Ali During Khilaafah of Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman

Ali during Khilaafah of Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman
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ALI DURING the 1st

three KHALIFAS
ALI
DURING THE PRECEDING KHALIFAS
Click one of the following

topics:
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS:
Ali During Abu Bakr's
Abu Bakr the Khalifa
Ali's Specifics During Abu
Ali's objection
Khilaafah
Bakr's Khilaafah
Questions-I
Ali During Omar's Khilaafah
Ali's Specifics During Omar's

Khilaafah
Questions-II
Ali During Uthman's Khilaafah
Ali's Specifics During
Khilaafah and Imamah
Fatima's (a.s.) reaction
Fatima (a.s.) dies
War of Rejecters, danger to Islam
Ali gives support to Abu Bakr
BAKR (r)
( (
Uthman's Khilaafah
ABU
Questions-III
Once finished with burying the body of the Prophet (pbuh), Ali
(a.s.) was startled when he heard unexpected news. He was
taken aback when he heard that Abu Bakr (r) had become the
Khalifa. (For more detail about Abu Bakr's Khilaafah see Book 6 of
the Series of Islamic Books for Beginners. Also see the last chapter in
this book)
Ali (a.s.) learned that while he was absorbed with the burial
matters of the Prophet (pbuh) many people went to a house

outside Medina. In that house there were arguments,
shouting, and highly emotional matters about who would
succeed the Prophet (pbuh). Although the body of the
Prophet (pbuh) was not buried yet, they argued over who
should be the new leader.
In this tense and highly charged atmosphere Ali's name was

not even mentioned, as if people had forgotten him totally.
The matter came to an end when the notable Companion
Omar (r) gave his allegiance to the 61 year old Abu Bakr (r).
Most of the others followed suit and gave allegiance to him.
Imam Ali (a.s.) and numerous other notable Companions were
not there to share, or give their points of views, or even vote.
http://islamicbooks.info/H-14-Ahlul-1/H-14-Ali-Khulafaa-4.htm[17.1.2015. 14:31:00]
Simply said in retrospect, the choice of the Khalifa took
place in a matter of an hour or two, more or less on impulse,

without Ali or many notable Companions present!
IN THE DAYS IMMEDIATELY AFTER
Ali (a.s.) went home with a heavy feeling and told his
grieving wife Fatima (a.s.) and his children about the new
Khalifa. Fatima's anger was immediate, "But they cannot do
that, my father wanted you to be the one, it was a matter to
prevent distress to this nation, to prevent trouble," such was
her feelings. It expressed a feeling of pain added to the pain
over the death of her father (pbuh) and the empty vacuum
left in Medina.
Pressure mounted on Ali to give allegiance to Abu Bakr. At
first Ali refused despite the fact that both Abu Bakr and Omar
visited his home. It is said that Fatima (a.s.) did not give
them permission to even enter, and when the house was
entered anyway Fatima turned her head sideways to avoid
looking at them. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Page 39) It is also
narrated that Fatima (a.s.) was angry with Abu Bakr till the
day she died. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, Page 39.)
ALI'S FEELINGS
On his part, Imam Ali (a.s.) kept relatively silent. He felt
hurt, since what the Prophet had wanted was something for
the good of the budding Islamic nation. The Prophet wanted
Imam Ali (a.s.) to follow him, but alas this was negated.
Events would be different now, Ali thought, and the course of
history would take a different direction. Ali (a.s.) kept going
to the mosque, praying behind Abu Bakr (r), and he kept his
friendship with Abu Bakr and everyone else. However, on a
number of occasions, Ali reminded Abu Bakr (r) and others
that his right (the right of Ali for Khilaafah) had certainly been
denied him, without consultation or his permission. Because
this was such a fundamental principle of rights, Imam Ali
(a.s.) adamantly refused giving allegiance to Abu Bakr for
several months. That was despite pressure on him, be it by
Omar (r), Abu Bakr (r) or others. A purist like Imam Ali (a.s.)
will firmly stand by his principles.
BUT WHY ALL THIS?
At stake is a key point of immense significance, not only
immediately but for the future. Being an Imam, the spiritual

choice and the leadership to follow the Prophet (pbuh), Ali
(a.s.) would have ruled, directed, and managed the Islamic
Ummah in the same manner as the Prophet (pbuh) had
previously done. History would have been quite different. Ali
was Designated by Allah as the Imam, the Prophet (pbuh)
mentioned that (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Page 164. Also
Sahih Muslim, Page 119.) and the famous gathering of
Ghadeer Khum was fresh in the minds of numerous people.
They remembered what he said!
Khilaafah should have been more than a temporal
administration of the nation. As it turned out, Khilaafah

lacked the specific spiritual leadership. Thus, Khilaafah could
be benevolent (as during the Khulafaa Al-Rashidoon), or
autocratic, dictatorial, wicked and bad (as during the reign of
Benu Umayya and Benu Abbas).
Imamah, on the other hand, is a spiritual leadership, with a

strict administration of the nation in the Islamic way. Imamah
is an extension of Prophethood but without the matter of
Revelation. If Ali was given the chance to rule as the Prophet
(pbuh) had designated, the welfare of the Islamic nation
would have been vastly different, and vastly improved.
FATIMA (a.s.) DIES:
Fatima, dainty and delicate all through her life, was nicknamed Al-Zahraa or Al-Batool.
Fatima was singularly unhappy and very sad after the

Prophet (pbuh) died. Granted that missing her father was too
much to take, but in addition she saw her husband Imam Ali
denied his rightful place, the Khilaafah. She felt this was
unjust, very unfair, and did not follow the commands of the
Prophet (pbuh), especially since the method of choosing the
first Khalifa was to be questioned. She detested ignoring the

