وارث پیامبر: زندگانی علی ابن ابی طالب

by Hassan Abbas, محمد کیوانفر (Translator)

علی ابن ابی طالب مسلماً مهم‌ترین چهرهٔ معنوی و فکری اسلام بعد از پیامبر است. مسلمانان از تعالیم و رهبری او به عنوان خلیفهٔ چهارم بهره برده‌اند، اما بر سر اینکه آیا محمد (ص) او را به عنوان جانشین سیاسی خود تعیین کرده است یا نه اختلاف کرده‌اند.
حسن عباس تصویری دقیق و متقاعد‌کننده از این چهرهٔ برجسته ارائه و خاستگاه پیدایش شیعه را توضیح می‌دهد. عباس نشان می‌دهد گه چگونه پس از محمد (ص)، علی (ع) ردای معنوی اسلام را برای رهبری جنبشی که پیامبر راهبرش بود بر تن کرد. در حالی‌که تعالیم علی (ع) دربارهٔ حکمت و عدالت و رهایی از نفس را مسلمانان شیعه و سنی گرامی می‌دارند اما اندیشه‌های تکثرگرایانهٔ او زیر طرح‌های فرقه‌گرایانه و سیاست‌ورزی‌های افراطی مدفون شده است.
عباس معتقد است پیام و میراث علی (ع) برای امروز صلح‌طلبی و رواداری است.

Genres: Islam, Religion, History, Biography, Nonfiction

307 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Hassan Abbas is professor and chair of the department of regional and analytical atudies at National Defense University's College of International Security Affairs in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Gustavo Leiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good reference for anybody looking to learn and understand more about history of religion, and in this particular case Islam. It covers the beginnings, main developments and legacy of Ali and other relevant characters surrounding his life.
It also helps understanding how the different schools of thought were created and why they’re spread across certain regions of the world. It adds light about some of the conflicts and divisions in modern history, and it mainly relies on well documented references rather than actual beliefs.

Given all of the history it covers and the terminology surrounding the context, the author does a good job of making this book readable for everyone. Looking forward for more.

[ayşenur · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Indeed, he was the greatest student of the greatest teacher"

I highlighted many paragraphs and phrases from this wonderful book, but this one, undoubtedly, is my favorite. I think it is a very complete and beautifully narrated biography. Highly recommended.

[ruvesayli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an informative read. Informs on the legacy of imam Ali in many cultures and religions, not just from a shia perspective. A book that contains a lot of information backed by strong sources. It’s written in a way that makes it easy to grasp and digest.

[Hira Naseem · Rating 4 out of 5]

//On the way back from Makkah, almost halfway to Medina, the Prophet directed everyone in the crowd of thousands to stop in their tracks at a place called Ghadir Khumm... It is here that one of Ali’s and Islam’s most extraordinary moments would transpire... With the desert sun blazing down on them, Muhammad then lifed Ali’s hand in the air, voice unwavering in his declaration: ‘For Whomever I am his maula [master], Ali is also his maula. O God, befriend the friend of Ali and be the enemy of his enemy..."The Prophet had one more significant statement to make in this farewell speech: ‘I leave among you two weighty things: the book of God, and members of my Ahl al-Bayt [family]. Therefore, be careful how you treat the two afer me..."

As Catherine Shakdam argues, the Ghadir declaration ‘dealt with two key principles: legitimacy and custodianship- political and religious’ and ‘the very essence of Islam rested in those last commands’.
So why is it, then, that a man so loved by Islam’s most important fgure is also one who is at the center of vicious debates among some of the religion’s followers even today?\\

The Prophet’s Heir, with its rich illustrations is an extensively researched repertoire on the life and legacy of the fourth caliph of Islam, Ali ibn Abi Talib(ra).

Apart from being a beautiful biography, it also addresses the uncomfortable bits of history with all the relevant, mainstream sunni, shia and sufi sources : the deeply entrenched tribal rivalries and political power plays and all the circumstances that eventually brought Muslims to the tragic point where they decided to slaughter the grandson and several members of the Prophet’s (saw) family barely 50 years after his death.

