The Mahdi Times November 2011 | Page 15

Type to enter text son of Abu Talib. One wonders: who was this person? How great must his presence have been, such that centuries have passed and the United Nations even today uses his words to inspire nations on how to conduct themselves? biology, astronomy, medicine, and the origin of the universe. The scope of the scholarly work and study of Imam Ali as) is manifested in The Peak Of Eloquence (Nahjul Balagah), a collection of his sayings, sermons and letters. Twenty three years before the call to Islam was made, a child was born to Fatima (sa), daughter of Asad, a noble lady of the Quraysh tribe. From his birth it was evident that this newborn, named Ali (as), would be unrivalled in his stature. As an indication of his exalted status, God opened the doors of His own sacred House (the Kaaba) in Mecca as his birthplace. His father Abu Talib was the uncle and guardian of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (S). Imam Ali (as) trained and assigned under his supervision Abu Al-Aswad Al Duali to formulate Arabic grammar. Eventually, Abu Al-Aswad would regulate the syntax of the Holy Quran by fixing vowels and diacritical points using the knowledge he learned from Imam Ali's (as) ideas and beliefs correspond to those held by scientists today. Imam Ali (as) describes the human body as having three parts, "People have three parts: flesh, bones and nerves." Here, he is refereeing to the human skeletal and nervous system and internal organs and tissues, Imam Ali (as) has also offered health advice that is still followed today such as limiting overeating and how to maximize the digestive system. Imam Ali (as) was the first person to accept the Prophetic mission and was undeniably the most loyal and ardent supporter of the Prophet Muhammed (S) and Islam. God (swt) and his Prophet S) recognised his sacrifices by granting him the honour of being the Prophets (S) successor and vicegerent. Following the death of the Prophet Muhammed (S), Imam Ali (as) was entrusted with the prophetic legacy he had helped establish. As a father and husband, Imam Ali (as) was the best exemplar for all mankind after the Prophet Muhammed (S). His wife was Lady Fatima (sa), the daughter of the Prophet Muhammed (S), who is regarded by the Muslims as the greatest and perfect woman of all time. Their union represented a match between the most perfect couple in history. The house of Lady Fatima (sa) and Imam Ali (as) produced among the most exalted personalities in Islam, including the Prince of Martyrs, Imam Hussain (as). The Prophet Muhammed (S) said, "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate." Indeed, Imam Ali's immense knowledge spanned the disciplines of theology, metaphysics, What has attracted both Muslims and non-Muslims to the character of Imam Ali (as)? First and foremost, his devotion to God (swt) was unparalleled and is reminiscent of God's (swt) Prophets and Messengers (Peace Be Upon Them All). The humility of Imam Ali (as) inspired Muslims at the time, and very often during his tenure as the leader of the Islamic world, he would go to bed hungry after giving up his already meagre meals to the needy of his community. The righteous speech and refined character of Imam Ali (as) has i