This book sets the scene for a compelling story of an Imam who earned Prophet Muhammad's complete trust and exclusive attention from an early age. Eloquent in speech, gallant in battle and wise in counsel--that is Ali b. Abi Talib, the highly praised by the Quran and the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family). Admired by Eastern and Western thinkers like Thomas Carlyle who described the Imam as, 'a noble-minded creature as he shows himself, now and always afterwards; full of affection, of fiery daring. Something chivalrous in him: brave as a lion; yet with a grace, a truth and affection worthy of Christian knighthood. Touching on one of the gravest issues of our time--terrorism--this book can prove exceedingly useful to readers of all faiths, particularly Muslims, who may understand from Ali himself the true meaning of jihad as a way to defend peace and develop societies; not an excuse to promote fear, ignorance and destruction. In the classical tapestry of this book, we will also introduce Ali's views on matters of love, remembrance, justice, freedom and knowledge, which truly reflect the prophetic character of this grand figure. The intention is to paint an evocative portrait of Ali as one of history's most charismatic personalities. Each chapter is replete with drama, history and words of wisdom from Ali, extracted from his sermons and letters in the famous book, Peak of Eloquence or Nahj al-Balagha. The majority of hadiths have been carefully selected from mainstream scholars such as Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Tirmidhi and many others who did not necessarily share the same faith as Ali's, yet appreciated his passion for humanity. M. K. Zeineddine is a writer with keen interest in the sublime teachings of Prophet Muhammad and his People of the House (ahl al-bayt). Given his extensive research, the author is of the strong opinion that Islam is a religion of peace, love and tolerance despite what has been unjustly campaigned against it throughout the centuries. The remarkable virtues of ahl al-bayt, with Ali b. Abi Talib being a prominent figure, stand a clear proof of that.

The life and legacy of one of Mohammad’s closest confidants and Islam’s patron saint: Ali ibn Abi Talib Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to be Mohammad’s political successor—and he continues to be a polarizing figure in Islamic history. Hassan Abbas provides a nuanced, compelling portrait of this towering yet divisive figure and the origins of sectarian division within Islam. Abbas reveals how, after Mohammad, Ali assumed the spiritual mantle of Islam to spearhead the movement that the prophet had led. While Ali’s teachings about wisdom, justice, and selflessness continue to be cherished by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, his pluralist ideas have been buried under sectarian agendas and power politics. Today, Abbas argues, Ali’s legacy and message stands against that of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban.

Ali ibn Abi Taleb is the fourth Caliph of Islam, but he is the first to remember from among all the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad as far as bravery is concerned. He is a symbol of courage and gallantry as much as a leading spiritual figure in Islam. This book brings to life the biography of this unique hero of Islam, analyzing where and how he was raised, the dynamics that formed his personality and the struggles that he went through in his lifetime.

Ali ibn Abi Talib was the son of Abu Talib and the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. He lived with the blessed Prophet from a young age, cultivating an impeccable character and learning everything from the best of humankind. Ali was the first child to accept Islam, and the third Muslim after Khadija and Abu Bakr. This book presents his life for young readers. He was well loved by the noble Prophet and married his beloved daughther, Fatima, with whom he had two sons, Hasan and Husayn. Ali's life was based on humility, self-sacrifice and charity. He was always willing to give his last pennies to help those in need and taught the same values to his children. On the battlefield, Ali was like a lion. For the sake of Islam, he performed extraordinary acts of heroism and became famous for defeating men many times stronger than himself. He was one of the fortunate few to receive the good news of Paradise while he was still alive. Ali became the fourth caliph and performed his duties honorably, always putting the needs of the Muslim community before his own. Despite witnessing greatly troubled times in the Islamic state, he focused on justice and truth. His devotion to Allah, his life and his character serve as an everlasting inspiration for all people.