Prophet's verbal recommendations at Ghadeer Khum that Ali
was to succeed him. She urged having a campaign against
the new Khalifa to raise such a point, and she even delivered
a speech of great magnitude to the Ansaars delineating the
matter of Khilaafah, religion, and her inheritance that also had
been denied her. Her husband, Imam Ali (a.s.), prevented
her from going further since the welfare of Islam was at
stake. It would not benefit the new Islamic nation, he felt.
As if this wasn't bad enough, what made it worse was that
Fatima inherited a piece of realty, an estate, and because he

claimed differently, the new Khalifa, Abu Bakr (r), prevented

her from her right to the property (The property was given
back to the heirs by Omar Ibn Abdul Aziz, almost 70 years
later.). The estate was called Fadak, and it was one of their
means of livelihood. Fadak brought about objections and
arguments with the new Khalifa and the arguments ended
when Fatima reminded Abu Bakr of a Hadith that said:
"He who angered Fatima (a.s.) would have angered the

Prophet,"
and with that Fatima departed from Abu Bakr (r) with
anger".
(Bukhari, Vol. 3, Page 39.)
Fatima's anger continued until her death, which took place
not much later.
Thus, Fatima Al-Batool, who spoke like her father, who was
loved by her father, the woman who was captivating and

delightful with charm and loveliness, was in great distress in
the last months of her life. She was the very one about whom
the Prophet (pbuh) said endearingly:
"FATIMA IS PART AND PORTION OF MYSELF."
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 206, Manaaqib Qarabatu Rasool Allah.)
The Prophet (pbuh) had told her a day or two before he
died that she would be the first of his family to follow him,
and hearing that made her cheerful and smiling. It was about
6 months after the Prophet (pbuh) when she died. She was
only in her twenties! Imam Ali (a.s.) took care of her burial at
night, as she had wished, so that no one knew where her
grave would be, and that the Khalifa or others of his
administration could not be in her funeralsuch was her
feeling and anger. (Al-Tibari, Vol. 4, Page 407. Also Ibn Atheer,
Vol. 3, Page 206.)
IMAM ALI WITHOUT FATIMA
To Imam Ali Medina had become extremely empty. To

begin with, a) he felt a painful vacuum when the Prophet

died, then b) the denial of his Khilaafah, then c) the distress
and anger of Fatima. Now Fatima was gone and Ali was left
behind along with two boys and two girls all under the age of
8 years. This made the vacuum even more painful. Al-Hasan
was 8 years old, Al-Husain only 7 years old, and Zainab and
Umm Kulthoom were two younger girls.
During the reign of Abu Bakr (r), an aftermath of a serious

nature took place. It was the War with the Rejecters, those
who wanted to renounce Islam or stop paying the Zakat. The
war was costly in lives especially of those who memorized the
Quran. Review of this history makes one wonder had Imam
Ali been the man to follow the Prophet as was expected would
that war ever have risen? After all, Ali's imprint upon the
minds as the hero of heroes and the Lion of Allah was still
fresh in the minds. That by itself would have been a great

deterrent to many.
Seeing so many casualties after the clashes with the

rejecters and such schism, Ali (a.s.) developed deep fears for
the future of Islam. Things were not going smoothly for Islam
and there were potential bad consequences.
But, Ali (a.s.) saw that Abu Bakr (r) was doing a good job,
so he reasoned that if the administrator was good, he should
be helped. And with that in mind, Imam Ali gave his support
to Abu Bakr (r), though he kept holding to his right for
Khilaafah, since that was something indicated by the Prophet
(pbuh).
Days kept rolling, Ali (a.s.) was either busy at home, or

locally in Medina. The Muslim nation was expanding at a fast
rate through Iraq and Syria, and the news was taken
enthusiastically. It was the budding dynamic Islamic nation
against two mammoth superpowers, the Roman and the
Persian. The feverish spirit of Islam carried the Muslims in a
wonderful momentum as the Prophet (pbuh) started it, and
this momentum was continued in a spectacular way against
the Persian and Roman empires. The Prophet (pbuh) foretold
these happenings six years before, at an unlikely moment
during the ditch affair, and the people could hardly believe it
then!
IMAM ALI DURING ABU BAKR'S KHILAAFAH
Imam Ali's contribution was limited by the nature of affairs
after the Prophet (pbuh). It is bewildering to see a person so

experienced in war and peace, with such an intellect in power

of analysis and wisdom, and so knowledgeable in religious
matters, not asked by the administration to participate! Why,
one may ask?
Was it because Ali (a.s.) had such an overpowering

personality that it might have over-shadowed everyone
around? The answer may be yes.
Or was it because Ali might have proven to be too much

competition, and with such an overpowering personality that
those who were anxious to later head the Muslim Nation were
fearful of him? The answer may be yes, too.
Or was it a resentment because Ali accomplished so much

for Islam, and had barely reached his 33rd birthday, and the
Prophet (pbuh) gave him his due recognition? The answer
may be yes, too.
As it turned out Ali (a.s.) contributed little to the
administration of Abu Bakr (r).
ALI'S SPECIFICS during Abu Bakr's Khilaafah
Ali puts the Holy Quran into a written text
Ali begins writing Tafseer of the Qura n
Ali tutors his children
Al-Hasan learns to write
Ibn Abbas learns at the hands of Ali
Ali the Marji' (the Reference)
Ali works in his grove, to support family and to buy then free
an average of one slave per week (about 100)
ALI'S SPECIFICS
Three important points should be explained to begin with:
1. Designation (Al-Nass): Designation (Al-Nass) means that
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had designated Ali to be the

Imam of the Ummah and he was to follow the Prophet (pbuh)
after his death. Al-Nass is very important since each Imam
Designates the one to follow him until the twelfth Imam, Al-
Mahdi (a.s.). This is in accordance to the "Information of

Designation" given by Jubra'eel to the Prophet (pbuh). (See
Sahih Al-Bukhari Vol 4, Page 164. Also Sahih Muslim Page

119 (Both are Sunni in school of Islamic thought). They
reported that the Prophet (pbuh) mentioned the number of
the Imams after him will be twelve.)
2. Imamah: The Designated Ones by Prophet Muhammad

are the Imams after him. They are to lead the Ummah in
temporal and religious matters.
3. Safeguards by Allah (Ismah): The Ismah means Allah has

safeguarded all the Prophets and the Specified Imams after
Prophet Muhammad from:
Religious error,
sin, and
Forgetfulness
ALI PUTS THE QURAN INTO A WRITTEN TEXT: Once time

permitted Ali began to put the Holy Quran into written text.
Ali had priorities, first of which was to put the Quran in
writing. Arabic in those days was written without dots or
vowels.
Ali wrote the Surahs according to their chronological order.

