Twenty-three years before the Hijra, on the thirteenth of Rajab, a miraculous birth took place.  Fatima-bint-Asad, the wife of Abu Talib, was Divinely Guided with sudden labor pains to the Holy Kaaba.  As her immense labor pains weighed her down, Fatima knelt before the Kaaba and began praying to Allah to make the birth of her child comfortable and easy.  Before she knew it, the walls of the Kaaba miraculously split open by the Will of Allah.  Fatima entered the Kaaba, and then the Holy walls reunited and joined as one. 

She stayed in the Kaaba for three days, during which she gave birth to a virtuous baby boy.  The infant was born with his eyes closed and in humble prostration before Allah.  As the fourth day approached, the Kaaba doors reopened and Fatima walked out with her pride and joy in her arms.  Prophet Muhammad (S) was there to greet her and his new cousin. 

Women surrounded Fatima anxiously awaiting the name she decided to give to her son.  Fatima told them that while she was inside the Kaaba, she kept hearing a voice say, "Name this child Ali."  The name "Ali" is an optimistic and cheerful name.  It signifies nobility, eminence, and elevation.  No one before Ali (AS) had ever had that name, and no one before him or after him ever had the honor of being born inside the sacred walls of the Holy Kaaba.  The birthplace of Ali (AS) signifies the righteousness within him and that he
would one day lead a virtuous and pious life. 

Ali’s (AS) Childhood 
A few years after his birth, Ali (AS) had the honorable privilege of moving to and living with the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (S).  The Prophet (S) asked his uncle, Abu Talib, to allow Ali (AS) to be under his care so he can raise him as if he were his own child.  Ali (AS) grew up with the feeling that Prophet Muhammad (S) and Khadija (AS) were his parents.  As a child, Ali (AS) played with the Prophet’s daughter, Fatima (AS), as if she were his sister. 

As Ali (AS) was under the care of the Prophet (S), he believed and practiced what the Prophet (S) did.  Ali (AS) received love, education, and guidance firsthand from the Holy Prophet (S) himself.  The Prophet (S) always visited a cave, Hira, in a mountain called Noor.  Ali (AS) had the superb honor of joining the Prophet (S) and his wife (AS).  An inseparable bond developed between the Prophet (S) and Ali (AS).  Ali (AS) was always at the side of the Prophet (S). Whenever the Prophet (S) went anywhere, Ali (AS) strolled
along with him with his little hand grasped in the Prophet’s (AS) hand.  Whether it was a market or someone's home, Ali (AS) always accompanied the Prophet (S) on all of his visits.  The two were inseparable.  The Prophet (S) has been noted for saying, "I am from Ali, and Ali is from me." 

The Prophet (S) considered Ali (AS) to be very unique, but not just for his ability to understand so much at such a young age, but because truth, dignity, and courage illuminated from his young face.  The Prophet (S) new that Ali (AS) would someday have a big influential impact on the progress of Islam. 

Within a few years, Ali (AS) blossomed into a virtually energetic and dynamic ten year old boy.  Even though he was only ten years old, he had a frame of mind of one much older than he.  Ali (AS) was a wise thinker, he had an insurmountable amount of maturity in him that couldn't be found in any child of the same age, and he had a powerful reasoning ability, which was something to behold. 

When Muhammad (S) was declared the Messenger of Allah, Khadija (AS) was the first person to accept the Doctrine of Islam.  As soon as Khadija (AS) performed Shahaada, she and the Prophet began offering prayer.  Ali (AS) walked in and saw his two guardians bowing in worship.  Ali (AS) was so excited at the sight that lay before him.  He thought to himself, could this be a new religion since there wasn't any idols in the room for the Prophet (S) and Khadija (AS) to be worshipping.  When the Prophet (S) and Khadija (AS)
finished praying, Ali (AS) asked them who they were bowing to.  The Prophet explained how he had recently become the new Messenger of the Almighty, and that the new and right religion was Islam. 

As Ali (AS) listened carefully, the Prophet (S) asked him if he would join him and Khadija (AS) as Muslims.  Ali (AS) was surprised at the Prophet’s (S) question.  However, since he was an unusually wise and mature ten year old boy, Ali (AS) asked to have his fathers permission in the matter.  The Prophet (S) granted his request.  That night, Ali (AS) lay in bed with so much excitement.  He pondered upon the question of whether he should ask his
fathers permission to submit himself to Islam or if he has own personal right to make that choice on his own.  A normal ten year old wouldn't ponder about and stay up half the night thinking about this.  But Ali (AS) was no ordinary boy.  He was gifted with an intellect of someone three times older than him. 

