Unknown to many Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, Imam ‘Ali had congenial relations and productive interactions with the three caliphs that preceded him. In practice his magnanimity knew no bounds and he acted as their faithful advisor and would pray behind them. Though in principle the Imam and his successors enunciated their right to the leadership of the ummah, they never acted upon it to the detriment of Muslim unity. This article proves to be a source of inspiration for present-day Muslims who are beset by the scourge of sectarianism; it is especially pertinent for those who look up to the Imam as an exemplar to be emulated in words and deeds.
Keywords: Imam ‘Ali, caliphs, Muslim unity, sectarianism, ummah, companions of the Prophet, Shia-Sunni unity, Shia-Sunni cooperation.
Introduction
‘Allamah Majlisi narrates the following authenticated hadith from the Master of the Faithful regarding how Muslims should speak of the Prophet’s companions:
Let me advise you regarding the companions of the Prophet of God (may His peace and blessings be upon him and his household). Avoid speaking ill of them, for verily they are the companions of your Prophet, companions who altered not the religion and respected not those who altered the religion. Yes, the Prophet (may God’s peace and blessings be upon him and his household) thus advised me regarding them.
In another instance, Imam ‘Ali thus describes the companions of the Prophet: “Verily I witnessed the companions of Muhammad (may God’s peace and blessings be upon him and his household), and I have not seen anyone like them.
In their turn, the eminent companions would refer to Imam ‘Ali as “the fellow of the Reminder”(ahl al-dhikr). For solving their problems and questions they would go to him. Thus in Masjid al-Nabi after each prayer, those seeking knowledge would circle around Imam ‘Ali to benefit from his illimitable knowledge.
Jurists of Sham and ‘Iraq followed his verdict. Where the caliphs were unable to solve a problem, they would seek Imam ‘Ali’s assistance. Where their judgments differed from Imam ‘Ali’s, the Caliphs would usually defer to him. In his al-Mughni, Qudamah al-Muqaddasi narrates the following statement from ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Abbas: “Where we encountered ‘Ali’s opinion, we would not take that of anyone else.”
