THE life, achievements and martyrdom of Hazrat Ali Al-Murtaza, the cousin and the son-in-law of the holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the fourth Caliph, had a great impact on the history of Islam.

Great men covet to embrace martyrdom for a cause and principle. So was the case with Hazrat Ali. He could have made a compromise with the evil forces of his time and, as a result, could have led a very comfortable, easy and luxurious life. But he was not a person who would succumb to such temptations. His upbringing, his education and his training in the lap of the prophet made him refuse such an offer.

His simple life and piety could be described as exemplary. When he was married to Hazrat Fatima, the beloved daughter of the holy Prophet, the ceremony was performed in a very simple manner. The amount of ‘mehr’ was quite nominal which Ali paid after selling his Zirah (armour). Thus a precedent was formed that in such ceremonies no uncalled for expenditure should be incurred.

The domestic life of Ali and Fatima was a model in the annals of Islamic history. Ali would go out to earn his livelihood, engaged in manual labour in the fields of some Jews and Fatima would get herself busy in her domestic affairs. After having finished household chores she would spin cotton for the use of her own household as well as on wages basis.

Mercy and compassion were personified in Ali’s character. He took pleasure in pardoning the erring elements, searching ways and means even to forgive his bitterest foes. Pity and fear of God shaped all his actions. Born in the holy precincts of Ka’aba and raised under the care of the holy Prophet, he abhorred idolatry and was averse to evil in all forms since childhood. In his eyes Islam was the nearest and the dearest ideal. He did all in his power to promote and preserve the cause of Islam.

During the reign of the first three Caliphs of Islam, his sound counsels were eagerly sought and given. Hazrat Umar appoin