Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, the first Shia Imam, and the fourth Rashidun caliph, serving from 656 CE until his assassination in 661. He is a prominent member of the Ahl al-Bayt and Ahl al-Kisa, and a participant in the Event of the mubahala. Born to Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was raised in the house of his cousin Muhammad and was among the first to accept Islam. Both Shia and Sunni sources report that Ali was born inside the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. Numerous sayings of Muhammad highly praise Ali, including the Hadith of the Position, in which Muhammad compares the position of Ali to himself with the position of Aaron to Moses. Several verses of the Quran have also been interpreted as referring to Ali.
- Occupation
- statesperson, qadi, Islamic jurist, muhaddith
- Position held
- Rashidun, Imam of Twelver Shiism
- Citizenship
- Rashidun Caliphate
- Born
- March 17, 599
- Died
- 661