The only parts that were bit of a turn off for me were, when the author indulged in hyperbole and over the top descriptions of some events; other than that, it's a fine book. 💯

[Riaz Ujjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

O He, who is readily pleased,
Forgive the one who has nothing but prayers;
O He whose Name is the remedy,
And whose remembrance is a sure cure,
And obedience to whom emancipates,
Have mercy upon this person whose only asset is hope,
And whose only weapon is tears!
O Ample in blessings!
O Preventer of adversities!
O Light of those who are lonely in the darkness!
Please do with me what is worthy of You,
And not what I deserve.

Above are the last sentence of famous prayer attributed to one of Ali's trusted companion Kumail ib Ziad Al-Nakhai. The said supplication was taught by Ali to him. It is mentioned by author Hassan Abbas in his latest book "The Prophet's Heir: The Life of Ali Ibn Abi Talib".

Book, special written for western readers to introduce personality of Ali, who according to some is most divisive person in Islam. Ali the youngest son Abi Talib, uncle and guardian patron of Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born in Kaaba, opened his eyes on the palms of Prophet and was killed in mosque. Quoting various Quranic references and hadiths of Prophet author has discussed why Ali was the most suitable among the companions to be heir of Prophet. Author has tried to stay way from the sectarian divide on the person and times of Ali but at some places the personal reverence of the Ali is visible. Overall this is a best account on the Ali.

[Farid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm amazed by Hassan Abbas' objectivity. He used resources both from Sunni and from Shiite. The way he wrote is not sentimental. Yet, he manages to deliver information in a way that able to evoke emotion and drive readers to give proper admiration to Imam Ali ibn Abi Thalib a.s.. For example, you may find this paragraph in this book: "If Ali were alive today, he would most likely be best known for his fscal policies and philosophy – in a world where lives are dominated by economic standing, it’s hard to imagine a society with true fnancial equality and, more so, benevolence in monetary matters...." (p. 199)

[Hamza Mutahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Shia elements percolate but overall a must read for all Muslims so that they may recognize the glory of Hazrat Ali RA/AS.

[Nasir Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life and time of Imam Ali PBUH the book provide a good review and insights of early Islam the conflicts after the prophet PBUH.
A good read

[Faisal Jamal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great biography of the greatest student of the greatest teacher

[Junnaid Javed · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great effort, but- the writing is underwhelming for me. The subject matter is epic and majestic,one expects an inspiring narrative but is disappointed.
The author twice mentions the woman who threw garbage on the Prophet but was met with mercy from him, although this tale captures the sublime nature of the Prophet the incident is not established as authentic.
On a personal level I found the terms "all and sundry" and "do the needful" to be examples of just mediocre writing.
I just wish that someone with the heart, soul and skills of a poet would have written this.

[Ejaz Husseini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on six chapters, Abbas’s biography of Ali can be divided into three sections: Muhammad and Ali before prophethood; after prophethood; and the bloody and mismanaged succession thereafter. Reading this book, I realized how most of Ali’s biography had to consist of who he was with and what he did: with the prophet and being his right hand, with his family and being generous toward others, with the caliphs and being their advisor, and with the Sufis, historians, poets, and scholars of this world – being spiritual guide and source of inspiration.

Full review:
https://hifzehayat.blogspot.com/2022/...

[Noor Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS) is one of most important spiritual intellectual authority in Islam after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) .

“The day of Ghadir Khum is the best Eid of my nation and it is the day that Allah(SWT) commanded me to appoint my brother Ali (AS) as the leader of the nation so that they will be guided with him after me”

- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Bihar al-Anwar Vol. 37, P. 109

[Husnu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for a more scientific approach (Yale press and all). The book basically combines traditional myths surrounding Ali. Ali's life is narrated as a succession of miracles etc

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

After over a month, I've finally completed The Prophet's Heir. It is a mere 200 pages, but the writing style hampered my progression and attention despite the initial pages hooking me in.

[Ali Akbar Zaidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Hassan Abbas has written an extra-ordinary book on Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib(A.S), the true heir to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The marvel of this book lies in its precision and brevity. The books begins with the background of Arab, the birth of Hazrat Ali A.S in the Kaaba and continues till the tragedy of Karbala while focusing on the impact of Hazrat Ali A.S as the true companion, successor, brother and heir of Islam.

The book explains the historical events through Sunni school of thought, Shia writers as well as famous writers and historians of the Western world. The importance, significance and value of Hazrat Ali A.S is emphasized through his excellence and magnificence in diversified areas of life such as faith, philosophy, law, morality, administration, valor and dedication to Islam.