He knew the occasion and the circumstance of every Ayah, its
meaning, and its order in the Surah.
ALI BEGINS WRITING TAFSEER OF QURAN: It took several

months to finish off the text of the Quran. Now Ali (a.s.)
started the difficult task of writing the Tafseer of the Holy
Quran. He wrote about the reason for Revelation, at what
occasion the Ayah was revealed, and in regard to what
instructions, among other things. By the time Abu Bakr died
Ali was still working on the Tafseer. The text became known
as MUS'HAF of FATIMA.
ALI TUTORS HIS CHILDREN: Ali was also busy teaching

Islam to his children. Al-Hasan, Al-Husain, and their sisters
therefore had the best teacher and the best schooling.
Discussions at their level advanced progressively as the
children became older.
ALI WORKS IN THE PALM GROVE: Ali worked in his

orchard to support his family, help the poor and the needy.
Whatever money was left over was used to buy then free one
slave from captivity. Ali probably freed about 100 slaves
during Khilaafah of Abu Bakr.
ALI TUTORS IBN ABBAS: Ibn Abbas was in his teens when
the Prophet asked Allah to make him a man of Knowledge in
Islam. Ibn Abbas was a brilliant student, and his tutor was
Imam Ali, the very best.
QUESTIONS-I
1. What was happening while Ali was busy with the burial
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
matters of the Prophet (pbuh)?

How old was Abu Bakr when he became Khalifa?
For what reason did Ali not give his allegiance to Abu Bakr
at first?
Was Ali the only one who did not give allegiance to Abu
Bakr at first?
What was Fatima's reaction when Ali was bypassed for
the Khilaafah?
What was at stake when Imam Ali was bypassed for the
Khilaafah?
What is the importance of Imamah in relation to
Khilaafah?
Explain the importance of Fadak.
Describe Fatima's (a.s.) wish in regard to her funeral.
Why?
Why did Ali later on give his support to Abu Bakr?
Mention 3 possible reasons Ali was not given a leading
role during Abu Bakr's Khilaafah?
What is meant by Al-Nass?
In what two matters was an Imam supposed to lead the
Ummah?
Explain the Ismah.
What was the first thing Ali put in writing during Khilaafah
of Abu Bakr?
What was the second thing Ali put in writing during
Khilaafah of Abu Bakr?
Whom did Ali tutor at home during Khilaafah of Abu Bakr?
Where did Ali work during Khilaafah of Abu Bakr?
19. Who else was tutored by Ali besides his children?

20. How many slaves was Ali able to free in each month?
21. Quote 3 sayings of Imam Ali about knowledge.
22. Quote 3 sayings of Imam Ali about goodness of character.
23. Quote a saying of Imam Ali about children.
24. Quote a saying of Imam Ali about sincerity.
25. Quote 2 sayings of Imam Ali about belief.
IMAM ALI (a.s.)

DURING KHILAAFAH OF OMAR (r)
Omar (r) appointed as Khalifa
Ali gives support to Omar
Ali active in Omar's Council
Ali teaches and educates
Ali now married again
Ali finishes off writing Tafseer of the Quran
Ali writes the wealth of Hadith
Ali starts writing the Ah'kaam
Ali's family expands, he teaches at home
Ali continues to work in his orchard, earns enough to buy then

free one slave per week
OMAR (r)
() (
When Omar (r) was appointed as a Khalifa by Abu Bakr (r),
Ali (a.s.) was 35 years old. (See For more detail about Omar's
Khilaafah see Book 6 of the Series of Islamic Books for
Beginners. Also see the last chapter in this book.) Imam Ali
(a.s.) was pleased that Omar (r) was strict in his
administration. To be strict was necessary, since people
before Islam were used to fighting, killing, stealing, looting,
hurting, and transgressing. Though Islam was predominant

by now many people needed discipline to change their ways
to be along the Islamic Directives. People's early habits were
too deeply rooted in hundreds of past generations for them to
change to Islamic ways without firmness.
Omar (r) did was keep on the Islamic tempo, i.e., the
expansion of Islam as started by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The activities against the Roman and Persian Empires met
spectacular success and kept the Arab mind in awe and
wonderment.
Imam Ali (a.s.) was delighted for the expansion of Islam

during Omar's rule, and satisfied with the dogmatic, strict rule
of Omar. Omar (r) was quick to the draw, scaring everyone,
and he commanded obedience.
Ali (a.s.) also approved of the manner Omar lived: very

plain, and down to earth. No pomp, opulence, or luxury. The
Khalifa lived like an ordinary person.
Money from the conquered territories kept pouring in, it

was enticing and very attractive to everyone. Excess money
led to inflation, but that was to be noticed later. The excess
wealth was a worrisome thing, and though Omar (r) fought it
successfully, his successor succumbed to it.
While talking about wealth, Omar (r) unfortunately

categorized people according to their endeavor in the battles
during the Prophet's era (Tabaqat). He paid them from the
public treasury according to those ranks. This created a
feeling of social superiority in some, less privileges for others,
and naturally it created a form of class struggle.
Omar prevented the Companions from leaving Medina.
Omar prevented writing the Hadith.
REFLECTIONS ON OMAR'S REIGN
Thinking in retrospect, Omar (r) was close to the ideals

