The Early Years & Family
This is the unique location where Imam Ali (‘a) was born, a distinction shared by no one else before or after him.
The Holy Ka’bah
The Prophet (S) gave Imam Ali (‘a) this nickname, meaning "Father of Dust," after finding him sleeping on the ground in the mosque.
Abu Turab
In this first major battle of Islam, Imam Ali (‘a) killed many polytheist chiefs, and the angels were heard crying out, "There is no sword but Dhu’l-Faqar and there is no champion but Ali."
The Battle of Badr
Upon accepting the Caliphate, Imam Ali (‘a) insisted on this economic policy regarding the distribution of public funds, which angered the wealthy nobility.
Equality (or distributing funds equally)
Imam Ali (‘a) was born inside the Holy Ka’bah, which is located in this sacred city.
Makkah
This virtuous lady was the mother of Imam Ali (‘a) and the first woman to pledge allegiance to the Prophet (S) after Khadijah.
Fatimah bint Asad
This famous title, meaning "The Leader of the Believers," is used so exclusively for Imam Ali (‘a) that when used without a name, it refers to him.
Amir Al-Mu'minin
During the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq), Imam Ali (‘a) defeated this famous Arab warrior after the Prophet said, "The entire belief has come out to face the entire disbelief."
‘Amr ibn Abd-Wudd
This battle was fought between Imam Ali (‘a) and the forces led by Talhah, Al-Zubayr, and ‘A’ishah near Basrah.
The Battle of the Camel (Al-Jamal)
Upon assuming the Caliphate, Imam Ali (‘a) moved the capital of the Islamic State from Al-Madinah to this city, where he refused to live in the governor's palace (Qasr Al-Imarah).
Al-Kufah
When his mother first saw him, she named him "Haydarah," which translates to this animal in English.
Lion
The Prophet (S) referred to himself as the "City of Knowledge" and referred to Imam Ali (‘a) as this part of the city.
The Gate (or Door)
During the conquest of this Jewish fortress, Imam Ali (‘a) famously uprooted a massive gate and used it as a shield.
Khaybar
This group, originally part of Imam Ali's army, rebelled against him after the arbitration at Siffin and were known as the "Apostates" or "Mariqun."
The Khawarij
The Holy Prophet (S) sent Imam Ali (‘a) to this region in the southern Arabian Peninsula to invite its people to Islam, resulting in the conversion of the Hamdan tribe without a fight.
Yemen
Due to a financial crisis in Makkah, Imam Ali (‘a) was raised in the house of this person from a young age.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S)
Derived from a Prophetic tradition, this title means "The Distinguisher" who discriminates between right and wrong.
Faruq
In the Battle of Uhud, while defending the Prophet (S), Imam Ali (‘a) received this many severe strikes/wounds that knocked him to the ground.
Sixteen
Imam Ali (‘a) appointed this loyal companion and hero as the governor of Egypt, though he was poisoned before he could take office.
Malik Al-Ashtar
This Jewish stronghold, known for its heavy fortifications, was conquered when Imam Ali (‘a) uprooted its great gate and used it as a shield.
Khaybar
During the "Night of Sacrifice" (Laylat al-Mabit), Imam Ali (‘a) slept in the Prophet’s bed to protect him from assassins plotting to kill him. This event facilitated the Prophet's migration to this city.
Yathrib (or Al-Madinah)
The Prophet (S) gave Imam Ali (‘a) this title, meaning "The Veracious," signifying he was the first to believe in the Prophet.
Siddiq
During the Battle of Siffin, the Imam’s army fought against the forces of this governor of Syria.
Mu’awiyah ibn Abi-Sufyan
This man, appointed by the opposing side during the arbitration at Siffin, deceived the Imam's representative, Abu-Musa Al-Ash’ari.
‘Amr ibn Al-’As
For years, the location of Imam Ali’s (‘a) grave was kept secret on a desolate hillock near Al-Kufah until it was revealed to Harun al-Rashid, eventually becoming the site of this city.
Najaf