His full name was Izz al-Din Abu Hamid bin Hibat Allah
Ibn Abi Al-Hadid. He was born at Mada’in on December 30 1190 A.D. and died in
June 1258 A.D. He was a Sha’fi’I Sunni Mu’tazili. His famous work was a
commentary called “Sharah Nahjul Balagha” spread over 20 volumes!
Mutazili are those Muslims who exercise “I’izal” meaning
neutrality and avoiding extremes of supporting one and negating other.
Allama Ibn Abil-Hadid Mu’tazili commented about Imam Ali
(a.s.):
“Hazrat Ali had a personality in which opposite
characteristics had so gathered that it was difficult to believe that a human
mind could manifest such a combination. He was the bravest man that history
could cite, such brave persons are always hardhearted, cruel, and eager for
blood-shed, but Ali was a kind hearted, sympathetic and warm hearted person;
qualities quite contradictory to the other phase of his character and more
suited to pious and God fearing persons. He was a very pious and God fearing man
and often such religious persons avoid society and do not care to mix with men
of sin. On the other hand warriors, kings and dictators usually are arrogant
and haughty; they consider it below their dignity to mix with the poor, lowly
and humble people. But Ali was
different. He was friend to all. He had a tender spot in his heart for the poor
and humble, and for orphans and cripples. To them he always was a kind friend,
a sympathetic guide, and a fellow sufferer; he was meek with them but haughty
and arrogant towards famous warriors and generals, so many of whom he
had killed in hand-to-hand combats.
He was always kind but strict with wayward persons, sympathetically
teaching them the ways of God. He always smiled and passed happy and witty
rejoinders, it was difficult to overcome in debates; his rejoinders and retorts
always bore a distinct mark of culture, education and knowledge. He was a
scion (flower bud) of a very illustrious, rich and noble clan, as well as the
son-in-law and a great favorite of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.); at the
same time he was the greatest warrior and marshal of his time; yet, in spite of
his riches, he ate, dressed, and lived like a poor person; to him wealth was
for the use of other needy person, not for himself and his family. Change of
times and change of circumstances did not bring any change in his bearing, mien
(appearance), or character. Even when he was acclaimed as the Caliph, he was
the same Au (gold) as they have found him to be during the previous regimes.”
“Once in the society
(company) of Abdullah, son of Imam Malik-ibne-Hunbal, a discussion took place about
Ali and his Caliphate; Abdullah brought the discussion to an end saying that
the Caliphate did not bring any honor or glory to Ali, but it was itself
honored by Ali and it received the status actually due to it.”
“The
world cannot quote an example other than Ali of a first class warrior and a
marshal who is also a philosopher, a moralist, and a great teacher of religious
principles and theology. A study of his life shows that his sword was the only
help that Islam received during its early days of struggle in its wars of
self-defense. For Islam he was the first and the last line of defense; who was
there to stand by him in the battles of Badar, Ohad, Khandaq, Khyber, and
Hunain? The other facet of his character is reflected in his sermons, letters,
orders and sayings. What high values of morality they teach, what ethics they
preach, what intricate problems of Unitarianism they elucidate, how rich they
are in philosophy, how they imbibe the spirit of righteousness and teach rulers
to become kind, benevolent and God-fearing rulers, and subjects to be faithful,
sincere and law-abiding, how they persuade men to be warriors who can fight
only for God, truth and justice, and not mercenaries murdering and plundering
for wealth and riches; and how they instruct teachers to teach nothing
injurious and harmful to mankind. These are but undisputable proofs of his
greatness and spiritual superiority. Has history ever produced a more splendid
personality incorporating such variegated characteristics of mind and heart?
Sources used:
Islam.Wikia.com and Imamreza.net, Digplanet.com, WIKIPEDIA
No comments:
Post a Comment