The following morning, Ali (AS) quickly jumped out of bed and ran to the Prophet (S).  He happily announced his acceptance of the Divine path of Allah, Tauheed, and that Muhammad (S) was His Messenger.  By that declaration, Ali (AS) became the first male to accept Islam as the Prophet’s message. Because Prophet Muhammad (S) had so much faith and trust in Ali (AS), he was the first to hear the new Revelations from the Prophet (S). 
This astonishing young boy understood and practiced the word of Islam.  Islam became his life.  It wasn't something that he considered and then applied.  Instead it was something that was rooted in him as he ate, slept, and went about his duties during the day. 

Ali (AS) opened his heart to Islam without asking his fathers permission.  Ali (AS) based his decision on a fundamental principle that he came up with at such a young age, which was, "While surely Allah didn't consult my father for my creation, Why should I consult my father for my faith!"  As young as he was, one can surely see how remarkably intelligent and bright Ali (AS) was.  Prophet Muhammad (S) never asked any other child than Ali(AS) to embrace Islam because his maturity and wisdom was way beyond his present age, and
was even above an adult ten times older. 

Ali’s (AS) Youth 
 As Ali (AS) got older, around the age of puberty when young boys experiment new things and become wild, he stayed at the Prophet’s (S) side and began defending his honor.  For example, in the battle of Hunain, when the enemy surrounded and seized the Muslims, the Muslims abandoned and left the Prophet (S) behind, as they ran away for their lives.  Ali (AS) was the only one left standing to defend Prophet Muhammad (S).  Ali (AS) saved the Prophet (S) by making the enemies retreat and to take their heals.  

In another battle, Khayber, Ali (AS) not only demonstrated again that he would defend the Prophet’s (S) honor, but he also showed his massive courage and strength.  Marhab, a Jewish army soldier known for his immense masculine strength, stood guard at a huge gate called Khyber, which needed forty men to open.  Ali (AS), with one strike of his sword, single-handedly split Marhab in two and opened the gate, which allowed the Muslim army
to cross over to the Khayber fort.  This event exemplifies Ali’s (AS) willpower and strength to overcome any obstacle that stood in the Prophet’s (S) way. 

As Ali (AS) became a man, he was involved in many more events in which he endangered his life for the sake of Allah.  When he was 23 years old, he laid down his life for that of the Prophet (S).  Disbelieving polytheists had plotted to murder the Prophet (S) in his sleep.  Allah hadn't ordered the Prophet (S) to use any physical force, even if it was for self defense.  So He commanded Angel Gabriel (AS) to inform Prophet Muhammad (S) of the plot to kill him.  The Angel (AS) informed the Prophet (S) that Allah has commanded Ali(AS) to lay in the bed of the Prophet (S), while he himself migrates from Mecca to Medina in the darkness of the night.  When Prophet Muhammad (S) told Ali about the events that were to take place, Ali (AS) happily accepted his duty, without an ounce of hesitation.  As he was ordered, Ali (AS) lay in the Prophet’s (S) bed at night, with the blanket wrapped over him so the assassins would be tricked into thinking that Ali (AS) was Prophet  Muhammad (S).  Yes Ali’s (AS) life was at stake. But he didn't care.  He would sacrifice his
life for the sake of Islam. 

 As dawn came around, the would-be assassins entered the Prophet’s (S) home, with the intent to kill the Last Messenger of Allah.  The murderers rushed into the Prophet’s (S) room.  Just before they were about to carry out the devilish act, one of them, out of curiosity, wanted to pull the covers because he wanted to see the Prophet’s (S) look before he was killed.  As he removed the covers, to his surprise and the rest of the murderers with
him, he discovered that it wasn't Prophet Muhammad (S).  Instead, it was Ali (S); the cousin of the Prophet (S); the Prophet’s (S) right-hand man; the Prophet’s (S) savior.  The would-be assassin's were infuriated that there plan had failed.  They screamed at Ali (AS) demanding to know where the Prophet (S) was.  Ali (AS) calmly answered, "How do I know, you were the watchers, not I!" 

Afterwards, Ali (AS) went about with the rest of his orders, not knowing if the Prophet (S) safely arrived in Medina.  Prophet Muhammad (S) told Ali (AS) to return the jewelry to its owners, which had been entrusted with the Prophet (S) before he left for Medina.  Since he couldn't stay in Mecca because of the threat on his life, Ali (AS) was entrusted with jewelry and to return it to its owners.  Ali (AS) did as he was told.  Then he began his extraneous two-week journey to Medina, to be reunited with Prophet Muhammad (S).  The terrain was rocky, rough, and filled with dangerous thieves and killers.  And by going on foot, Ali (AS) would physically strain himself.  But he didn't care.  All that mattered to him was to be reunited with the Prophet (S) and to make sure that he was out of harms way. 

