Today marks the 21st of Ramadan, the solemn day that commemorates the martyrdom of the Amir al-Mu’minin, Mawla-e-Kainat, Imam al-Muttaqin, Asadullah al-Ghalib, al-Murtaza, Shah-e-Wilayat, Ḥaider-e-Karrar, Bab-ul-‘Ilm, Abu Turab, Shahi Mardan, Saqi al-Kawthar, Yadullah, Abu al-Hassan, Mazhar-ul- Ajaib wal Garaib — Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib Allaihi Salam. He was the noble cousin, beloved son-in-law, and one of the earliest and most devoted companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW)—raised in the Prophet’s own household and molded by his blessed example.

In the early hours of the 19th of Ramadan, 40 AH (661 CE), while leading the believers in the Fajr prayer in the mosque of Kufa, this towering pillar of Islam was treacherously struck on the head with a poisoned sword by the Kharijite assassin Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam. The blow was mortal, yet Hazrat Ali (AS) met it with serenity and unwavering faith. Even in his final moments he remained absorbed in the remembrance of his Lord. Two days later, on the 21st of Ramadan, he embraced martyrdom, and his blessed lips uttered words that have echoed through the centuries as a declaration of spiritual triumph: “By the Lord of the Kaʿbah, I have succeeded.”

For the people of faith, shahadah (martyrdom) is not merely death—it is the highest station of honour and nearness to Allah SWT. The Quran itself declares that those who are slain in the path of Allah are not dead but alive with their Lord. Hazrat Ali (AS), whose entire life was spent in devotion, justice, and sacrifice, attained the crown of martyrdom that he had long yearned for. This sacred legacy did not end with him. Many among his noble descendants and the blessed household of the Prophet (SAW)—such as Hassan ibn Ali (AS), Hussain ibn Ali (AS), and countless members of the Ahl al-Bayt throughout history—have followed the same path of sacrifice and steadfastness. Through their courage and devotion, the tradition of striving for truth and accepting martyrdom for the sake of faith has continued across generations, illuminating the spiritual heritage of Islam with the enduring light of sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to Allah SWT.

Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib Allaihi Salam was born around 600 CE in Makkah into the noble Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father, Hazrat Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib AS, was the uncle and guardian of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while his mother Fatimah bint Asad (RA) was among the earliest women to accept Islam.

Historians have recorded that Hazrat Ali (AS) was born inside the Ka’bah, a distinction celebrated in Islamic historical literature.“Kase ra mayassar na shud ien sa’adat : Ba Ka’aba wiladat ba Masjid Shahadat” (No one else was granted this blessed fortune: Birth in the Kaʿbah and martyrdom in the mosque)

During a period of famine in Makkah, the Beloved Prophet (SAW) took young Ali (AS) into his household to ease the burden on his Uncle Hazrat Abu Talib (AS). Thus, Hazrat Ali (AS) grew up directly under the care and guidance of the Holy Prophet (SAW), witnessing his character and moral conduct even before the advent of Islam.

Hazrat Ali (AS) was among the earliest believers in Islam. According to early historical sources such as Ibn Ishaq and Al-Tabari, he accepted Islam while still a young boy, making him the first to embrace the faith. His acceptance occurred shortly after the Prophet (SAW) received the first revelations. When the Prophet was commanded: “And warn your closest relatives.” (Qur’an 26:214), he invited members of the Banu Hashim to Islam. Hazrat Ali (RA), despite his youth, openly supported the Prophet (SAW) and pledged his unwavering loyalty to the new faith.

From that moment onward, he remained among the most devoted companions of the Prophet (SAW) . Hazrat Ali (AS) enjoyed a unique relationship with the Prophet (SAW) as his cousin, son-in-law, and one of his closest companions.

The Prophet (SAW) once expressed this special relationship in a well-known hadith:

“You are to me as Haroon (AS) was to Musa (AS), except that there is no prophet after me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Sahih Muslim).

Hazrat Ali (AS) also served as one of the scribes of revelation........

© Greater Kashmir