“Imam Ali… The Companion of the Quran”: A New Reading of the Life of a Man Who Is an Extension of Prophethood (Part Two)

The second part of the book “Imam Ali: The Companion of the Quran,” prepared by Yahya Qasim Abu Awada and published by the Department of Quranic Culture, has recently been released. This book is a valuable addition to the Islamic library, offering an in-depth look at the personality of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) and his pivotal role as a symbol and role model in Islam. Its arguments are based on the teachings of the martyr of the Quran, Sayyid Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi (may God be pleased with him), and Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi (may God protect him). The book aims to highlight the close relationship between Imam Ali and the Holy Quran, and how understanding the Imam’s life and stances is a fundamental entry point for understanding Islam and applying it correctly in the face of contemporary challenges.

The book “Imam Ali: The Companion of the Quran – Part Two” is an intellectual and cultural work that seeks to reintroduce the figure of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as a living and enduring model of the teachings of the Holy Quran. The 144-page book is not merely a historical narrative, but a profound analysis of the role played by symbols and leaders in preserving the essence of the divine message.

The Pivotal Role of the Imam in Religion

The first chapter focuses on a central idea: that the Islamic religion rests upon fundamental pillars: the methodology (the Quran), leaders and symbols, and sacred values. It emphasizes that the exemplary figures of the prophets and their true successors are the guarantee for the correct application of the religion and its protection from distortion. The book presents Imam Ali as the most prominent of these figures after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family). He was the disciple who grew up in the Prophet’s household, absorbing his values ​​and morals from him and the Quran. The book also explores how the Muslim community’s estrangement from its true figures makes it vulnerable to misguidance and distortion. It points out that takfiri movements, such as Wahhabism, seek to create a rift between Muslims and their great figures like Imam Ali, thus facilitating the intellectual and cultural infiltration of the community.

The Status of Imam Ali in the Sources of the Muslim Community

The book dedicates an important chapter to establishing the status and role of Imam Ali through texts and hadiths agreed upon in the most important sources of the Muslim community, both Sunni and Shia. Among the most prominent of these hadiths is:

The Hadith of Manzilah: “You are to me as Aaron was to Moses, except that there is no prophet after me.” This hadith establishes Imam Ali’s position as an essential partner of the Prophet in bearing the burdens of the message; he was the minister, the helper, and the supporter.

The Hadith “Ali is with the Quran and the Quran is with Ali” emphasizes the complete inseparable link between the Imam and the Quran. His stances and knowledge are a manifestation of the Quran, and excluding Imam Ali from the public sphere after the Prophet is tantamount to excluding the Holy Quran.

The Hadith “None but a believer loves you, and none but a hypocrite hates you” establishes love for Imam Ali as a distinguishing mark between faith and hypocrisy.

The Cultural and Doctrinal Dimension of Ghadir Khumm

This book examines the event of Ghadir Khumm as the culmination of a long process of preparing Imam Ali for leadership of the Muslim community. It raises logical questions about whether it is conceivable that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) would leave the community without outlining its political and leadership path, especially knowing that this issue would be central to the conflict. The book presents the event of Ghadir as a clear and official declaration by the Prophet, by divine command, of Imam Ali’s leadership as a guarantee for the continuation of the path of guidance and truth.

The Character and Qualities of Imam Ali

This book delves into the spiritual and human dimensions of Imam Ali’s character, citing two incidents immortalized in the Quran:

Giving his ring in charity while bowing in prayer: This incident led to the revelation of the verse of guardianship, “Your only guardians are Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe…” (Quran 5:55), demonstrating the Imam’s profound concern for people even during his deepest devotion.

Feeding the hungry despite his own desire for them: For three consecutive days, the Imam and his family prioritized the poor, the orphan, and the captive over themselves, resulting in the revelation of Surah Al-Insan (Chapter 76 of the Quran), revealing the depth of his spirituality and selflessness.

The book also examines the “Covenant of Malik al-Ashtar” as a unique political and administrative document, outlining the principles of an Islamic state founded on justice, mercy, and service to the people, free from tyranny and exploitation.

Summary

The book “Imam Ali: The Companion of the Quran” invites Muslims, both Sunni and Shia, to return to the figure of Imam Ali as a unifying symbol for the Muslim community and to view him as a fundamental role model for understanding and practicing Islam. It emphasizes that adhering to the guardianship of Imam Ali, as an extension of the guardianship of God and His Messenger, is the guarantee for protecting the community from intellectual and cultural infiltration and achieving victory and glory.