Finally, after two weeks of walking on rough grounds in the unbearable heat, Ali (AS) was reunited with the Prophet (S).  When Ali (AS) arrived, his feet were swollen, blistered, and bruised.  As the Prophet (S) embraced Ali (AS), his heart ached when he saw his beloved cousin's swollen feet.  Prophet Muhammad (S) sat Ali (AS) down and washed his feet, even though Ali (AS) repeatedly objected.  The strong love between the two righteous men of
Allah was exemplified in this event.  Ali (AS) was willing to lay down his life for Prophet Muhammad (S), and the Prophet (S) attended to the needs Ali (AS) the way a mother does to her infant child.  Afterwards, Ali (AS) was relieved not that he was still alive, but that the Prophet (S) hadn't been harmed in any way.  What virtuous man, but Ali (AS), would risk his life for someone, come out alive, and only care that that person wasn't killed. 

The Marriage of Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) 
 Prophet Muhammad’s (S) daughter, Fatima (AS), was one of the most sacred things in his life.  Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS) grew up together, under the guardian of the Prophet (S) and Khadija (AS).  As a result, they both inherited the virtue, piety, and serenity that their  parents had. 

Fatima’s (AS) future husband had to be one of extreme character, purity, righteousness, and piety.  Many worthy Muslims came and asked for Fatima’s (AS) hand in marriage. However, she turned them down.  But when Ali (AS) wished to marry her, her answer was  yes.  The Prophet (S) was delighted to see his two virtuous children join their hand in marriage. 

Ali (AS) and Fatima’s (AS) marriage ceremony took place on Friday, the first of Zilhajj in the year 2AH.  Prophet Muhammad (S) gave the wedding sermon and then married Fatima (AS) and Ali (AS). 

 When a man of noble character marries a woman of noble character, the environment within the house becomes abound with purity, virtue, and righteousness.  So Ali (AS) and Fatima’s (AS) harmonious characteristics were etched in their home, as well as the children that they brought into it.  Ali (AS) and his beloved wife had four children; Imam Hasan (AS), Imam Hussein (AS), Zainab (AS), and Kulsum (AS). 

Ali’s (AS) role in the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Ohod
 When the Prophet ‘s (S) message, Islam, became publicly heard of, it received a lot negativity from the oppressors.  After thirteen years of non-physical defense, the Prophet (S) and his followers were finally given permission from Allah to defend Islam with force if it was necessary.  During the course of time, Ali (AS) played a significant role in two battles, Badr and Ohod. 

 The battle of Badr took place in the month of Ramadan, two years after the Hijra, during the winter time.  The battle was situated in between Mecca and Medina.  The Meccans, who numbered approximately 1000, were lead by the Quraysh.  The defenders of Islam, who numbered no more than 314, were lead by the Prophet (S) with Ali (AS) at his side, and with the Almighty watching over them.  The Prophet (S) didn't engage in the warfare. 
However, Ali (AS), on the other hand, not only engaged in the warfare, but his heroism and bravery brought forth a victory for the Muslims.  Ali (AS) alone, killed 40% of the enemy.  The Holy Prophet (S) referred to him as "the knight of the knights and the brave of the braves."  He also nicknamed Ali (AS) the Lion of Allah, meaning that his bravery and boldness were like the spirit of a conquering lion. 

 A year after the battle of Badr, Ali (AS) was involved in another war against the ferocious enemies of Islam.  A large force of Meccans, who numbered 3000, were lead by a demented man, Abu Sufyan.  The Muslims, who numbered about 700, were lead by the Prophet (S) and Ali (AS), as in the battle of Badr.  Abu Sufyan and his sinful soldiers wanted to avenge
the Muslims for the battle of Badr.  The Muslims went to a place called Ohod, which is a few miles south of Medina, to confront the enemy. This battle wasn't as successful for the Muslims as Badr, however, Ali (AS) played an extraordinary role in this battle.  Al-Hamza (AS) had been martyred, and some of the Prophet’s (S) soldiers had been too, while others left the scene, thinking the Muslims had won.  Much of the Muslim army was gone, one way
or another.  The Prophet (S) was wounded in the battle.  As he fell in a nearby pit, no one except Ali (AS) was there to protect him.  A group of disbelievers raced to the Prophet (S) with the despicable intent to kill him.  Ali (AS) ferociously killed each and everyone of the enemies, while standing as a guardian over the Prophet (S).  Ali (AS) prevented the death of the Messenger of Islam. 