Imam Ali (a.s.) had in mind than anyone else. One can
speculate that if Imam Ali (a.s.) were in place of Omar (r) or
the one to follow him, the glory of the Islamic society and its
size would have expanded further and further.
Generally speaking highly questionable persons with spotted

past can easily be suspected or recognized. Unsuspectingly,
Omar (r) put some questionable men in sensitive positions.
Two examples were Mu'awiya appointed a ruler over Greater
Syria, and Amr ibn Aas being appointed a ruler over Egypt.
WHAT DID IMAM ALI (a.s.) DO?
The advances of the Islamic forces to the heart of the
Roman and Persian empires was constantly being broadcasted

by word of mouth. The news of the expansion was
exhilarating!
Imam Ali (a.s.) was not asked to be in charge of any

operation, let alone being the Commander in Chief, which was
the least he deserved!
Was it a short-sightedness on the part of the

administration?
Or was it an indirect move to deny him any chance to show

his unparalleled capacity?
Or was Ali too valuable in Medina rather than outside? The

answer maybe yes or no to any or all of these questions.
Nonetheless Ali (a.s.) didn't object to this treatment. The
dilemma was not this, but the fact that the Companions and
the notables were not allowed to establish themselves outside
Medina by decree of Omar! In other words Ali (a.s.) had to be
in Medina if he preferred it or not. None raised any objections
however and everyone obeyed this order. People were
content to be in Medina, to be near Prophet Muhammad.
During the reign of Abu Bakr (r), Ali (a.s.) and Omar (r)
showed anything but attraction to each other. However,

during Omar's reign Ali often gave his opinion when asked.
Be it in Shari'ah, Fiqh, administrating, or otherwise there was
always Ali (a.s.) to consult with. It was to such an extent that
Omar (r) said several times:
"WERE IT NOT FOR ALI
OMAR WOULD HAVE BEEN DOOMED."
(M.J. Chirri, Ameerul Mu'mineen, Page 173)
AT HOME:
Ali spent time at home, concentrating on teaching and
educating Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and the other children. The

amount of knowledge Ali fed his children was enormous. He
married after Fatima (a.s.) died and had many children,
notable among them was Muhammad ibn Al-Hanafia and AlAbbas.
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain were handsome teenagers by now,
with exceptional intelligence and quickness of mind.

Numerous people wanted to be close to them or even touch
them, since that meant closeness to the Prophet (pbuh)!
Ali and his children were often seen going to the main
Mosque to pray in congregation or solo, and they would join,
if not lead, groups in studying Islam. There was always need
for Islamic studies, since Islam touches upon every aspect of
life. There were constant religious problems to be solved, and
a stream of people coming to ask questions. Ali was the
encyclopedia of Islam, the very Reference.
TWELVE YEARS WITHOUT THE PROPHET (PBUH)
It had been twelve years since the beloved Muhammad

(pbuh) had died, and the vacuum left was still acute. Imam
Ali (a.s.) noticed the appearance of white hairs in his beard
and many more on his head, he was 45 years old. Al-Hasan
(a.s.) was by now 19 and Al-Husain (a.s.) 18 years old. They
were good looking, winning in their manners, and very
pleasing to talk to. These two showed unparalleled
intelligence and aptitude, and their Islamic knowledge was
enormous.
Imam Ali's family had expanded by now, since the

stepmothers who replaced Fatima had given birth to several
children. Umm al Baneen was one of them and the most
notable of her children was Al-Abbas. He was about 15 years
younger than Al-Husain, good looking, handsome, and with
high intelligence, quick temper, and the charm of Benu
Hashim.
Ali's house was filled with children, and Al-Hasan and AlHusain had partly the responsibility of educating, teaching, and
directing these brothers and sisters as did Ali himself.
Any extra money earned was distributed immediately to the

needy and the poor. Imam Ali (a.s.) and his family had a
repulsion against accumulation of wealth, or money. They
were compulsive but not obsessive in helping the needy and
poor. They could have become extremely rich, since a lot of
material wealth came to them, but they preferred to live on
very little and give the excess money to the needy.
IMAM ALI'S CONTRIBUTIONS
The twelve years after the Prophet (pbuh) died were filled
with works for Islam by Imam Ali. Ali's limitation to the

boundaries of Medina (as decreed by Omar) had its
tremendous advantages. The seat of government took place
in the Great Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi). Modesty of the
building and its simplicity meant little to the people. What
was important was to let the spirit and ideals of Islam go
deeper in the hearts of people, and let its roots also go deeper
in their hearts.
Imam Ali (a.s.) was the man to seek, he was the man to
learn from, the one with a clear answer to every problem.
People knew Ali was not the Khalifa, but being the Imam,
the central religious figure, people seeked his guidance like
bees going after a flower. Imam Ali (a.s.) gave of his fountain
of knowledge with unbound generosity, and the more he gave
the more people seemed to want.
Imam Ali (a.s.) was the encyclopedia of Islam, he was the

central religious figure. It was this encyclopedia that people
treasured most. The information and guidance, given free for
the asking, was highly appreciated. Therefore an institute of
learning, headed by Imam Ali (a.s.) as the central figure,
without bylaws or constitution, was arising in Medina,
especially in its Mosque. This was a spectacular undertaking.
Numerous group discussions were held, and they were

popularly sought after by hordes of people, local or from
outside. Al-Hasan and Al-Husain were active participants, and
so were their younger brothers. Not only people but even the
renowned Khalifa Omar (r) praised Ali admiringly. On a
number of occasions he said:
MAY I NOT LIVE FOR THE DAY IN WHICH
A RELIGIOUS PROBLEM EXISTS
TO WHICH ALI HAS NO ANSWER.
In other words Omar (r) was saying that he was lost without
Ali.
But answering religious problems is not enough, the answer

has to be correct from the Islamic point of view, just as what
Muhammad (pbuh) would have said. People went after the
person who was always accurate, precise, and ready to
answer, and that was Imam Ali.
Unlike others Ali (a.s.) did not regard the religious problems
a challenge. To him they were only problems that raised a
need for an Islamic solution, and he was happy to help.
No arguments or disagreements ever arose between Imam

