His Holiness^(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Ali^(ra) in the future.

A Request for Prayer for Ahmadis in Algeria and Pakistan

His Holiness^(aba) again urged the Community to pray for the Ahmadis in Algeria as well as the Ahmadis in Pakistan. The conditions for Ahmadis continue to worsen for Ahmadis in Algeria; false cases are constantly being levelled against them. Similarly in Pakistan, Ahmadis are being made to face increasingly difficult circumstances. His Holiness^(aba) prayed that those who are causing such trouble for Ahmadis should be held accountable by God Almighty, and that the hardships being faced by Ahmadis may be alleviated. His Holiness^(aba) also urged the Ahmadis of Pakistan, that they must turn their attention towards prayer more than ever before. His Holiness^(aba) prayed for ease and the ability to openly preach the true message of Islam, not only in Pakistan but throuhout the entire world.

Funeral Prayers

His Holiness^(aba) said that he would offer the funeral prayer in-absentia of the following:

Dr. Tahir Ahmad Sahib who passed away on December 4, 2020. He was an eye specialist who was serving in the Mahdi Hospital. At times he would even go to the hospital on his days off in order to tend to patients. Despite his own deteriorating health, he continued his services as a doctor and tended to patients. He was a pious, caring individual who was loved by all. He had a great deal of love for Khilafat. He would always contribute to the various schemes of the Community. His Holiness^(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with mercy and forgiveness and elevate his station in heaven and enable his children to continue the legacy of his virtuous deeds.

Habibullah Mazhar Sahib who passed away on October 24, 2020. He had previously been a prisoner in the way of Allah. His services in the Community span over fifty years, during which time he served in various different capacities. He was the first person to be charged with the death penalty under the blasphemy laws of Pakistan, and thus was also afforded the opportunity of bearing the hardships of being falsely imprisoned, solely for the sake of Allah. He spent this time whilst remaining positive, and later was released. He was regular in offering his prayers. He was a very kind and caring person and loved Khilafat a great deal. He is survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter. His Holiness^(aba) prayed that may Allah treat him with mercy and forgiveness and elevate his station in heaven and enable his children to carry on the legacy of his virtuous deeds.

Bashiruddin Ahmad Sahib who passed away on November 30, 2020. He was involved in serving the Community in various ways and would invite non-Ahmadis to his home in order to preach to them. He would come to the UK to participate in the Annual Convention every year. He is survived by his wife, three daughters and two sons. His Holiness^(aba) prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and that his children may carry on the legacy of his virtuous deeds.

Amina Ahmad Sahiba who passed away on October 19, 2020. She was originally from Guyana. She accepted Ahmadiyyat when she was studying in the UK. She was compassionate, kind and hospitable. She was regular in offering her prayers. She also regularly recited the Holy Qur’an. Though her health was not well, she would participate in the Annual Convention every year. His Holiness^(aba) prayed that may Allah treat her with mercy and forgiveness and enable her children to always remain attached to the faith.

Summary prepared by The Review of Religions