Ghadeer-al-Khum 
 The Muslims were returning from the Farewell Hajj.  Prophet Muhammad (S) was 63 years old, and Ali (AS) was 33 years old.  The Prophet (S) received a special Revelation from the Almighty.  Prophet Muhammad (S) was instructed to appoint a man, whom of which had same perfection and piety as he, who would succeed him and finish spreading the word of Islam once he passed away.  Of course the Revelation was implied towards none other than Ali (AS), and the Prophet (S) knew that.  After he received this Revelation,
the Prophet (S) asked all of the Muslims, who numbered about 100,000, to gather for a big announcement. This took place in Ghadeer Khum, which was 3 miles north of Juh’fa, which was 3 miles south of Medina. 

The Prophet (S) declared, that by the will of Allah, Ali (AS) is to succeed him after his death.  The Holy Messenger proclaimed that Ali (AS) is to be treated justly by the Muslims, just as he himself was treated.  The Prophet (S) also said that those who followed and believed in him, must righteously do the same with Ali (AS).  After the Prophet’s (S) declaration, many came to congratulate Ali (AS), among them a companion of the Prophet (S), Omar. 

Ali (AS) Succeeds the Prophet (S) 
 The Prophet (S) passed away at the age of 63.  Ali (AS) took the 
Khaliphat, and became the first Imam (successor) to lead Islam.  Although thousands of people proclaimed that they will treat Imam Ali (AS) righteously as they did with the Prophet (S), many of them went back on their word.  As a matter of fact, the same man who congratulated the Imam (AS) on his succession, Omar, went against Imam Ali (AS) after the Prophet (S) died.  Omar gave allegiance to Abu Bakr, a man who was not only immoral, but who also went against Imam Ali (AS).  Although thousand of Muslims heard
the Prophet’s proclamation about Imam Ali (AS), the Imam was double-crossed, and as a result, wasn't considered the Khaliphat.  Instead, Abu Bakr was. 

Abu Bakr didn't proclaim, teach, or even practice the teachings of the Prophet (S).  So Imam Ali (AS) wasn't going to stand aside and watch him conquer what had become of the Prophet’s (S) message.  As a result, a lot of tension surmounted between Abu Bakr and Imam Ali (AS).  Battles broke out between the transgressors, Abu Bakr and his men, and the righteous ones, Imam Ali (AS) and his followers.  Fatima (AS), whom of which was
pregnant with a baby boy, Mihsin (AS), was killed because of the hatred that Abu Bakr had for Imam Ali (AS) and his Holy Household (AS).  One of the enemies of Islam barricaded Fatima (AS) in between the door of her home.  Her stomach was squashed, and as a result, her baby was aborted.  From the physical and mental suffering that followed her fathers death and her unborn child, Fatima (AS) tragically died.  Imam Ali (AS) was deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved wife. 

Imam Ali’s (AS) Death 
 Imam Ali (AS) wouldn't budge and declare Abu Bakr as Islam's leader.  Many wars broke out between the Muslims and the non-Muslims.  The battles, time after time, showed Imam Ali’s (AS) heroism.  He fought like a lion.  No one could stand alive if he stood in the Imam's (AS) way.  Imam Ali’s (AS) sword proved time and time again that he was unbeatable.  He could kill hundreds at once. 

His bravery and courage was well known by everyone.  It was well known that it would be impossible to defeat the Imam (AS) in battle, obviously since the Almighty was watching over him.  So the disbelieving cowards conspired to kill the Imam (AS) while he was offering prayer to Allah, because  it was well known that when Imam Ali (AS) prayed, his complete devotion was to Allah and no distraction whatsoever could interfere with his worship. 

 In the early morning on the 19th of Ramadan, 40 years after the Hijra, Imam Ali (AS) went to offer his morning prayer in the mosque of Kufa.  As he was offering prayer, a disbelieving coward, Kharejite,  came from behind and struck Imam Ali’s (AS) head.  The Imam (AS) painfully suffered for three days, until he was reunited with the Prophet (S) and Fatima (AS) in Heaven on the 21st of Ramadan.  The Imam (AS) was buried in Najaf-ul-Ashraf.  Imam Ali (AS), the Commander of the Faithful, was born in the House of
God, the Kaaba, and was martyred in the House of God, Masjed-e-Kufa. 

The above material was extracted from: 
(1) Ayatullahi, Sayed Mehdi.  The Introduction to Infallibles; Ameer Ul Momineen. Ansariyan Publications.  Iran. 
(2) Hashm, A.S.  Life of Ahlul Bayt Volume 1, Third Edition.  Graphics Printing Service. Brentwood, Maryland; 1991. 
(3) Lalljee, Yousef N.  Ali the Magnificent.  Tahrik Tarsile Qur’an.  New York; 1991. 
(4)Lalljee, Yousef N.  Know Your Islam.  Tahrik Tarsile Qur’an.  Baldwin, New York; 1986.