Ali (a.s.) and knowledgeable Muslims. The reason was that Ali
(a.s.) was the authority, the undisputed central authority and
figure in Islamic knowledge.
IMAM ALI FEELS SAD, OMAR (r) DIES
Omar as the head of the Islamic Ummah lived in a humble

house, and in an unpretentious manner. He lived just like any
ordinary person in the now Islamic empire. He followed the
ways of the first great Khalifa, Abu Bakr (r). Having no pomp
or guards may sound good, but it has a deadly opportunity for
potential risk, the risk to his life! Thus, the shocking and
unfortunate did occur. Omar (r) was deadly wounded by a

non-believer, who was sane and not deranged, who knew
what he was doing.
The bustling town of Medina was startled and shocked, with

the saddest and most worried looks showing on the people's
faces. The news traveled fast and everyone was equally
saddened. The leadership is not to be left vacant, a new
Head of State is to take the seat. People learned of a complex
arrangement by which a Khalifa was to be chosen, since this
was the wish of Omar (r) in his last days.
Uthman (r) became the third Khalifa, the one to replace

Omar (r). (For further detail see chapter of Khilaafah at the
end of this book).
ALI'S
SPECIFICS
during Omar's Khilaafah
Ali finishes writing Tafseer of the Quran
Ali writes the Hadith
Ali starts to write Al-Ah'kaam
Al-Hasan helps his father in the writing
Ibn Abbas learns at the hands of Ali
Ali the Marji'
Ali continues to work in his orchard, to support his family

and buy then free on the average one slave per a week (520)
during Omar's Reign
TAFSEER (MUS'HAF FATIMA): Ali (a.s.) started to work on
Tafseer of the Quran during Khilaafah of Abu Bakr and

continued to the finish by now. The Tafseer is called Mus'haf
Fatima, and it consisted of three Volumes. It was the
reference for Tafseer to Ahlul Bayt after him.
AL-HADITH: Once finished with writing down the Tafseer,

Imam Ali set to the massive task of writing down the Hadith:
All what the Prophet (pbuh) said about the Aqeeda (Faith),
Ibadat, Akhlaaq (Ethics), Mu'aamalaat (dealing with people),
or Inheritance among other things. The massive works was
known as
SAHEEFA OF ALI, and it became the reference to
Sunni and Shi'i people afterwards. It took many years of hard
work, and it was prioritized and well categorized. At this time
Omar (r) discouraged writing down the Hadith, but Ali, Abu
Rafi (Servant of the Prophet) and Al-Ansaari had different
points of view. Everyone of them was busy writing the
Hadiths he had memorized, and each produced his own
treatise. They thought a registered Hadith at this time will be
a far more accurate record than having to write it two or three
centuries laterman's memory is not to be fully trusted.
AL-AH'KAAM: Once finished with the massive work of

putting the Hadith in written text Imam Ali undertook another
massive work. Ah'kaam are the rules and regulations of the
various aspects of Islamic duties, such as acts of worship,
personal relationship, personal behavior, etc. Very possibly
this works was finished during the times of the next Khalifa.
AL-HASAN HELPS WRITE: Al-Hasan, now in his early

youth, and having been educated by his father, became the
second hand to Ali. He helped Ali (a.s.) to write the Hadith
and Ah'kaam (See Al-Sayooti.)
FREEING THE SLAVES: Ali used to work in his grove, and

the money earned was used to maintain the family and the
extra money was used to pay for one slave's cost to be freed.
During Omar's Khilaafah Ali freed approximately 520 slaves
at the rate of one slave a week!
TUTORING AT HOME: Ali's family has grown, but despite

pressure on his time, Ali (a.s.) tutored all children at home.
He taught them the Quran, its Tafseer, and Hadith. The
environment at home was buzzing with religious activity. His
was the best school in Islam.
IBN ABBAS: Ibn Abbas now in his early twenties continued

to be a good student of Imam Ali, and the fruits of his studies
began to attract attention. Even Omar (r) had many religious
conversations with him, one of them was before his death,
and it was about Ali's Khilaafah.
QUESTIONS-II
1. Who appointed Omar (r) as Khalifa?

2. Describe 5 important aspects of Omar's (r) Khilaafah.
3. How did Ali view Omar's Khilaafah?
4. Mention 3 points possibly explaining why Ali was not
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
asked to be in charge of military operation during

Khilaafah of Omar.
What was the degree of help Ali (a.s.) rendered to Omar
(r)?
Who is Umm al Baneen?
Who is Al-Abbas?
Mention a few important points Ali was distinguished with
during Khilaafah of Omar.
How was Omar killed?
What writing did Ali first finish off during Khilaafah of
Omar?
What is Mus'haf of Fatima?
What writing did Ali finish off after the Tafseer during
Khilaafah of Omar?
What writing did Ali start after the Tafseer during
Khilaafah of Omar?
What is Saheefa of Ali?
What is Al-Ah'kaam?
Who helped Ali in writing the treasure of knowledge
during Khilaafah of Omar?
17. Who was Ali tutoring besides his children during Khilaafah
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
of Omar?
What is meant by saying: Ali the Marji?
Did Ali continue to work in his orchard during Khilaafah of
Omar?
How many slaves was Ali able to free during Khilaafah of
Omar?
Mention 5 sayings of Imam Ali about man's character.
Mention a saying of Imam Ali about maturity in religion.
Mention 3 sayings of Imam Ali about learned men.
Mention a saying of Imam Ali about teaching.
Mention a saying of Imam Ali about greed.
IMAM ALI (a.s.)

