The Birthday of Imam Ali
The commander of faithful, Imam Ali, was born on the 13th of Rajab, 23 years before Hijra (599 A.D.) in the holy Ka’bah. He was the son of Abū Tālib bin al-Muttalib and Fatima bint al-Asad.
When Mecca and Quraysh were struck by famine, the prophet accepted Imam Ali’s guardianship. It is quite clear that it was Allah's will that Ali should grow up with the Prophet and under his training.
Ali was the first among the men to embrace Islam. He was the only disciple of the Prophet who had never bowed before or worshipped idols. His contribution to the spread of Islam was exemplary that a voluminous book is required to write about.
Besides Shias who believe in his Imamate, many non-Muslims have praised his personality and unique qualities and made attempts to highlight certain aspects of the personality of this everlasting leader of ages and have written hundreds of books and research papers about him.
