The Life and Character of Imam `Ali

The Life and Character of Imam `Ali is a vivid portrayal of one of the most outstanding personalities in Islamic history. The cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him and his family), Imam `Ali was the first man to accept Islam, when he was still a young boy, and for the next twenty-three years he was one of the Prophet's closest companions. Imam `Ali was constantly at the side of the Prophet, learnt from him, and also married his daughter Fatima. The Prophet said of Imam `Ali: 'I am the city of knowledge, and `Ali is the gate'.

Although a great many of Imam `Ali's sayings and letters were accurately remembered and recorded during his lifetime, they have until now remained virtually inaccessible to the English-speaking world.