Hazrat Ali A.S was handed over to Muhammad PBUH and Hazrat Khadija A.S as a baby when she had lost Qasim. Ali A.S opened his eyes upon the arrival of Muhammad PBUH and began his journey under him becoming the first person to accept Islam. He remained a close helper, confidant and brother to the Prophet till the end. Hazrat Ali A.S became the closest student and learned everything from the Prophet. Along with this, his keen understanding of human nature and his commitment to the message of Islam became the cornerstone of his personality.

The marriage of Ali A.S with hazrat bibi Fatima A.S, the daughter of Prophet PBUH began a legacy that would define an independent school of thought and principles of life and the hereafter which would be known as the way of Ahle Bait, the people of the house, as the true face of islam.

Meanwhile, during the life of the prophet, Hazrat Ali A.S proved to more than a loyal follower. He was the best of warriors whom no one could defeat on the battlefield, yet, with his sword he never swore revenge or killed anyone out of his own concerns. He defeated the strongest of enemies yet maintained his composure and his calm. His words were scholarly and his commitment to the Prophet was unwavering. He became the writer of revelations and learned everything that was to learn from the Prophet. At the famous place of ghadeer, the Prophet PBUH announced him as Maula "leader" of all muslims. Many battles were won because of Ali A.S and he remained committed till the day the Prophet died and it is none other than the Ahle Bait that buried him where others vowing for tribal affiliations were busy in Saqifa.

After the Prophet, Ali A.S was ignored by the companions of the Prophet. He did not swear allegiance and that caused resentment. He avoided division through silence and kept supporting the leadership as best he could. The events that unfolded resulted in an early death for the daughter of the Prophet. The coming decades proved to be treacherous for the family of the Prophet. After the first Caliph, Umar was named the second caliph by Abu Bakr and then a third Saqifa named uthman as the third. During this time, the islamic empire had expanded and riches starting pouring in. Soon corruption became common place and posting of corrupt officials at important positions lead to riots and the murder of the third caliph.
After this, Ali A.S accepted the post of Caliph as no one else was worthy of the charge. At this time, he had to face considerable hardships and his true value was ignored by the ummah. He faced wars in the form of Jamal and Siffin and then at the hands of kharjis.

He defeated all his enemies and his keen understanding of human nature, spirituality and humbleness knew no equals. And then he was martyred through intrigue and then began his immortal legacy. The man, the myth and the legend, Ali ibn Abi Talib A.S.

He is now remembered by millions acorss the globe. In traditions of poetry, sufism and gallantry alike. In mysticism, he is known as the King of Walis. He is said to be the first Wali and all sufis trace their spiritual lineage to Ali A.S.

The history of his tomb is najaf is associated with many stories of miracles and myths. It is also said to be the burial ground of Adam and Noah and near his grave is the largest cemetry in human history, said to be the sleeping place of many messengers of God.

The leadership of Ali A.S has divided the islamic world but for the learned, he is the source of truthfulness, loyalty, spirituality, bravery and the true face of islam including the path of sufism.

This book is a concentrated dose on Abu Turab, the real reasons of division within Islam and what it means to be immortal through divinity.

Hasan Abbas has done a wonderful in concentrating so many ideas and facets of Ali ibn Abi talib A.S in a single book. Bravo to this one!

[Aarish Khan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Looking at the title of the book, I thought it would be structured to revolve around Ali's life and would talk about his times and other personalities only in the context of their association with his life. Instead, it reads more like a brief history of the early days of Islam and the centrality of Ali in it—something in tune with the Shia perspective on Islam and a recurring theme of the book.

The author has, in fact, not shied away from taking a Shi’ite stance on some of the disputed historical references. For instance, while the birth of Ali in Ka’ba is historically contested, it is presented as a fact in the book. There is only a passing reference to the lineage of the other daughters of the Prophet with a clear leaning toward a Shia understanding of them not being the daughters of the Prophet even though some impartial authors have agreed to the version of history that describes them as his daughters. Moreover, there are references to certain non-Quranic revelations in the book that seem to elevate the stature of Ali as the divinely chosen vicegerent of the Prophet Mohammad. For instance, the author states that divine guidance made the prophet give Fatima’s hand into Ali’s, leave only the door of Ali’s house open to the courtyard of the main mosque in Medina, and choose Ali over Abu Bakr to deliver a message to the Meccans during a Hajj pilgrimage.