ALI: DURING KHILAAFAH OF UTHMAN
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
Ali advises Uthman (r) at first
Ali detects a mellow ruler
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain are married
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain in Africa's campaign
Uthman listens to Marwan, Ali is ignored
Uthman appoints corrupt relatives as State Governors
Uthman mistreats Ibn Mas'ud and Abu Dhar
People object to Uthman and revolt
Ali tries to help
Uthman is defended by Al-Hasan and Al-Husain
Uthman is killed by the rebellious
UTHMAN (r) ( (
NOT A FIRM ADMINISTRATION

At first the administration under Uthman (r) seemed alright.
Ali advised Uthman (r) many times as he was used to doing

during Omar's Khilaafah. Uthman listened to and acted upon
Ali's suggestions during the first few years, then he changed
his ways. (For more details about Uthman's Khilaafah see
Book 6 of the Series of Islamic Books for Beginners. Also see
the last chapter in this book.)
Within a few years in Uthman's Khilaafah the vivacious

Islamic spirit or the spirit of expansion imperceptibly halted.
Gone was the alert administration of Omar (r), instead there
remained quietude and mellowness. The Islamic movement
became soft and subdued. Imam Ali (a.s.) was perturbed, he
detected a disturbing sense of relaxation and
accommodation. He, along with others, felt it was Uthman's
mellowness of nature to be the cause.
Because of this the Romans became very emboldened, both

in Asia Minor and Africa, and even on the sea. As a result
several confrontations took place, notable among them was in
North Africa.
CAMPAIGN FOR NORTH AFRICA
The latest news was about the new direction, North Africa.
Preparations for such a large force was underway and both AlHasan (a.s.) and Al-Husain (a.s.) wanted to participate, since
now they were free to go out of Medina. Previously it was
impossible because of Omar's decree which had barred any of
the notables and Companions to live outside Medina, to limit
the growth of the cult of personality. This limitation, which
had its share of advantages and disadvantages was abolished
by Uthman (r) when he became the Khalifa.
Both Al-Hasan (a.s.) and Al-Husain (a.s.) were now free to

go to Africa. Having finished their preparations, they bade
their father, wives, children, and relatives good bye. They
headed north, then west to Egypt, traveling several weeks,
until they joined the Muslim force. It was a long, tiresome
trip, along sandy areas and rocky ones, up the elevations and
down into the valleys. Finally they were in Egypt, with the
wide blue Nile, the luscious groves, the hazy skies, and the
famous pyramids.
It wasn't too long before Al-Hasan (a.s.) and Al-Husain

(a.s.) were on their way west, along with the new Muslim
forces, to face the Romans in Tunisia.
The Roman force was huge and well prepared, it was

overwhelming. A ferocious, prolonged, and bloody battle

broke out. It continued into the second and third day with
numerous casualties falling from both sides. During the last
day the Muslims got the upper hand and the Roman army
began to retreat, breaking into pieces. It crumbled under the
pressure and finally surrendered. They surrendered by the
thousands, nay the whole army in its totality, arms and all.
After this decisive battle, the way lay open to Islam for all of
North Africa.
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain did very well, and they were very
happy and content now that the Romans had lost and would
no longer pose danger to Islam.
AL-HASAN AND AL-HUSAIN RETURN
Imam Ali (a.s.), along with his family and the families of his
two sons, saw the far away caravan moving in their direction.
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain were in it. They could see them from
far away in dusty travel clothes happy and excited, but
showing the effect of travel. For the next few days a smiling
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain kept giving the details of their
participation in the North African war, to the children and

others. It felt good to be home with family and relatives.
THE SPOILS OF WAR
Upsetting news soon arrived, however. Khalifa Uthman (r)

had unreservedly given a tremendous portion of the spoils of
the North African battle to his family member (his secretary),
Marwan. Marwan the son of Hakam, was so bad that he
along with his family was exiled by the Prophet from Medina
for many years. The exile was imposed because of the
tremendous hurt Hakam had inflicted on the person of the
Prophet and on Islam for many years.
The large spoils given to Marwan by Uthman produced a

stir, leading to much criticism and bad comments. Numerous
people became very upset that the spoils had been given in
such manner. There were objections and numerous people
resented Uthman's manner of administration and the
favoritism as well as its excesses.
OBJECTIONS ABOUT UTHMAN'S MANAGEMENT
Criticism about Uthman (r) gradually mounted until finally it
exploded. People noticed that:
1. Uthman lived in luxury and this was shocking to some.
They compared this to the simple way of living of Khalifas Abu

Bakr (r) and Omar (r). Uthman preferred the pretentious and
luxurious, and so did many in his government. The Muslims
felt the public treasury (like the tax money of present day)
was for the public, to be used wisely, that excess wealth is
and was important only if used wisely. Self-indulgence is unIslamic and destructive.
2. Uthman appointed his undeserving family members to the

most prestigious and sensitive positions. They were of Benu
Umayya family. The government became a family affair, that
of Uthman's.
The State Governors were all of Benu Umayya clan, and so

were the majority of officers, employees, and appointees!
They had the power, wealth, and all the privileges. For
example:
The governorship of Syria was under Mu'awiya who was

the son of Abu Sufyanwho had been the biggest enemy of
Islam and had twice led the disbelievers against Islam.
The governorship of Iraq was given to Ibn Aqaba, also a

relative of Uthman, who once lead a congregational Salat of
Subh in an intoxicated condition. He once performed four
Rak'as for Morning Salat instead of two!
The governorship of Egypt was given to Ibn

