We’ve spent more time highlighting one of the greatest figures of Islam- Ali Ibn Abu Talib- because of how Islam is often portrayed in the West and the confusion about it generally.  When we study other people’s faiths, we often recognize that they believe their faiths for the same reason we believe ours- they are attracted to something noble and true.  The writings and teachings of Ali were centuries ahead of their time, and presaged many of the features that characterize the revival of western civilization in the Enlightenment and subsequent developments.  He continued along these lines, but unfortunately developed enemies, as he tried to institute reforms that were against the vested interests of others.  We conclude the highlights of his life by presenting the story of his death as well as that of his wife, Fatimih, herself deeply honored by Muslims as the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. 

Fatimih was mortally wounded in an attack on their house when their children were still quite small.  The house was burned but they were able to escape, but Fatimih’s wounds would lead her to pass away some time later.  The description of her death is so intimate that one cannot be struck by how it affects our common humanity.

“She told the household that she was feeling better, that the pain in her ribs and in her hand was not so severe and that her fever had come down.  Then she started bathing the children. Immediately, Ali and Fizza came to her assistance. She got the children bathed, dressed and fed, and then sent them away to her cousin. The she called Ali to her side and said “Ali, my dear husband, you known very well why I did all that. Please excuse my fussiness, but they have suffered so much with me during my illness that I want to see them happy on the last da of my life. Yes, Ali, you know also that this is the last day of my life. I am happy and also sad. Happy the my troubles will shortly be over and I shall meet my Father, and sorry that I am to part with you. Please Ali, make note of what I wish you to do….After me, you may marry anyone you like but you must marry my cousin Yamama. She loves my children and Hussain (their youngest son) is very much attached to her. Let Fizza remain with you after your marriage, if she so desires, she was more than just a servant to me. I loved her like my daughter…I know you love my children but be very careful of Hussain. He loves me dearly and will miss me sadly, so be a mother to him….Do not weep Ali, I know with a rough outward appearance what a tender heart you possess. You have already borne too much and will have to bear more.  Farewell my lord, farewell my dear husband, farewell Ali”. 

Ali himself would live several years longer but himself fell victim to an attack.  He was praying in the mosque when he was struck from behind by a poisoned sword. “Ali finished his prostrations and then reeled into the hands of his sons, Hassan and Hussein…The attacker was caught and brought before Ali.  Ali saw that the ropes were cutting into the flesh of the murderer. He ordered that they loosen the ropes on his hands so that he was treated more humanely.  The kindness touched the heart of the murderer and he began weeping.’ 

A French philosopher would later extol the virtues of Ali in this manner- “But for his assassination, the Muslim world might have witness the realization of the Prophet’s teaching, in actual amalgamation of the first principles of true philosophy into positive action. The same passionate devotion to knowledge and learning which distinguished the Prophet Muhammad breathed in every word of Ali. With liberality of mind- far beyond the age in which he lived- was joined with a severe devotion of spirit and earnestness of faith.  His sermons, his psalms, his litanies portray a devout uploading towards the source of All Good, and an unbounded faith in humanity.”

And we will conclude with a passage from a sermon: “By God, even if I am given all the domains of the seven stars with all that exists under the skies in order that I may disobey God to the extent of snatching one grain of barley from an ant, I would not do it.  For me, your world is lighter than the leaf in the mouth of a locust that is chewing it.  What has Ali to do with bounties that will pass away and pleasures that will not last?  We seek protection from God from the slip of wisdom and the evils of error, and from Him do we seek succor.”