On more than one occasion in the book, Abbas draws strong parallels between the relationship of prophets Moses and Aron on the one hand and Prophet Mohammad and Ali on the other, which seems to elevate the stature of Ali to the level of a prophet because Aron was a prophet according to Muslim belief. This may not necessarily be overlooked as indeliberate because many Shias in their veneration of Ali do accord prophet-like, even divine, attributes to Ali. Sunni scholarship, on the other hand, depicts him as a man of high stature like some other companions of the prophet—some might even consider him better than all others—but none would ascribe any divine preferences for or divine attributes to Ali.

As I’ve mentioned above, instead of a biography, the book reads more like an attempt at persuading the reader about the usurpation of Ali’s rightful place by other companions of the Prophet—a classic Shia argument presented as academic scholarship without an impartial investigation. This quote from the book, for instance, amply demonstrates the author’s bias towards Ali and against the Prophet's wife Aisha, “For three days the two armies – roughly ten thousand strong on each side – set up camps across each other, one headed by the Prophet’s son-in-law, his closest companion and aide, whom he would call at every difficult time, and the other headed by the Prophet’s wife Aisha.” While all the superlatives used to eulogize Ali above might be justified, they could have been matched with similar ones for Aisha, which can be found in abundance in the literature on the life of the Prophet and Islamic history.

While the author has been relatively charitable to Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman, the first three caliphs of Islam, he has been very outspoken in his criticism not only of Muawiya, the first Umayyad caliph, himself but the whole of his Banu Umayya clan. For instance, he calls Muawiya an evil genius and accuses almost the whole leadership of the Banu Umayya clan (with the sole exception of Uthman) of conspiring and openly fighting against Ali, an act he equates with religious hypocrisy in the book.

In short, the book is not a biography in its classical sense and also seems to lack the academic balance that is usually required in writing about such divisive epochs of Islamic history to avoid appearing biased and lopsided.

[Aqeel Haider · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒉𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝑯𝒆𝒊𝒓 by 𝑯𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒂𝒔
(A Life of Ali ibn Abi Talib)

"I am the city of knowledge and 'Ali is its gate" - Holy Prophet (PBUH)

A mystic and Charismatic personality of Early Islam.A personality revered by Sufism and mystics.
The author did justice to a biography by highlighting both Sunni and Shia both uncontested Sources.

Born in Kaaba at 599CE. His life goes on with Muhammad s.a.w. Trials and tribulations are part of his life. Enjoyed the elated place in the history of Islam no other companion retained. Raised by Holy Prophet and inherited the core tenants of Islam early age. Remain with the Prophet till 632CE.
The author highlighted various incidents From Hijra to entering Medina. From marrying his beloved daughter to Ali Ibne Abi Talib.

On various occasions, the Holy Prophet highlighted the importance of Ali to him as Aaron to Moses. It is whether Hadith-e-khisa or Mubhala with Christians. Ali stood by every time with the Prophet for his compassion and love of the Holy Prophet. The author did mention trials and tribulations on aly baht a.s by the Umayyads and the contentious early political history of Islam. Ali was buried in Najaf today in Iraq. Books volumes of Ali's dedication and devotion to Islam till his end of life.

#recommended

[Bilal Amjad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read the Urdu translation by Zahra Abid, published by Aks Publications.
The life of Ali has a way broader spectrum than covered in the book, he was an embodiment of the Qur'an as per the Prophet copied by Hakim and Nasai.
The Qur'an is the book of Striving, Struggle and Combat with Self and Tughyan (طغىٰ). The life of Ali encompassed this following the Prophet of Islam.
The proof from the life of Ali is when the people "enforced" the Caliphate upon him after the murder of the predecessor caliph. He proclaimed the return of unjust properties and assets , he challenged the deviations normalized in earlier caliphates. Thus he strived to implement the Qur'anic law of social justice and did everything it took within the boundaries defined by the Qur'an and his political reign was predicted by the Prophet; full of struggle, combat and battles with others and with his own people.
Thus the life of Ali was not merely mysticism or spiritual but spanned to a greater extent so his legacy and the book could have covered more of it.