Sar'h who was
Uthman's brother in nursing (both had been nursed by the
same woman), who during the Prophet's time was exiled from
the area because he was so evil and had dealt the Prophet
and the Muslims such bad treatment .
3. Worst of all people complained about Marwan, the
Secretary of State. Marwan was also related to Uthman, but

he and his father were the meanest enemies of the Prophet.
The condition and welfare of the Islamic nation were at

stake; they were deteriorating rapidly, and the years passed
swiftly. People kept complaining bitterly to Imam Ali (a.s.),
and he was pained and feeling sorry.
IMAM ALI (a.s.) IS PAINED
Ali was 56 year old, and much had happened in the 23 years
after the Prophet's (pbuh) death. Ali was preoccupied and
disturbed by much that was said about Uthman and his bad
administration, all of which was in the negative. Imam Ali
worried about the future of the Islamic nation; there was
much at stake. People complained vehemently to Ali about

the deteriorating conditions and about the Governors of Benu
Umayya who acted like dictators using the public treasury (like
tax money) as they pleased as if the money belonged to
them.
Imam Ali was also pained because Uthman being indecisive

or incapable left matters in the hands of his Secretary of
State, the highly questionable Marwan! Marwan, the real
power, craftily played his hand in a clever way, engineering
everything to his own advantage and to the advantage of his
family Benu Umayya.
Because of these and other matters, thousands of extremely

concerned people came from Iraq and Egypt to express their
grievances to the Khalifa. They wanted a radical change for
the betterment of the State, a change in the administration of
Uthman. They went to Ali to see if he could help.
Ali went to Uthman many times to advise him and give
suggestions. Ali wanted to prevent trouble, he foresaw much

trouble ahead. Alas it was frustrating for Ali (a.s.), for
Uthman listened to him but ignored his advice. Uthman was
the prisoner of his own making, he was the prisoner of the
influence of Marwan. Yet Uthman was ultimately the
responsible one, after all he was the Head of State.
Imam Ali (a.s.) heard Uthman many times promise people

that he would follow in the footsteps of Abu Bakr (r) and
Omar (r), but he did not. This led to loss of confidence and
credibility and it raised angry voices. It escalated.
Imam Ali (a.s.) had sleepless nights. The nation was in
danger, even of disintegration. Ali saw,
the clashes between the different clans,
people's indulgence in luxury and material comfort,
the tendency toward easy living, and
the abuse of power.
All of these hurt him very much. As if this was not enough,
Imam Ali began to hear that A'isha, the Mother of the Faithful
and wife of the Prophet (pbuh) was in a campaign to bring
down Uthman. (Taareekh Al-Tibari, Vol. 4, Page 407. Also Ibn
Atheer, Vol. 3, Page 206.) This was too much to take.
Ali's attempts to calm down the highly emotional situation

went to no avail, people were too distressed and angry to
listen.
How could they be otherwise, since they also found out

that some great Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were even

ill-treated and harmed by Uthman himself. How could they
forget that Abu Dhar had been severely beaten then exiled to
a far away village?! This was all done because Abu Dhar was
exposing the excesses of a) the Khalifa (r), b) Mu'awiya in
Syria, and c) the rest of Benu Umayya, whom the Khalifa had
appointed as Governors. (M.J. Chirri, Ameerul Mu'mineen,
Page 279)
How could people forget the brutal treatment given to Ibn

Masud who wanted to execute his duty Islamicly as the
treasurer in Iraq, but the governor from Benu Umayya wanted
to use Iraq's state treasury as if it belonged to him personally?
Yes, the times were very bad, Imam Ali (a.s.) was
agonizing, and he kept saying to himself, if they had just
given the Khilaafah to its rightful person to begin with, as the
Prophet had wanted, none of this would ever happen! All of it
would have been prevented.
ALI (a.s.) REFLECTS
mam Ali (a.s.) was worried, his mind wondered about many
things:
1. the many "millionaires" that had emerged, such as Talha,
Zubair, Ibn Auf, and others;
2. the many corrupt Umayya governors; and
3. the suffering masses.
Then Imam Ali's mind would go to Umm Al-Mu'mineen,

A'isha, and the agitation she led against Uthman. (Taareekh
Al-Tibari Vol. 3, Page 407. Also Ibn Atheer Vol. 3, Page 206.)
Then Ali's (a.s.) mind would wander about Abu Dhar and
Ibn Masud, Ammar ibn Yasir, and the ill treatment they
received at the hands of Uthman (r).
Imam Ali (a.s.) was frightened about the affairs of the

nation and the direction it was heading to. How good it was,
Ali thought, when Khalifa Omar (r) was alive, but what a
difference between then and now, and what would Omar (r)
say if he were alive to see all of this!?
Imam Ali discovered too that thousands of people came all

the way from Egypt and Iraq to Medina. They were very
concerned people asking for, nay demanding, radical change
in Uthman's administration. Uthman (r) was ultimately the

responsible person, after all, he was the Head of State, the
entrusted one. Their mood was highly charged and things

were getting hot. There were thousands of new faces in
Medina nowthey wanted change for the better in the
government.
THEY ASK ALI FOR A SOLUTION
Imam Ali was the center of attention, the man to identify

with, the figure head. Everyone came to him asking for a
solution concerning Uthman. Ali (a.s.) was the go between,
and he succeeded in persuading Uthman (r) to speak to the
people. As a result Uthman spoke to the public and delivered
a speech in the Mosque this time promising to:
1. abide by his promises,
2. change his administration as demanded, and
3. replace the corrupt Governors and institute reforms.
Having been so assured, and feeling at ease that a change
would soon come, the rebellious people left Medina, all of

them. But to their dismay these people discovered foul play.
They discovered a letter to the Governor of Egypt
commanding: "When those people arrive, put them to the
sword!" Now the letter inflamed the emotions even more and
these people kept repeating, "How could the Khalifa double
cross us, how could he do this to us?!"
Now extremely inflamed the people returned to Medina and

put up a siege to the house of the Khalifa (r), and even cut off
its water supply! They were furious.
The situation was ominous. Imam Ali (a.s.) once more tried
to troubleshoot and he met with Uthman many times. AlHasan (a.s.) and Al-Husain (a.s.) were stationed at the door of
the house of the Khalifa (r), guarding it for dear life, along
with a few others. They were the means of supplying the
Khalifa with food and water.
Every person was extremely upset, everyone was saying
something, they were going in circles. Eventually Uthman was

