Other Aspects of the Sufferings of Imam Ali (a.s.)
In this section we mention few other aspects of his sufferings, some of which are existing even today.
The Merits and Virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Doubted
Section titled “The Merits and Virtues of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Doubted”Even today, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) is lonely and in suffering, and at times, at the hands of his own followers who doubt his virtues and reduce his merits, citing reasons that one is not able to comprehend them through intellect.
Whereas, Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) has himself said,
إِيَّاكُمْ وَ الْغُلُوَّ فِينَا قُولُوا إِنَّا عَبِيدٌ مَرْبُوبُونَ وَ قُولُوا فِي فَضْلِنَا مَا شِئْتُم
“I warn you with regards to excessiveness concerning us. Say, we are the servants (of Allah) and are sustained (by Him) and (bearing this in mind) say whatever you desire in our excellence.”1
The Miracles of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Doubted
Section titled “The Miracles of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Doubted”Imam Sadiq (a.s.) outlined the mindset of the people towards Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) to Aban bin Usman and told him that those around Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and even from his army used to doubt the words and powers of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) said, “O Aban, how these people deny the statement of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) which he said in Kufa: “If I want, I can raise my foot and hit it on the chest of Muawiyah in Shaam and bring him down from the throne”, but they do not deny the statement of Asif, successor of Sulaiman (a.s.) that:
“I will bring it [the throne of Bilquis] to you in the twinkling of an eye.”?2
Imam Sadiq (a.s.) continued, Is our Prophet not superior to all other prophets and messengers?
Is his successor not superior to the successors of all other prophets and messengers? Would they not regard Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) like the successor of Sulaiman (a.s.)? Almighty Allah would judge between us and those, who deny our right and become deniers of our excellence and nobility.3
The Followers of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Oppressed Even Today
Section titled “The Followers of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Oppressed Even Today”Around the world there are incidents that his followers and Shias are persecuted, tortured and killed even today. The only reason, love of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) in their hearts.
The Enemies of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Accorded Respect
Section titled “The Enemies of Imam Ali (a.s.) Are Accorded Respect”Every now and then, there are incidents where we see his enemies, those who left no stone unturned to torture him and debase him are accorded respect and their names are taken with great fervour.
The Shias of Imam Ali (a.s.) Do Not Follow His Teachings
Section titled “The Shias of Imam Ali (a.s.) Do Not Follow His Teachings”Today, we are not attached to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the holy Ahle Bait (a.s.) as we should be. We are unaware of his teachings, his advices, his traditions. Indeed, the claim of love of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) should be manifested from our actions. If we are not aware of his teachings and as a result of which not following him or adhering to his words, then indeed it will be a cause of sorrow for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).
The Grave of Imam Ali (a.s.) Remained Hidden for Almost a Century
Section titled “The Grave of Imam Ali (a.s.) Remained Hidden for Almost a Century”One aspect of the sufferings of Imam Ali (a.s.) is that his grave was hidden and unmarked for almost one hundred years. This itself shows the malice and hatred that people had for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.). The so-called followers of Islam in those days, did not consider him as a Muslim and there was a fear that his grave would be exhumed by those who harboured immense hatred and jealously for Ameerul Momineen (a.s.).
The grave of the greatest and most exalted man on earth after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was unmarked and confidential for almost a century.
The Will of Abu Zar and Imam Ali (a.s.), the Oppressed Elder
Section titled “The Will of Abu Zar and Imam Ali (a.s.), the Oppressed Elder”Ibne Tawus has through authentic chains narrated from Muawiyah bin Thaliba etc. that when Abu Zar was in his terminal illness, we went to visit him and asked him to make his bequest.
He said: I have appointed Ameerul Momineen as my legatee.
I said: Do you mean Uthman?
“No,” I call only Ameerul Momineen, who is the rightful chief of believers, that is Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.). He is the spring of the world through whom the earth is stable and inhabited. Only he is the divine scholar of this Ummah. If he goes away from you, you will see endless evil and corruption in the world.”
I said: “We know that you love much the one whom the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) loved. Tell me whom do you love most?”
Janabe Abu Zar (a.r.) replied: “The most beloved to me in the world is that oppressed elder whose rights have been usurped by the people, that is Ali Ibne Abi Talib (a.s.).”4
The Oppressed Condition of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.)
Section titled “The Oppressed Condition of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.)”Allamah Majlisi mentions the below conversation between Janabe Miqdad and Abdul Rehman ibn Auf. The words in which Janabe Miqdad describes the condition of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.) is heartbreaking.
Shaykh Tusi has narrated that when people paid allegiance to Usman, Janabe Miqdad said to Abdur Rahman bin Auf: By Allah, whatever passed on the Ahle Bait of the Prophet, its equal is not found anywhere else.
Abdur Rahman said: What concern do you have with all this?
Miqdad said: By Allah, I love them because the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) loved them. And by Allah, seeing their conditions, I feel so sad that I cannot describe it, because Quraish were honored over all the people due to them. Then all conspired together to usurp the rulership of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)!
Abdur Rahman said: Woe be unto you, by Allah, I have made these efforts only for you and did not like the Caliphate to go to Ali.
Miqdad said: By Allah, you ignored the one who would have guided the people to truth and ruled them with justice. By Allah, if I had supporters, I would have indeed fought the Quraish in the same way as I had fought in Badr and Uhad.
Abdur Rahman said: May your mother mourn for you! O Miqdad you should leave such talks lest people become deviated and there is serious mischief. By Allah, I fear that dispute will appear among the people because of you.
The narrator says that when Miqdad arose from that meeting, I went to him and said: O Miqdad, I will support you.
He said: May Allah have mercy on you, what I intend cannot be obtained through two or three persons.
After that the narrator went to Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) and reported his dialogue with Miqdad.
Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) prayed for Janabe Miqdad (a.r.).5