[Chandler Hedgehog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that reminded me that truth is stranger than fiction. Ya Ali, a man who was fair and just, who went hungry so others could eat, who always worked to find a solution before raising his sword, and when he did raise his sword never lost a battle. This book perfectly encapsulates his life and legacy. It shares stories that capture his character and conflict resolution. Snippets of his sermons that I will never truly tire from. And poetry that he inspired others to write. Imam Ali is a person I truly aspire to embody. Forget all these western ideals about what a leader should be. This is a book for everyone to read.

[Maryam Samiei · Rating 5 out of 5]

من نسخه فارسی کتاب رو با ترجمه خوب و روان محمد کیوانفر خوندم.
در این کتاب نویسنده با اتکا به منابع دست اول سعی کرده شخصیت عالی حضرت امیرالمؤمنین رو به تصویر بکشه. منابع و مفاهیمی که اکثرا هم برای سنی و هم شیعه قابل پذیرش هستن. با شناخت شخصیت حضرت امیر می‌شه ریشه اصلی اختلافات میان سنی و شیعه رو درک کرد. شخصیتی که به همون اندازه که به اشتباه و از سر تعصب حضور پررنگی در اختلافات میان سنی و شیعه دارن، در اصل می‌تونن زنجیره‌ی مشترکی برای ایجاد وحدت میان فرقه‌ها باشن همونطور که در تمام عمرشون داعیه‌ی اتحاد و وفاق و دوستی رو داشتن.

[Noor Imam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for someone new to Ali Ibn Abi Talib or one that wants the basics. It's a good biography. It does not go into depth so does not do the man justice in my opinion. A man as so eloquent deserves something rich and poetic. I'd recommend this book to introduce someone to Ali Ibn Abi Talib.

[Aditya Rozak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aku menyelesaikan baca buku ini dini hari pada 21 Ramadan, Maret 2025 M. Sebagai penghormatan dan doa kepada Syahadah Amirul Mu'minin Ali b. Abi Thalib. Allahumma shalli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ali ali Muhammad.

[Benish Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding work of scholarship: a brave effort to be both balanced and bold. The book is engaging and it’s narrative is geared towards reconciliation between Sunni and Shia perspectives.

[Zohreh Samiei · Rating 4 out of 5]

دوست داشتم نتیجه گیری بهتری از کتاب (فصل انتهایی) بخوونم
اما در کل بسیار کتاب خوبی بود

[Fatemekaardaani · Rating 5 out of 5]

بسیار دوست‌داشتنی ♡♡

[Mahnoor Zahid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and quite informative.

[Fatimamamia · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK so first of all I RESPECT ALL THE MUSLIM SECTS
This book started in such a beautiful way totally loved the whole journey of prophet Muhammad PBUH's journey
It was all going good until the death of our beloved prophet and things took an 180 turn. There was sooo much hate going on towards the most respected personalities and our caliphs that I couldn't continue it felt a sin to even read it
Hassan abbas did wrote true events but he depicted them in such a hate sort of way....
My question wasn't Islam the religion of PEACE?
The first thing we are thought is love harmony and unity AND THE NEXT HALF OF THE BOOK WAS TOTALLY AGAINST IT..

[Mansoor · Rating 1 out of 5]

در زمانه‌ی تکثر و چندفرهنگ‌گرایی و در امپراتوری ال‌جی‌بی‌تی امریکا، کار انتشارات دانشگاه ییل به جایی رسیده که مدح‌نامه‌ای پرتملق درباره‌ی تاریخ اسلام چاپ کند و بدتر این‌که آن را اثری «پژوهشی» جا بزند. البته حدس می‌زنم این تکه از متن در اقناع مسئولان انتشارات نقش عمده‌ای ایفا کرده باشد: «با وام‌گیری از اندیشۀ فیلسوف فرانسوی میشل فوکو، می‌توان گفت معرفت تاریخی و سیاسی اسلام در خدمت قدرت به وجود آمد. این امر به‌ویژه در زمان خلافت‌های اموی و عباسی بیش‌تر بود. علی و یاران همراهش بیش از همه در تیررس این ترور شخصیت قرار گرفتند.» 0
🤣🤣

[Saqib Qureshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Polemical

Basically propaganda. All sorts of unsubstantiated and romanticized notions. This is quite clearly not a work of scholarship. It’s very simply annoying propaganda