In the 40th year of Hijra, in the early hours of the morning of 19th Ramadhan, Ali ibn Abi Talib was struck with a poisoned sword by the Kharijite Ibn Muljim while leading prayers in the Masjid of Kufa. He was martyred on the 21st day of Ramadhan 40 A.H. and buried in Najaf-ul-Ashraf. He was born in the House of Allah, the Kaaba, and martyred in the House of Allah, Masjid Kufa. The last will and testament to his sons Hassan and Hussain came following the fatal blow to his head during morning prayers by Ibn Muljim. In it, he gives the best of instructions to his sons and they also serve to be a reminder for us all:
“My advice to you is to be conscious of Allah and to remain steadfast in your religion. Do not yearn for the world, and do not be seduced by it. Do not resent anything you have missed in it. Proclaim the truth and work for the next world. Oppose the oppressor and support the oppressed.
I advise you, and all my children, my relatives, and whosoever receives this message to be conscious of Allah. Remove your differences, and strengthen your ties. I heard your grandfather (the Holy Prophet Muhammed peace be upon him) say:
Reconciliation of your differences is more worthy than all prayers and all fasting.
Fear Allah in matters concerning orphans; attend to their nutrition and do not forget their interests in the middle of yours. Fear Allah in your relations with your neighbours. Your Prophet often recommended them to you, so much so that we thought he would give them a share in inheritance.
Remain attached to the Quran; nobody should surpass you in being intent on it, or more sincere in implementing it. Fear Allah in relation to your prayers. It is the pillar of your religion. Fear Allah in relation to His House; do not abandon it as long as you live for if you should do that, you would abandon your dignity. Persist in jihad in the cause of Allah with your money, your souls, and your tongue.
Maintain communication and exchange of opinion among yourselves. Beware of disunity and enmity. Do not desist from promoting good deeds and cautioning against bad ones. Should you do that, the worst among you would be your leaders, and you will call upon Allah without response.”
Source: Nahjul Balagha
“And do not speak of those who are slain in the the Way of Allah as dead; nay, they are alive, but you perceive not.” – The Holy Qur’an 2:154
