Ali

Fun Facts About Ali

• Ali ibn Abi Talib may have been the only person ever born inside the Ka'ba in Mecca, the holiest site of Islam.^[3]
• When Muhammad escaped an assassination plot in 622, Ali stayed behind as his decoy. That emigration marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.^[3][4][5]
• Ali was one of the scribes tasked with writing down the Quran, and in 628 he wrote down the terms of the Treaty of al-Hudaybiya.^[3]
• Ali was renowned for his bravery, and the Muslim victory at the Battle of Khaybar in 628 is credited to his courage. He is said to have torn off the iron gate of the enemy fort.^[3]
• Ali's burial place was kept secret for fear enemies would dig up his body, and it remains uncertain. The town of Najaf in Iraq grew around one claimed site.^[3]
• The most famous collection of Ali's sermons and sayings, Nahj al-balagha, is celebrated as an example of the most eloquent Arabic and has deeply influenced Arabic literature.^[3]
• Ali lived to about 62, from 599 until 661.^[1][2]
• Ali was alive at the same time as Muhammad — their lives overlapped for 33 years (599–632).^[1][2][4][5]

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from 656 CE until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was raised in the household of his cousin Muhammad and was among the first to accept his teachings.^[1]

Contemporaries

Muhammad

33 yr overlap

Questions About Ali

When was Ali born?

Ali was born in 599 and died in 661.

How old was Ali at death?

Ali died in 661 at about 62 years old (599–661).

What was Ali known for?

Ali was known for: Cousin of Muhammad and fourth caliph. Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth Rashidun caliph who ruled from 656 CE until his assassination in 661, as well as the first Shia Imam. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Born to Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Fatima bint Asad, Ali was raised in the household of his cousin Muhammad and was among the first to accept his teachings.

Who was alive at the same time as Ali?

Ali's closest contemporary was Muhammad. Their lives overlapped for 33 years.