A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Pious Caliphate
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near Kufah. The most glorious chapter in the history of Islam came
to an end by the death of Ali.
The spot near Kufah known as Mashhad Ali developed into one of
the great centres of pilgrimage. Ali’s caliphate lasted for four years
and nine months. Ali’s political discourses, sermons, letters, and
sayings collected in a book entitled
Nahj al Balagha
(The Road of
Eloquence) are well known in Arabic literature.
According to the famous historian, Philip K Hitti, “Ali dead proved
more effective than Ali living. As a canonized martyre he retrieved
at once more than he had lost in a life-time. Though lacking in
those traits that constitute a leader and a politician, viz-alertness,
foresight, resolution, expediency, he still possessed the qualities of
an ideal Arabian. Valiant in battle, wise in counsel, eloquent in
speech, true to his friends, magnanimous to his foes, he became
both the paragon of Muslim nobility and chivalry.”
