Ramadan(Ramzan)19th and Martyrdom of Maula Ali

The article has been contributed specially in view of 19th Ramadan today.

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

“Martyrdom is the best way to depart from this world. I swear by him in whose hand lies the soul of this son of Abu Talib (‘a), I would prefer a thousand wounds of the sword in the way of Allah, than disobey Him and die in bed.”These words of Hazrat Ali-The Lion of Allah, habitation of the Lord, refuge of the poor, the son-in-law of the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad and Vicegerent of the Truth- reveals how he  longed for martyrdom. Every Muslim knows that he fought how many battles, killed many savage unbelievers with a single blow of his sword and how he exhibited the world the principles of good governance during his caliphate. Hence, when Ibne-Muljim wounded him with poisoned sword on his head, his instant reaction was “"By the promise of lord of Kaba, I am successful." Even though the sword struck him up to his forehead and poisoned spread quickly, Imam practised what he always preached when the assailant was brought before him. He simply said “If I recover from this wound it will be my business to deal with him. If I die, kill him with a single stroke of the sword, so that the divine law is carried out. Take care not to kill him with cruelty or torture, for I once heard holy Prophet Muhammad say: "Do not kill even a rabid dog with torture and pain."

Imam Ali was prostrating when Ibne Muljim struck him. He was fasting too. Kufians upon coming to know about the assault ran towards the mosque. They found Imam putting dust into his wound from the ground. His face and beard were streaming with blood. When the sword hit Maula Ali the earth & sky trembled, a black storm enveloped the area, walls of the mosque shook and the doors banged. Aghast angels cried : "Hazrat Ali has been murdered."

Imam Hasan & Imam Hussain also rushed to Masjid. They picked up their father, tied a cloth on his wound, wrapped him in a blanket and carried him home as Imam Ali was unable to walk due to weakness resulted from profuse bleeding. Imam continued his fast and when milk was brought for him for Iftar, he enquired about Ibne Muljim. People brought him before Imam. Finding him in a very bad condition and thirsty, he offered milk to Ibn-e-Muljim and said “Drink it you are thirsty." Imam also recognized r Ibn Muljim because he had once worked for him as a servant. During employment with Imam, Maula had predicted his own death by telling Ibne Muljim “ my end is in your hand.".A bewildered Ibn Muljim had then replied “Far be it from me, O Imam. Let my hand wither if I should do such a thing." He had even desired to be executed but Imam simply remarked in his reply  "How can I  put to death when you have committed no crime?  

When wounded Imam asked Ibne Muljim: "What wrong have I done to you,  have I touched your honor, property or person?" Ibn Mu Imam recognized his assailant, for Ibn Muljim had once worked for him as a servant. It was during that time that the Imam had said to Ibn Muljim, miraculously predicting his own death: "Ibn Muljim, my end is in your hand." On that occasion Ibn Muljim had said: "Far be it from me, O Imam. Let my hand wither if I should do such a thing." He had then begged to be put to death, but the Lion of Allah had objected: "How should I have you put to death, when you have committed no crime? I should be a wrongful tyrant if I imprisoned you or had you killed when you have not been guilty of any offence."

   The time and the hour had come, and fat had shown its hand. Imam 'Ali asked Ibn Muljim: "What have I done to you, Ibn Muljim; have I touched your honor, property or person?" Overcome with fear and dread, Ibn Muljim could only utter “By no means”. Then he said “I purchased this sword for 1000 dirhams & poisoned worth 1000 dirhams and applied it on the sword. There is so much of poison on this sword that if it is spread on the earth, all the living things on it will die." How painful the reply of Ibne  Muljim must have been for Maula can only be gauged from his own saying “ Nothing hurts a good soul and a kind heart more than to live amongst people who cannot understand it.” Imam was a noblest soul while Ibne Muljim failed to understand his virtues even after serving him being a slave of his worldly desires.

Hazrat Ali was born on 13th Rajab inside Kaba. He learnt the lessons of matchless devotion, generosity, bravery, courage and character from the mentor of Universe to earn the title of the Gate of the City of Knowledge, Tolerance and Love. Throughout his life he helped the Prophet Muhammad and was beside him in all the holy wars of Islam and emerged victorious in all of them too. On the command of Allah, Prophet had pronounced him Maula. His virtues are an example to mankind and no words are match in expressing them.

As a sequel to his wound, Imam died on 21st Ramadan. His sons Imam Hasan & Imam Hussain bathed and shrouded him and took his body for the last rites. All doors, gates and walls bended in his honor when his body was taken out from Kufa, to be buried at Najaf-E-Ashraf. His shrine is popular place of pilgrim and famous for its magnificence.( Reference available on Request)