Circa 599-661
Fourth Khalifah

Early Years. 'Ali ibn Abi Talib is possibly the second most famous Muslim after Muhammad because of his close family relationship with the Prophet and his famous early political role in establishing Islam. 'Ali's father was the Prophet's benefactor and uncle, Abu Talib (circa 564-619), who sent 'Ali to live in the Prophet's household; although 'Ali was thus the Prophet's first cousin, he was treated as a son. Tradition avers that 'Ali was about ten when Islam was first revealed to Muhammad around 609 and was among the first who accepted it after the Prophet and Khadijah. Thus, 'Ali grew up in the teachings of Islam from a young age, and deeply imbibed its universalizing aspect, as he became freer of the old tribal loyalties than many of the other Companions.

Strong Bonds. At first, perhaps, 'Ali was necessarily subordinate to...