The Sufferings of Imam Ali (a)

This short treatise is a compilation of incidents which highlight the loneliness of Imam Ali (a.s.) and the sufferings of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) from different aspects.

Rarely do we remember Imam Ali (a.s.), for the troubles that he went through, for the loneliness that he faced, for the sufferings that befell on him, how he was forsaken, how he lived heartbroken, for the taunts that he faced, for the hatred and jealousy that the followers of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) bore for him.

Imam Ali (a.s.) is the oppressed one in the true sense, rather he is the greatest amongst those who have been oppressed.

Just as it is true that none recognize the stature of Imam Ali (a.s.) except Allah, The Almighty and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), similarly, no one knows the extent of sufferings of Imam Ali (a.s.) except Allah and His Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

Ameerul Momineen (a.s.), was maltreated by the people, wronged by those who knew his merits and excellences, oppressed by those who owed their very existence to him, deeply aggrieved from the passing away of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) till his own martyrdom, who suffered one injustice after another, one oppression after another, while there was not a friend with him to hear the pain of his heart or to console him. No one whom he could trust while going through this agony. Not an intimate one to wipe away his tears. He was the first victim of Islam, like Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself said to him, O Ali, you are the oppressed one after me, woe be to whoever oppresses you.1

It is therefore not odd, that he used to lean into the well and complain of the pain and sorrows of his heart.

Generally, it is believed that the sufferings of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) commenced after the martyrdom of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and after his passing away from this world. But, if we look through the pages of history, we will see that no doubt the sufferings of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) intensified after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) but his sorrows, sufferings and the prejudice of the people for him started soon after the proclamation of the Prophethood2 of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and continued till the final days of his blessed life in this mortal world.

We have divided this discussion on his sufferings into six sections. The troubles which he faced:

1. During the Life of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

2. Immediately after the martyrdom of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.).

3. During the period of three caliphs.

4. During the period of his own caliphate.

5. General or common instances of his sufferings.

6. Few sermons and traditions from Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) himself, describing his own tribulations and sufferings.