killed by the angry fellow Muslims.
Ali (a.s.) came to his sons Al-Hasan and Al-Husain

screaming, "Why didn't you protect him with your lives?" He
was furious, very angry to the point that he did not even see
the blood running down the head of Al-Hasan, who had been
wounded by an arrow!
Al-Hasan and Al-Husain were defending the Khalifa (r) with
others when suddenly the angry people made a commotion at

the front of the house, which proved to be a diversion. At the
same time some others took advantage of this and entered
Uthman's house through the back, killing him in an outrage of
anger!!
AN IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH
Once the Khalifa (r) was killed an agonizing terrifying feeling

gripped the people. Imam Ali (a.s.) took the news the
hardest. He was sad and very much in pain. He saw an
Islamic nation in disorder and chaos, losing its head, doing the
unthinkable!! Each person wanted to do something to correct
the situation but it was too late and they knew it. You cannot
collect the water after you spill it, can you?
Feelings aside, suddenly people could find no Head of State,

no central figure to call a Khalifa. This lofty seat, the Head of
State, was suddenly empty. There was a vacuum and it had
to be filled. But there was no specific guideline or framework
to fall upon for choosing a Khalifa. The three previous
Khalifas became Heads of State because of varying modalities
of choice, none of which applied to the present situation. Not
only that but also conditions indicated an impending
disastrous aftermath because of the excesses of Uthman's
regime.
People focused their eyes on Ali (a.s.); in other words, they
were saying, "Now that we made such a mess, you, Imam Ali,
take the Khilaafah and put things right." They wanted him to
set this situation right. The situation was extremely difficult,
the responsibility was very heavy, it was weighty, but
someone had to do something. Now the genius of Ali (a.s.)
had to be put to work.
ALI'S
SPECIFICS during Uthman's Khilaafah
Ali finishes writing Al-Ah'kaam
Ali writes the Jafr
Ali compares the Quranic text he wrote with the one

written during Khilaafah of Uthman. Surahs were the exact
replica
Tutoring the family at home
Ali the Marji' (Religious Reference)
Ali continues to work in his orchard, to support family and

buy then free one slave at the average of once a week. He freed
600 during Khilaafah of Uthman.
AL-AH'KAAM: With more diligent work and persistence, Ali
(a.s.) finished off writing the Ah'kaam. They are the teachings
of the Prophet about the rules and regulations of the various
aspects of the Islamic duties. This includes acts of worship,
the laws of inheritance, dealing with others in the community,
society and even internationally.
When the Holy Quran was to be officially put in writing

during Uthman's Khilaafah, Ali made sure that the copy
worked on was the exact replica as the one he had put in
writing before. It was a painstaking work to ensure the
exactness of the manuscript.
Ali's family had expanded but the schooling of the children

continued to be a major undertaking. Al-Hasan, Al-Husain,
Muhammad Ibn Al-Hanafia were active teaching Al-Abbas and
his brothers and sisters about Islam. The treasure of Islamic
Directives was practically limitless, and the schooling at home
was quite active. This was done under the supervision and
active participation of Ali when time allowed.
AL-JAFR: Once finished with Al-Ah'kaam, Ali wrote the Jafr,

the white and the red.
ALI THE REFERENCE: Ali continued to be the Religious

Reference to people, not only at the Central Mosque but other
places as well. People continued to seek his guidance.
Numerous sayings and Du'aas were registered, and some of
those sayings follow:
QUESTIONS-III
1. Describe Khilaafah of Uthman in its first years.
2. What happened to the vivacious Islamic spirit during
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Uthman's Khilaafah?
What was one of the first items Uthman abolished of
Omar's restriction?
Who participated in the North Africa campaign?
Describe the North African campaign with the Romans.
What upset the Ummah about the spoils of war of the
North African campaign?
Who is a) Marwan, b) his relation to Uthman, c) his
position?
Who is a) Mu'awiya, b) his role during Uthman's time?
Who is Ibn Sar'h and his relation to the Prophet (pbuh)?
Describe Ali's (a.s.) feeling about the Ummah during the
last years of Uthman.
Explain the dangers facing the Ummah during Uthman's
rule.
Mention 4 items that were particularly dangerous to the
Ummah during Uthman's rule.
What was A'isha, the Mother of the Faithful, campaigning
about Uthman?
Explain how Uthman harmed Abu Dhar.
Explain 8 points Ali was wondering about during the last
years of Uthman.
Describe the 3 points Uthman promised the rebels in the
Mosque.
Why did the rebels return from Egypt to put siege to
Uthman's house?
Who was dispatched to defend Uthman?
How was Uthman killed?
Who got wounded in defense of Uthman?
What did Ali finish off writing during the Khilaafah of
Uthman?
What did Ali do when the Holy Quran was officially put in
writing?
How many kinds of Al-Jafr are there?
How many slaves was Ali able to free during Khilaafah of
Uthman?
Mention 3 sayings of Ali about nobility of character.
26. Mention a saying of Ali about good will.

27. Mention a saying of Ali about gathering wisdom.
28. Mention a saying of Ali about ignorance.
29. Mention a saying of Ali about mettle of men.
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Ali During Khilaafah of Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman

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ALI DURING the 1st

DURING THE PRECEDING KHALIFAS

Click one of the following

EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS:

Ali During Abu Bakr's

Abu Bakr the Khalifa

Ali's Specifics During Abu

Ali During Omar's Khilaafah

Ali's Specifics During Omar's

Ali During Uthman's Khilaafah

Ali's Specifics During

Khilaafah and Imamah

Fatima's (a.s.) reaction

Fatima (a.s.) dies

War of Rejecters, danger to Islam

Ali gives support to Abu Bakr

matters of the Prophet (pbuh) many people went to a house

In this tense and highly charged atmosphere Ali's name was